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'Being the son of actors is an advantage'

Krish Sathar, the son of actors Jayabharathi and Sathaar, is an accomplished man. An engineer and MBA, he was commercial manager of Reuters in Santiago (Chile) and later New York. He is quite a polyglot, speaking Spanish and Italian besides English, Malayalam and Tamil.

After having done theatre, on Broadway too, films beckoned. Krish worked with Mohanlal in Ladies and Gentleman directed by Siddique.

His second film Malini 22 in Tamil and Telugu was a remake of the Malayalam film 22 Female Kottayam.

Krish tells us about his entry into films, working in Malini 22 and being directed by Sripriya.

You grew up in this atmosphere of films with your parents being actors. But you did other things before taking up acting? Why?

My parents kept away from films at home. Mom took a break. From doing about 30 movies a year she did about one and gave me a lot of time.

Dad was an avid movie watcher. He used to watch independent, foreign and Tamil films as he was a distributor of foreign films in the Indian market.

I did not think of getting into films. At the age of 12 I did a stage play. I thought it was therapeutic. I got to express myself. I discovered a passion.

I went off to England to do engineering and MBA. In England I got interested in Shakespeare and did theatre. I played Edmond the Bastard (King Lear).

Life took a different turn then. I joined Reuters as commercial manager and was later posted to Santiago, Chile. I speak Spanish and Italian.

When I was transferred to New York I felt the pull of the theatre due to Broadway and I felt I should do it. It was a dream-come-true when I did it. I also did a three-month workshop at the New York Film Academy.

I never imagined getting into movies. I was here on vacation and happened to meet director Siddique. Six months later he sent me a mail regarding a film with Mohanlal which required another hero and he wanted to cast me.

We exchanged mails and the Malayalam film just happened. Due to the Malayalam film I got the offer for Malini 22.

'I did not watch 22 Female Kottayam again as I was afraid that I would tend to imitate'

How does it feel to reprise Fahaadh Faasil’s role in Malini 22. It’s a character with grey shades. How have you approached it?

I am blessed to do such a role so early on in my career. It is an honour. Hats off to Fahaadh. He did a great job. He has tons of experience. I am a newcomer. I just read the script.

I have not faced the kind of things seen in the climax of the film but I believe you have to act with passion and enthusiasm even if you have not faced that kind of situation/challenge.

Motivation and encouragement of all the co-artistes also helped.

Did you watch 22 Female Kottayam before signing this film?

I watched that film two years ago since Dad played a prominent role in it. That role is not there in the bi-lingual Malini. I did not watch 22 Female Kottayam again as I was afraid that I would tend to imitate. 

'Working with director Sripriya was like a family picnic'

How was it working with director Sripriya? The film is also woman-centric...

It was nice to work with Sripriya in a woman-centric film. The subject requires the sensitivity that comes from being a woman. I have known Sripriya since I was a kid and she guided me easily. Working in it was like a family picnic.

Working with Nithya must have been comfortable since she is also from Kerala?

It was comfortable, but not necessarily because she is from Kerala. We shared a good chemistry and we have tried to do our best and hopefully the public will see it the way we intend them to see it.

Was doing the Telugu version tough? Did you dub in Tamil and Telugu yourself?

I did, in both languages. I understand Tamil well having been in Chennai. For Telugu I would understand the meaning and then shoot. Both went off well, but it was extra hard work.

'I have just begun to shoot for my second Malayalam film'

Was shooting two films exacting?

We shot two films in 42 days – about 100 shots a day. I pulled it off. It inspired me to put in extra effort under the experience and guidance of the director and senior artistes like Naresh.

Does being the son of actors weigh on your mind? Does the baggage worry you?

I try not to let it affect me. It’s an advantage. My parents have reached great heights. My mom has done 400 plus films. I don’t compare. I set targets based on my capability.

You can let the legends inspire you but not lose your individuality. You need to do what you have to do with passion and be prepared for the worst.

You are now working on your second Malayalam film…

Yes, we have just begun the shoot. In this film which revolves around a husband and wife and the challenges they face, I play a good husband. It’s completely the opposite of the character I play in Malini 22.

'I learnt a lot watching Mohanlal'

In your debut film Ladies and Gentleman you got the chance to work with Mohanlal. How was that experience?

It was a fantastic experience. He is a legend and one of the best and fantastic artistes.

I learnt a lot watching him in action, and slipping in and out of the character. It was a good learning experience. It got me an award.

Do you have any other interests besides films?

I read a lot. I like Salman Rushdie and Mario Vargas Llosa.