So much is invested in a name. Some go to lengths to pick an astrologically auspicious one, others change theirs to suit theories of numerology. Film personalities are often known to pick up a fan-friendly, fame-savvy 'screen name'.
From the days that Yusuf Khan became Dilip Kumar and Mumtaz became Madhubala to a certain Rajiv Hari Om Bhatia who picked Akshay Kumar and our very own, Ramya being launched as Divya Spandana in the studios of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, the name these personalities go by has become a large part of the aura they build around themselves.
But as in life so too in films, some names are of others choosing.
When Yogesh made his Sandalwood debut in Duniya, little did he realise that it would be a start he would never be allowed to forget. In the 2007, Yogesh or Yogi played a character named Loose Maada - Maada being short for Madesh and Loose implying having a 'loose screw' in the head. Duniya was a hit and catapulted most of its cast and crew to instant popularity.
Six years on, just last month, when Yogi's film Ambara was readying to hit the theatres, its publicity posters were plastered across the city. Each credited its lead actor as as Loose Maada Yogi. But far from being embarrassed by the title, Yogi, in fact, loves the fact that he's still referred to by his character name. To him it's a reminder of the heady success he has seen. "I know it's weird but I like it. I am very comfortable with being recognised as Loose Maada. Of course, I don't introduce myself as Loose Maada," says the 25-year-old star.
It is not only Yogesh who bears the stamp of Duniya's success. Director Soori is now called Duniya Soori, lead actor is now Duniya Vijay and the leading lady Rashmi is called Duniya Rashmi.
Rashmi has a fit of giggles when asked about her screen name. "Duniya Rashmi is nice. It's my favourite," she says. Though she's had many more releases since, Rashmi feels Duniya suits her name the best. "It has a nice ring to it," she says. Rashmi doesn't mind if it does so even in her personal life and laughs about a future wedding card introducing her as Duniya Rashmi. "No problem!," she guffaws.
Yogi too feels that being known as Loose Maada is no concern in the area of love. "I would want the girl to know just who I am and be well aware of the work I do. So I don't think, she would give a damn that her guy is Loose Maada," he says.
For another actor, Prem, being called Lovely Prem is not some form of gender bending social activism. He breaks into chuckles when asked if his title sounds girlish to him. "It's just that I have done many love stories. This is all about fan adulation. To me it feels like an achievement, a sign that I have been accepted," he says.
aparna.chandra@newindianexpress.com