Noted Malayalam actor - producer and national Award winner Mohan Lal entered the cine industry 26 years ago with a nondescript role in "Thiranottam". Since then he has acted in over 260 films. He is a very versatile actor and has done a variety of films including "Company" a Bollywood film. His memorable films include "Manichithra Thaazhu", "Vanaprastham", "Bharatham", "Chithram", and "Kireetam".

Speaking about his first kannada film "Love". Directed by S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu he says,
Excerpts:

Q: "Love" is your first Kannada film. Did you find it difficult?

A: I play the role of a Malayali taxi driver in Dubai. Therefore, some minor aberrations in my Kannada language might even look authentic. People told me that my accent was similar to the Kannada spoken by a majority of Malayalis now in Karnataka. The experience of working with the unit of "Love" was excellent. I enjoyed working for this film. I had not planned to work in a Kannada film, but the offer just came my way. I was not able to reject the offer as the role was good and the story great. I am a driver who works to unite the lovers in the film.

Q: You had earlier acted in Tamil and Telugu films. How is it that you had not worked in a Kannada film so far despite your closeness to many people in Karnataka?

A: I have close friendship with Kannada stars like Vishnuvardhan and Ambarish. In fact, Vishnu has acted in the remake of my huge hit "Chithram". Now I am told he is doing the same role that I did in award winning film "Manichithra Thaazhu", now being remade in Kannada. I have acted in many Malayalam films with actress Bharathi Vishnuvardhan. I am a firm believer in destiny. Maybe I was destined to work in a Kannada film after I had worked in films in other southern Indian languages.

Q: How do you prepare for a role?

A: You may not believe this, but the fact is that I don't prepare for a role or do any homework. I believe in getting to work and doing the day's job, all of which is just spontaneous. I worked with some great directors like Fazil, Bharathan, Priyadarshan, Mani Ratnam, Ram Gopal Varma, Sibi Malayil, Siddiqui Lal, Shaji Kailas and I.V. Sasi and the destiny was on my side.

Q: Your recent film "Vismayathumbaththu", directed by Fazil, carried good reports before its release. But trade reports say it was below expectations. How did you feel working in this film?

A: "Vismayathumbaththu" is a complex film like "Manichithra Thaazhu", which ran for nearly one year in Kerala. The title of the film is as innovative and catchy as any other Fazil film. The film has a gripping story about human mind and spirits. Only a director like Fazil can summon the courage to direct films on such rare subjects. I think the technical work is the highlight of this film. I produced the film and can authoritatively say the film was liked by a large number of viewers

Source: IANS