THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The appointment of Priyadarshan as the new chairman of the Kerala State Chalachithra Academy had raised many eyebrows. And all had one question - ‘’Will he be able to find time? - against the backdrop of his big projects in Bollywood and long absence from Malayalam film industry. That was indeed the first question he faced when he sat down for a quick interaction with the media after assuming office at the Academy office here on Thursday.His reply was simple and straight: ‘’When you do something you like, you will automatically find time. I have been in the industry for 30 years and have done 80 films. I don’t know how I did so many films in these three decades. Which means, I could find time for the job I love, which is film-making. Therefore I will find time for anything related to films and thus for the activities of the Academy as well. Whenever they (the Academy) need me, I will be here,’’ he said.Priyadarshan admitted that the job is challenging. ‘‘When the announcement came, my initial thought was whether I would be able to handle such a big responsibility. I will carry forward the activities of the Academy to the best of my ability. My experience in Malayalam cinema and the film industry as a whole would come in handy. I am focused on how well I can contribute to Malayalam cinema. The people here are expecting something from me and so I am taking it as a challenge,’’ he said. Chalachithra Academy secretary K S Sreekumar and deputy directors Beena Paul and Sajitha Madathil were among those who were present when Priyadarshan assumed office. When asked what would be his priority, he said: ‘’Let me first see how things are going on. I am ready to put in my full effort into knowing about the activities of the Academy. And I would be staying back till I get the correct picture of the whole thing,’’ he said.He has just finished shooting his action Bollywood venture ‘Tez’, starring Ajay Devgan, Anil Kapoor, Kangana Ranaut and Sameera Reddy. The movie also has Mohanlal, in the role of a British police officer.He is now shooting his Malayalam film ‘Arabiyum, Ottakavum, P Madhavan Nairum’, a satirical comedy set in Abu Dhabi. It is after seven years that he is directing a movie in Malayalam and has Mohanlal, Mukesh, Vidya Balan, Lakshmi Rai and Bhavana in the cast. That doesn’t mean that he would be focusing more on Malayalam cinema from now on. His next project will be with Aamir Khan.
Comments
0 comment