Padmashree Bharat Dr Saroj Kumar is the name of actor-writer-director Sreenivasan’s latest movie, which hit screens recently. But anyone familiar with his films will know that there’s nothing remotely patriotic about the film. Rather, it is a powerful satire, taking digs at superstars, where the character Dr Saroj Kumar gets even more obnoxious than in his earlier film.
What is particularly interesting about Padmashree Bharat is that Sreenivasan shares screen space with his son Vineeth Sreenivasan, who has emerged as an actor of great repute. Even though it may seem like Vineeth is following his father’s foot steps, senior Sreenivasan begs to differ. “He is much better than me. Along with being an actor, he is also an incredible singer,” he says.
Few minutes into the conversation, it is apparent that both father and son seem to be following their collective destinies. While Vineeth confesses he became an actor by default, Sreenivasan, himself has a similar story to tell. “I would write and direct plays. To find some work, I landed up at the now defunct Film Chamber Institute in Chennai to learn about the entire process of filmmaking. All through that time, I never dreamt of becoming an actor but look at me now,” he says.
The father son duo came together for the first time in the film 'Makante Achan', which coincidently, mirrored their real-life situations. In the film, Sreenivasan wants his son to be an engineer, while his son aspires to be a singer. In real life Vineeth too was urged by his parents to finish his engineering as he was good at studies. “Venturing into playback singing was never on the cards, but I am glad I got the perfect opportunity,” says Vineeth.
At the moment the young bundle of talent is busy scripting his second directorial venture, earning him much praise from his father. “He usually doesn’t say much so what ever little appreciation comes my way is an added bonus,” he says.