Move over existing screen dads, dons and corporate head honchos, for there’s a new actor in town, angling for the thrones. And he’s gunning for the top spot among character actors, with his second lease of life on the big screen in Sathuranga Vettai. We are talking about KSG Venkatesh, son of the legendary Kollywood producer, director K S Gopalakrishnan, a veteran of over 65 films like Karpagam, Kai KoduthaDeivam, Athamadi Methaiyadi and others.
Despite coming from an illustrious film family, Venkatesh’s journey hasn’t been a cakewalk. “I acted in 20 odd films after my debut in 1988 when I was 26,” says the 57-year-old. “But later, I switched to a flourishing career on TV,” he adds. Venkatesh has starred in over 2,500 episodes in various teleserials like Gokulam Veedu, Amma, Mahabharatham, Mangai and others. He’s an avid temple goer and visits the Sabarimala shrine every year, in addition to his pilgrimages to Mount Kailash. It was his bearded look post a pilgrimage that got him the offer for Sathuranga Vettai. “My good friend Manobala saw my recent Facebook posts on my temple visits. He was producing his first film and thought I would be apt for the role of a rich, god-fearing businessman, who gets conned.” And it was Manobala who insisted that Venkatesh keep the bearded look. “Now I’m looking at a fresh innings. Co-producer Lingusamy also appreciated my work in the film,” he says.
Venkatesh has also been part of ace producer CV Kumar’s flick. “He saw me in a villainous role on TV and cast me in Mayavan (currently being shot),” says Venkatesh.
Now Venkatesh is looking for meaty and challenging roles. “In recent times, I admire the roles essayed by Sathyaraj, Jayaprakash, Illavarasan, Ponvannan, Samudrakani, AadukalamNaren and others. I want to do a gamut of roles — don, corporate executive, or dad to actors like Surya, Vijay, Dhanush, Vishal or Vikram Prabhu. It would give me double the pleasure, as they are second generation film industry folks,” he says.
With the new breed of directors bringing in fresh faces and characters, looks like Venkatesh may have busy days ahead!