There are a few actors who are extremely camera-shy, as odd as it may seem. Despite being a very good actor, Karthik has always been a reluctant poser. When it comes to still photography, he gets particularly fidgety and uncooperative.
These days it’s easy to capture gestures in a photo, but that wasn’t the case back then. Very few actors such as Kamal Haasan knew how to pose to make a still brim with the vitality of a video. This particular photograph was taken during the early 80s after I persuaded Karthik to do an action pose. His natural charisma comes through really well in it, I feel.
I’ve always admired him as an actor. I am a big fan of his Kizhakku Vasal in which he starred alongside Revathi. I thought they were both brilliant in the film.
I’ve only worked on a few films with him. But as a press photographer, I’ve had the opportunity of capturing him on film many times.
He’s a really nice person too. Even today, when I post photos of him on my social media account, he comments saying that I’m a magician when it comes to photographs. Despite his reluctance, I would definitely love to shoot Karthik again.
(The photographer has taken stills for more than 500 films over the last three decades.)