Arvind Swamy is back in B-Town after 16 long years. The actor, who became famous in the 1990s with super-hits like Roja and Bombay, suddenly went missing only to resurface in 2013 with Kadal (Tamil). Now, he is all set to re-enter Bollywood with Tanuj Bhramar’s Dear Dad. So, where was Arvind all these years? What was he doing? Why make a comeback now? The actor answers all these and much more in an exclusive interview with SpotboyE. Excerpts...
You were doing really well as a business man. Why make a comeback to films?
I wanted to take a break from films, as I started off too young. When I did Thalapathi (1991), I was just 20 and a year later, I did Roja. At that age, I wasn’t prepared for stardom and the attention that comes along with it. In real life also, I am a very private person. So, I decided to take a break and complete the other things that I had in mind. I had some ideas about business and technology, and I wanted to execute that in different parts of the world. Also, my kids were growing up and they needed my attention. In between all this, I also met with a bad accident -- I injured my spine and my legs were paralysed. That also delayed my return to films. It was never that I didn’t enjoy acting.
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Your comeback film Kadal, though critically acclaimed, failed at the box-office. Did you ever feel you should have waited for a better film?
Not at all, I am not someone who shies away from trying time and again. You have to accept that every film may work or fail at the box-office. For example, Thani Oruvan (Tamil, 2015), became a huge hit, though it was a very different attempt. There is no guarantee for anyone that their film will be a success. I will always try and experiment with my role. Success and failure are part and parcel of it.
What attracted you to Dear Dad?
What attracted you to Dear Dad?
The story. It really surprised me that someone wanted to make a film on a story like this. Such stories hardly get translated into films. Also, it is very relatable but at the same time, quite out of my comfort zone.
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You are stepping out of your comfort zone now. Are you trying to say that in the 90s, you were just doing whatever you were getting?
Image Source: imgrum
You are stepping out of your comfort zone now. Are you trying to say that in the 90s, you were just doing whatever you were getting?
No, I was searching for content-driven films even then. Roja and Bombay (1995) weren’t run-of-the-mill kind of films. For example, after Bombay, which was a nationwide hit, I could have done any film, in any language. But I went ahead to do a small Malayalam film, Devaragam (1996).
You have worked in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. Is there any difference in the working culture between South and Bollywood?
You have worked in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films. Is there any difference in the working culture between South and Bollywood?
It’s pretty much the same everywhere, except that in Bollywood, you have the studio culture. Pre-production and planning have got a proper process here. Also, the execution is very well defined in Bollywood.
Are you saying that Bollywood has a better pre-production system?
Are you saying that Bollywood has a better pre-production system?
It’s not about better, it’s that they have a system in place. Studios and production houses are giving more importance to the planning of a film here.
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What about the difference in filmmaking now and back in the 1990s?
Image Source: indiaglitz
What about the difference in filmmaking now and back in the 1990s?
Technology has changed a lot. By this, I am not just talking about digital and VFX. I mean, filmmaking is more accessible now. Even my son can make a film on his phone. Earlier you needed a camera, the lights, the works, but not anymore. Today, anybody can be a filmmaker. You can learn everything about it on the Internet. The audience, too, has changed. They have access to all sorts of films at the click of their fingers,so your films have to be at par with world cinema.
Even promotional activities are more now...
Even promotional activities are more now...
Absolutely, it’s a part of the business that has changed. With the audience having so many options, it’s become imperative to register in their mind about what you are offering.
You had a very boy-next-door image in the 1990s. Was it easier for you to draw audiences then?
You had a very boy-next-door image in the 1990s. Was it easier for you to draw audiences then?
That image was created by the audience, I didn’t have any control over it. I don’t like to get stuck in any image and therefore, I kept on searching for a role that could break it. I want the audience to look beyond my image and good looks.
Image Source: quora
Will you ever do a negative role?
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Will you ever do a negative role?
I don’t want to play the typical negative character who says something and gets beaten up. There has to be some depth, some challenge to the role.
Just like in Dear Dad, have you ever faced any difficulty in discussing something with your son?
Just like in Dear Dad, have you ever faced any difficulty in discussing something with your son?
There is never anything uncomfortable between Rudra and me. It’s just that while talking to kids, you have to structure it well. Whether it’s sex or biology or anything else, you should always have a two-way communication with your children. They should be allowed to ask questions and you should always be available to solve them.
Image Source: agencies
Image Source: agencies
What after Dear Dad?
I am already working on the Telugu remake of Thani Oruvan. After that, I will start working on Tamil film Bogan and then, I have a film with director Bala. I have also written two scripts, which I am going to make after that.
Planning to launch your son Rudra in any of your films?
Planning to launch your son Rudra in any of your films?
No, Rudra wants to study Physics. But he is more than welcome to join film if he wants to.
Image Source: agencies
Image Source: agencies