I t is a rebirth for me!” Ravindhar, a.k.a. Ravindran, says with élan. The actor cannot stop gushing about his role in Aashiq Abu’s Idukki Gold , which has fetched him rave reviews. An actor with nearly 140 films to his credit, initially, Ravindhar got noticed for hisstylish dance moves. Years later, he is happy wearing many hats at a time – that of an “actor, interior designer, businessman, film academic…” In addition, these days he is busy as the judge of a dance reality show, ‘Dance Party’ on Kairali TV. More from the actor:
OnIdukki Gold
The response has been incredible and overwhelming. The audience, especially youngsters, have liked my character, Ravi, so much that they have taken it to a new level. I knew this film would be a turning point because I was playing one of the important characters. I had adopted a particular behavioural pattern for the character and had put in my best.
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It all fell into place because of a great team. There was Aashiq and his wonderful crew and then the team of senior actors, who were happy to catch up with each other. It was special also because my two sons, Bibin and Fabin, were part of the film. While Bibin has a small role in the movie and also assisted Aashiq, Fabin played the young version of Pratap Pothen’s character.
So, are we going to see more of you in Mollywood?
No…I haven’t accepted any new films. I was waiting for
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Could you elaborate on that?
I believe that film and visual culture have to be inculcated in young minds while in school and college. My area of work includes seminars, film festivals, workshops and film marketing programmes.
Right now I’m focussing on my ‘Drishya Bhasha Saksharatha’ or Visual Literacy programme. We are bombarded with images, be it as photos, videos, films… This project intends to show how to use these powerful tools (visuals) and strategies to make teaching and learning more effective. I talk about history of visual literacy, compare and contrast words and images, present the uses and impact of different typefaces and fonts, and effects of colour, and combine the real and virtual worlds. I am beginning the programme with a seminar at the Cochin University of Science and Technology.
Are you satisfied as an actor?
I believe I have given my best to what the director has asked of me. In fact, I never had to struggle for roles because soon after passing out from Adayar Film Institute, I got my first movie, Oru Thalai Ragam, in Tamil which went on to become a huge hit. Later on I could work with most of the top banners in Tamil. In Malayalam, it was I.V. Sasi who gave me a break, in Aswaradham . After Pappayude Swantham Appoos , I took a break since I wanted to focus on our family business and also because I was not happy with what I was doing then. I took a master’s degree in construction management and got involved with some prestigious projects. In the meantime, I did a few television shows and continued my association with cinema through film activism.
Putting on his dancing shoes in ‘Dance Party’…
(Laughs) I’ve always loved dancing and people have always loved my dance. I like to entertain people. Right from my first movie, I have been been given opportunities for that. I grew up watching MGR’s movies and his style influenced me a lot. Then there was John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever .
I’m a jury member in ‘Dance Party’ on account of of my passion for dance. I would call myself a ‘dancing jury’ because the contestants are trained and professional choreographers and you can’t stop dancing with them!