Experience moulds a person, says the versatile actor and producer Prem Prakash. The talented artist, who has an expertise of 46 years in the film industry, has both shelled out money in some and acted others like Koodevide, Peruvazhiyambalam, Akashadooth, Johny Walker, is now treading a different path.
Prem Prakash has turned a writer through his autobiography ‘Prakashavarshangal’ that will be released on Tuesday. Through his book, the actor narrates the rich experience that he had over the years.
Turning back and speaking about the film career, the actor says, “The four decade-long film journey has left many imprints on my mind, as an actor and producer.”
Interestingly, Prem Prakash began his career as a singer through the film Kaarthika in 1968. “Singing was always my first love, but life had other plans for me,” he says. He made his acting debut in the movie, Ara Nazhika Neram in 1970.
Prem Prakash says the turning point of his life was the camaraderie that he shared with director Padmarajan. The actor who produced Padmarajan’s much acclaimed Peruvazhiyambalam that bagged the national award in 1979 says, “The movie is a milestone in the history of Indian cinema.”
Prem Prakash played an integral role in the entry of many actors who made it big in Mollywood later. Actors like Asokan, Rahman and Biju Menon got an opening in movies that he produced.
The actor has also made his mark in small screen and has played some significant roles in many popular television serials like Avasthantharangal, Avicharitham and Agneyam.
Being a part of the industry for long, the actor-producer has seen many ebbs and flows. Quiz him about the changes underwent by the industry of late, he says
“Film is a fantasy world. Earlier there was more warmth in the sets. Generation gap has created a dent in the intimacy level between the actors and producers.” He says the industry has turned more materialistic. “The artists and crew members were more close to each other in the past. Life was much beyond money then. It was a wonderful period. These days, a producer has become a mere money lending machine.”
Talking about the writer in him, Prem Prakash says, “I may not be a great writer; but the good and bad experiences that I had in the film world, my connection with many great artists, life as a producer and actor, prompted me to share them with the readers.”
He says he wants the document his experiences for the coming generation. The book consists of 250 pages, in which 15 pages are photographs and stills from his filmography.
The book also throws light on his family. Prem Prakash’s family has a great involvement in the eventful career of the artist. His wife Daisy Luke (a retired college professor), daughter Thankam and sons Bobby and Sanjay (scenarists) also provide him with complete support. As the title suggests, the book describes the light he has spread over the years. The first copy of the book will be handed over to Padmarajan’s wife Radhalakshmi.
The function that will be held at Marine Drive in Kochi will be graced by eminent personalities from the malayalam film industry like Rahman, Ashokan, Lal Jose, Biju Menon, John Paul, Nedumudi Venu, Sibi Malayil along with Home Minister Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and Suresh Kumar, Chairman, Kerala state cultural welfare fund board. Timing of the function is 5.30 pm.