With back-to-back hits, first with Mirai and now with Kantara: Chapter 1, veteran actor Jayaram, who is renowned for his enormous contribution to South Indian cinema, is currently enjoying a prosperous phase of his career.
In an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol, the actor talked candidly about his career, the changes in film over the years, and how, despite working in the business for almost 40 years, he still views himself as a student of the craft.
A Humble Learner at Heart
When asked about how he feels about his recent success and what more audiences can expect, Jayaram humbly responded:
“This is my 38th year in South Indian films. I have done more than 250 movies as hero in Malayalam and in Tamil also 50-60 movies I have done. Still I am, that experience, that is nothing. Still I am learning, learning, learning from each and every movie. From this movie also, just as a student I am learning so many things. Still now, from this interview, this time also I am learning, learning something.”
The actor also shared how deeply he engaged with the making of Kantara: Chapter 1, observing everything on set — beyond just acting.
“This shooting time in, Kantara shooting time, from the morning 8 o'clock I will sit there in a corner. I will, sir's works, lighting and other sections, everything. For an actor that's a... Looping.”
Even cinematographer Arvind Kashyap praised the dedication of actors like Jayaram and Gulshan Devaiah on set:
“Even after their part is done, their shot is done, especially Gulshan he doesn't go. Why is he still here? He is always there. They just keep exploring.”
Working Across Generations of Icons
Jayaram also thought back on his incredible journey through many generations of movie legends, from the heyday of Malayalam and Tamil cinema to the current generation of actors and filmmakers.
“I'm so lucky that in Malayalam also, I worked with Prem Nazir from starting. Not Mammootty Mohanlal. The first generation. From Prem Nazir, Thikku Rishi, Adoor Basi, Begadur. So many from Sheela, Sharada, Jayaparthi, Srividya. From there, from in Tamil, Gemini Ganesan, Nagesh, Kamal Haasan. All. So Rekha's father. Yeah. And I think Rishabh is some fourth or fifth generation I'm working. But still now, I'm enjoying, enjoying everything.”
A Legacy That Began at 22
Jayaram also spoke about his debut, which came under the direction of legendary Malayalam filmmaker Padmarajan:
“My first movie? Age of 22. I started at that time like a great director. Padmarajan. He only invited me for the first movie. In the first movie, I started as a hero. Still now, in Malayalam, I'm doing as a hero.”
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