These days Hindi filmmakers are taking a lot of interest in South Indian artists. In this episode, actor Jagapati Babu will be seen in Khalcharitra in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, produced and produced by Salman Khan. Known as the Jaggu Dada of the South, Jagapathi has done 170 films in a career spanning over three decades. Excerpts from Smita Srivastava’s conversation with him.
You are an established artist in South Indian cinema. How are you seeing this debut in Hindi cinema?
First of all it is a challenge and I am always up for challenges. Fortunately, I have worked with many big actors in four languages in the South. Mumbai is a very cool place. Salman bhai is the best person. That’s why there is no nervousness about coming here. But yes my debut in Bollywood is delayed.
You said that you wanted to work with Salman Khan…
There is no specific reason behind it. I have seen almost all his movies. We watch a lot of Hindi movies. We feel positive when we watch Salman Bhai’s movies. Everyone knows that Salman is a big celebrity, but I see the nature of people. Meeting with Salman for the first time didn’t feel like we were meeting for the first time, otherwise when success comes in life, everything changes.
Your vigorous entry has been shown in the trailer of the film. How important is the entry scene to you?
This is very important. The first impression is made from the entry itself. I am happy that they have paid a lot of attention to my entry in the film. However, screen time in a film doesn’t matter to me. Of course Salman is the hero and we are all in supporting characters. What matters to me is how much impact you manage to create in your scene. Even if there are five-six scenes in the film, it is enough to showcase the talent.
There is a lot of insecurity in the acting world.
I am not a hero, I am an artist, so there is no such thing as insecurity. I have played various characters. I have made a place for myself that no one can take. I have to compete with myself. I don’t need to feel insecure with anyone. Have worked with a lot of people in different languages. Only then you get to learn a lot of good things. I think where there is faith, there is no fear.
There have been many ups and downs in your career. So people must have started changing…
Yes. But luckily I am a very happy person. I started very slow. Which is also a good thing. Everyone has downfalls in life but not like what I have gone through. My life has been full of ups and downs. It has been very interesting. Initially, 12 of my films were flops. Still we used to celebrate every flop film. Ups and downs are a part of life for all of us.
In the year 2008, you had decided to leave the role of hero and play a supporting character…
It was a very easy decision. I am not a hero, a villain or a comedian, but an artist. Now I am working with different characters, different team and top directors so now I am getting more opportunities. With this I will be able to do more work. This is the most wonderful thing. The good thing was that I realized that my market as a hero was over. I know my limits, then what is the use of staying in a place where there is only loss. It is wise to move forward.