Shaheen Siddique, the son of actor Siddhique, made his acting debut in the Mammootty-starrer Pathemaari. The 26-year-old actor, who also appeared in Ache Din spoke to City Express about his maiden movie, passion for films and much more.
How did your casting for Pathemari happen?
I was undergoing a course at Act Lab in Kakkanad, Kochi, under Sajeev Nambiar. One day I was at the studio for a sound test and Mammootty, whom I call Moothappa, father’s elder brother, also happened to be there. I met Salim Ahamed there. The work on Pathemari had began already, but they had not found anyone to play Pallikkal Narayanan’s (Mammootty) son in the movie. They asked me if I’m interested and I said yes.
Born as the son of a busy actor in Malayalam, did you always want to be an actor?
No. Acting was never a passion for me. I always thought actors are not ordinary people and are slightly larger-than-life in many senses. I never thought I had the capability to be an actor. But, I was always interested in filmmaking and direction. I told this to my father and he advised me to take up a course in the subject.
I enrolled for a course in visual communication in London. But after the course, I found out my heart was not in direction too.
I was more interested in production. I came back and joined Family Facebook, the magazine my father had launched. I also started working for the hotel he had set up.
The sons of many actors are taking the leap into film acting to the extend that it is called a trend. What are your thoughts on it?
I look at it positively. Many youngsters want to break into films and for the star kids it becomes easier. I think many of them who are on top are there because of their dedication and hardwork. Film industry is a business where the success rate is comparatively low. So, I think these youngsters have a taken a gutsy step forward.
What are you upto at present? Are there any new projects?
I havent committed anything yet, as nothing has come my way. I’m involved with my father’s hotel business now. I’m also considereing doing my masters degree, but is slightly apprehensive whether I’m too old to do that.