It’s hard to believe that Ramki is 50-something years old. Remember the actor who rose to fame with films like Senthoora Poove (1988) and Mayabazar (1995)? His films were once a draw. There may be a baggage of expectations; but he doesn’t show it, and carries himself with cool confidence.
After making a comeback in Tamil cinema with Masani (2013), Biriyani (2013) and Vaaimai (2015), he’s awaiting the release of Aangila Padam, a debut directorial venture of Kumaresh Kumar, which will hit the screens next month.
Ramki tells City Express, “I play a local thug and it’s an unusual role. I am neither a hero nor a villain. The film revolves around me and another character (played by Sanjeev of Kulir 100 Degree, 2009). How our lives get entangled eventually forms the rest of the story. Since the screenplay is similar to an English movie, the makers have named it so.”
The actor is equally thrilled about sporting a salt-and-pepper look in this film. “Everyone said I look handsome sporting a grey beard and moustache. In fact, seeing me in this get-up, a big-banner from the Telugu industry is casting me in a film where I play a dual role. The makers were keen that I don’t shave it off,” he laughs.
But why did he choose Aangila Padam? “When the director initially approached me for the role, I was apprehensive. What got me excited is the look of the character. I wanted a story that is different from the usual. Kumaresh convinced me that I’d be apt for the role. Also, I felt this is the right one. We have action, comedy and everything in between, which has been conveyed in an engaging manner,” he smiles.
As the conversation progresses, Ramki says playing the central character however isn’t his area of interest. “I am passionate about acting and cinema. I think it’s important for me to see the bigger picture. I don’t mind doing a 15-minute powerful role if it appeals to the audience. People want films where entertainment would be redefined. We can’t afford to keep repeating the same formula,” he adds.
According to him, cinema is an industry that accepts somebody who is willing to give his/her all. “Opportunities will find their way to you if you are serious about your profession. I am willing to do whatever it takes for a role,” he grins.
To our surprise, he could remember most of his dialogues! Ask him how, he recalls, “I have been though many disappointments, but I don’t carry anything to my heart. At every step, I asserted independence and I wanted to carve out a space for myself in the industry. So, I worked hard. I used to memorise the lengthy dialogues. I put in that hard work no matter what kind of a film it is. I believe in my acting skills as I knew when I ventured into cinema people wanted to see something fresh.”
What does he do when he’s not acting? “I hit the gym and am working on my fitness. I diet as well and take care of my body like a baby. I go by what my dietitian suggests and measure what I eat. For instance, I split a meal six times and consume in lesser quantities. These things help in maintaining a good physique,” he shares.
And what’s next? “Though I have been reading scripts, I am getting more or less similar kinds of roles. I am looking at films that are different yet have the ability to be commercially viable. I look for challenges and areas that I haven’t got a chance to explore with Telugu and Tamil cinema. At the same time, I can seldom judge the kind of movie it’s going to be from the script. And, even instinct goes wrong at times, but I am led by gut feeling and trust the director,” he smiles.