Actor Srinivas or Cheenu, as he is fondly called, considers himself lucky, blessed and happy.
The actor has cleared several screen tests and been chosen to play the role of the late Gemini Ganesan, portraying his youthful years of struggle and achievements in the film industry.
Says he, “I’m happy that I’ve been able to play the role of one of my favourite stars in the Tamil film industry and I feel this opportunity might give me the right break in my career.”
Cheenu began his career as a child artiste with P Vasu’s Sethupati IPS and later was introduced by the same director in Thottaal Poo Malarum. He has also done films like Margazhi 16, Pa Ra Palanisamy. His latest release will be Karungali. Now, the actor also has a Telugu (Prema Kadalu) and Malayalam film (Kadalin Nakarai) ready for release. Talking about the full-length biopic project that he is currently working on, Cheenu says, “The film, titled Kadhal Mannan Gemini Ganesan, is being produced by the late Gemini Ganesan’s daughter, Kamala Selvaraj. It is a bio pic with all aspects of commercial cinema. It covers both the personal and professional life of Gemini Ganesan. I play the role of the star in his youth days. The film is being directed by Venkatesh, a debutant director.”
The actor also informs, “I indeed feel blessed and happy to have my make up being done by Arumugham, Gemini Ganesan’s make up man. He says that my looks resemble Gemini sir’s a lot. He has taken great care in giving me the look.”
This journey began a year ago and Cheenu had to know, learn and understand all about Gemini Ganesan before starting to shoot. “I was given a biography to read. And after reading that book, I got to know my favourite actor better. Gemini sir used to practice yoga regularly and had worked as a lab assistant in the Madras Christian College before he joined the Gemini Studios. After joining the studios, he got the title Gemini added to his name.”
He reveals that a lot of evergreen songs from Gemini Ganesan’s films have been used in the film. The other characters in the film are played by new comers. “Actually, in this film, Gemini sir will get married only once. Gemini was just like all of us. He used to imitate his favourite star, Bhagvathar, a known singer and actor of his times. It seems Gemini sir used to mimic his dialogues when taking a shower in the bathroom – all this before he actually went on to become a great actor himself.” So, what’s Cheenu now waiting for? “Obviously, for the film to release. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!”