The man, who had entered the industry at the age of 23, SIDDHANT MOHAPATRA has been enjoying the superstar status in Ollywood with more than 160 films to his credit in his 20 years in the industry. The State Film Awards announced recently adjudged him the best actor for his movie Ekaa Ekaa. Siddhant, who has already won six State awards back-to-back, feels “this is a special one because I made efforts and took care of the minute details of my role in the film.’’
Successfully juggling between his roles as a politician and an actor, Siddhant is forthcoming in expressing his priority towards politics in comparison to films. In an interview with DIANA SAHU, he admits he wants to do only quality cinema at this stage of life.
Tell us about Ekaa Ekaa and how special is this State Award for you?
This is my 20th year in the industry and all the six previous State awards were for commercial cinema. This is for the first time that I am going to receive the award for an art film which makes it all the more special. I have waited 20 years in the industry for a good art cinema and being recognised for Ekaa Ekaa feels great. And all the credit goes to the captain of the Ekaa Ekaa ship, my director Subhas Das. I play the role of Om, a filmmaker, in Ekaa Ekaa which is about being alone in the world and a search for what it means to be a good human being.
Did you expect a National Award for Ekaa Ekaa?
Yes. Like every person associated with this movie, I too had hoped for a National award. But it was unfortunate that the film was disqualified at the second round of screening. However, the film was appreciated by the jury.
Politics or films, what is your priority today?
Certainly my constituency - Berhampur - is the priority now. I want to live and die as an actor, but my role as the Berhampur MP is a much bigger responsibility today. This is precisely the reason why I am doing just one or two films in a year. To be honest, my role as a leader or politician, whatever you name it, will continue and I will continue to be a part of Ollywood since it has made me what I am today.
How selective are you about your roles now?
I feel every actor has phases in his career and he needs to excel in each of them. Twenty years back, I was famous as the ‘Chocolate Hero’, now I am not. As you grow old you need to change to roles that will suit your image. I cannot keep doing the same running around trees and fighting the bad guys kind of roles forever. I am doing characters that would suit my age. I would say that I have become more flexible now as far as acting is concerned. Besides, I want to do only quality cinema now.
Tell us about your new films.
I am doing a small role in Mo Duniya Tu Hi Tu which is being directed by Sudhakar Basant and Gadbad by Subhasis Pati. Gadbad is a comedy and I am essaying the role of a house owner who rents his house to three bachelors. There is another art film in the pipeline, but that’s in 2013.
Do we see you behind the camera in future?
When I was doing plenty of films, I was working almost 22 hours a day. At this point of life, I don’t think I would be able to give so much of time to making a film. In fact, when a director is making a film, he is working on it 24X7 for a minimum of six months.
With so much stress involved, I don’t think I will do justice. I am very happy and content as an actor (smiles).