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Shivrajkumar: It feels like I'm waiting for exam results

Anand, Rathasapthami, Modada Mareyali, Chigurida Kanasu, Om, Janumada Jodi, Namoora Mandara Hoove, Hriday Hridaya, AK 47, Tavarige Baa Tangi, Rishi, Jogi, Tamassu, Mylari -- any fan of Kannada films will have guessed the actor in common in all these films.

In a career spanning 25 years, Shivarajkumar has done these and several other films. A total of 100 to be precise with the 100th, Jogayya, nicely timed to release during his silver anniversary year in films. Like everyone else, Shivarajkumar says in this interview that he is waiting to see if Jogayya, directed by Prem, will be another memorable milestone in his career.

Your 100th film hits the screens tomorrow, excited or nervous?

Yes, it's my 100th film and I have 25 years of experience behind me. But I'm scared just like I am before any of my releases. When you take an exam, every paper is important.

Each of my films has been as important to me as my first and hundredth. The feeling right now is that of having written an exam and waiting for the result. The success of Jogi, the prequel, has only added to people's expectations. We have won half the battle thanks to the songs; it now remains to be seen if the story and the making appeals to the people.

'You'll see me dancing to some old songs of mine too'

Can you tell us more about the songs?

They have been shot very well. There is even a 3D song. Songs are very contextual and come with unique concepts. Take the hugely popular Kuri Koli song.

It questions our superstitions and even logically dismisses them. It is visually rich as well. Tagalhakonde Nannu sung by actor Upendra comes with a different flavour.

You will see me dancing to hit numbers of my previous films as well. This apart, I wear costumes that my father (the late actor Rajkumar) had worn in some of his films. Also Prem has done a brilliant job with the lyrics and Harikrishna with the music.

Will your look in this film be as unique as the one you sported in Jogi?

My costumes will tell a great deal about my character. In fact the change in attitude of my character is depicted through the changes in costumes. So the varied costumes that you have seen so far in the stills are not a gimmick, they are integral to the plot. The aghori look and the one that is akin to that of Emperor Ashoka have left people particularly curious.

In Jogi, a shirt I wore with a palm mark on it became very famous. Costumes in that film marked the change in my character Madesha to that of Jogi. Here, too, that is the intention. Jogayya's costumes are likely to become the rage.

'Prem can feel the pulse of the audience'

Jogi worked because it had both sentiments and action. Is it the same with Jogayya ?

If you are talking about the mother sentiment that ruled Jogi, well, you will feel it through the music here. The same tune is carried through. I will be shown remembering and pining for my mother. I'm hoping that people will remember my character in this film as legendary.

The film is called Jogayya The Legend of the Underworld. Every legend has a back story and this film is the story of Jogayya. After watching the climax, people will go out saying if you live you should live like Madesha (Shivanna's character in Jogi) and if you rule you should rule like Jogayya!

Do you feel Prem has grown as a director from Jogi to Jogayya?

He is one director who can feel the pulse of the audience. His ability to judge and incorporate present trends is commendable. His selection of songs is also appreciable. He is a perfectionist. In fact it was this nature of his that delayed the release of the film a bit.

Prem's wife and your one time co-star, Rakshita, has produced the film. Your take on her as a producer

She is very supportive and non-interfering. She used to come now and then on the sets. As co-stars we have done just one film. I don't have to say how popular she was as an actress. I am particularly fond of her as she is the daughter of my favourite cinematographer, Gowrishankar.

'I've become very cautious about my choice of roles'

You are hundred films old. Do you feel you have been wasted in scripts that constantly portray you as an underworld character ?

I must remind you that I have done Janumada Jodi, Bagyada Balegara and Tammasu as well. I have tried experimenting as much as possible. And I also realise that every film can't be an Om or a Jogi.

Yes, I have made mistakes but now I have become very cautious about my choice of roles. My next projects Lakshmi and Shiva will be diverse. My 99th film, Mylari, was also unique. 

Which are your favourite films and who are the people you have enjoyed working with the most?

My first film Anand, and then Chigurida Kanasu, Modada Mareyali, Om, Namoora Mandara Hoove and Jogi will always remain special. I remember how a north Indian lady had approached me on Brigade Road when Om had just released and said, "I simply love you Satya!" (the character he played in Om).

It's been a pleasure working with Ramesh Arvind and Sudharani, my first co-star. Upendra as a director (Om) is great to work with. We are in fact planning to work together soon.

We see you sign films every other day, where does the energy come from?

People's love has kept me going.

'I'm not against remakes'

But do such packed schedules leave you with family time?

I do get to spend time with them. It helps that my wife Geetha is involved in my career. She designs my costumes at times and suggests novels that I could make into films. Nishanth was one such. I made it as Jaga Mechchida Huduga.

She also wants me to make a film based on Jeffrey Archer's novel Shall We Tell The President? Geetha and my children are also among my greatest critics. So we also bond over work. That apart, we do go on holidays every year. We recently went to Paris. We have travelled across the globe barring America. I plan to take my kids there soon.

Fans were concerned about the head injury you suffered during a function. Were you in Paris to get treatment?

Let me say first that I am absolutely fine. And second, I went to Paris on a holiday and just got a check-up done as I was there anyway.

What do you think of the remakes that are flooding the industry?

I don't oppose them. But I'm more for straight subjects as that's actually where actors can create their identity. Also, given a choice, I would love to do films based on novels. Just like my father, I have done a number of such films.

'I want to direct my brother Puneet'

If there is one role you would really want to do, which one would it be?

I would want to play Bhakta Ambareesha. It was a role that my father wanted to play.

Will we see you direct a film any time soon?

I want to direct my brother Puneet. But right now I am busy with my acting career. What I am also looking to do is increase my social service activities. I turn 50 next year and I am planning something big to commemorate the occasion.

When will we see all three of you brothers, Raghavendra Rajkumar, Puneet Rajkumar and you, acting together in a film?

When God decides, it will happen!