Murali Sharma is on a roll. One finds him in every other film these days, with a decent amount of footage. He agrees and says his good time is coinciding with the Telugu film industry’s golden period.
In his latest release, Shailaja Reddy Alludu, he plays Naga Chaitanya’s egotist father. Murali says he hasn’t planned his career, be it in theatre or cinema. “I am going with the flow. Whatever comes back is a blessing and a bonus — be it the good or bad, I completely own it up, it is my responsibility.”
In the last couple of years he has been getting exceptionally good roles and he is in love with every character he is portraying. Bhale Bhale Magadivoy changed his life and he owes it all to director Maruthi. There were so many films that followed, Krishnagadi Veera Premagadha , Awe , DJ , Ninnu Kori , Happy Wedding , Brand Babu etc.
In most of these films he got to play a strong role. “I only live those moments, which is a life for an actor. I put as much life as I can, be it two minutes or 20 minutes. Footage is immaterial,” he says matter-of-factly.
Though he cannot escape monotony, the 46 year-old actor is a keen observer and is never satisfied with himself. Whenever he sees the work of other actors, he analyses what difference he can bring to the role through his craft. “I try not to repeat. My wife (Mumbaikar Ashwini Kalsekar) is my biggest critic and I take her feedback seriously. I try to better my work and enjoy it, make it as natural as possible, behave and not act. Vijetha is such a beautiful film, it has me playing Srinivasa Rao, an emotional father; it is one of the best roles in my career. I wanted it to work. I was unwell during the shooting of climax scenes. The producer asked me if he should cancel the shoot and I said no. There were so many junior artistes and their dates involved; I didn’t want to mess that all up. It was a labour of love. All those who saw the film said I reminded them of their father, it was a compliment. I will cherish Vijetha all my life; the success of the movie was secondary, I enjoyed the process.”
Seeking balance
The Guntur-born actor claims he takes his work far too seriously; sometimes it drains him mentally and physically. He is always open to feedback and works on his limitations. It has been this way since the time he began working in the theatre. He had spent around two and a half years acting and is going strong with each film. “I am still finding my way in what works for me. I want to be better than what I was yesterday, constantly competing with myself.”
His next releases are Ee Maya Peremito , Devadas and a few more. Also we notice Murali is looking a lot more lean — was losing weight intentional? “No, I did lose weight but not much. Whatever time I get up, I walk. I walk at least five kilometers. I never miss my walks. That is not to look fit or lean but because I find it meditative. It is my time,” he signs off.
