Talent speaks, not your surname: Girish Kumar

His debut film Ramaiya Vastavaiya has taken a good opening and debutant Girish Kumar couldn’t be happier. In a chat, the newbie talks about his first Friday, why he doesn’t feel privileged because he is from a film family and the road ahead. Read on for excerpts...

How was the first big Friday wait?
We had a screening on Thursday night. I loved the response that we got, after that I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be. Watching myself on screen as one of the audience was an absolute out-of-the-body sort of an experience. I don’t think I will ever forget it.

And are you happy with the response or surprised?
Totally overwhelmed. The audience has liked the film. They are the best judge and I don’t want to fight that. Otherwise as an actor you always feel you could have done better. As long as my director and audience are happy, I am happy too. And personally, I am deeply in love with the film. It’s off to a good start despite being Ramzaan, so I am thrilled.

Many felt that the film was reminiscent of the romantic films of the ’80s like Maine Pyaar Kiya…
It’s not fair to compare the films. The basic plot of most films is the same. Boy meets girl, falls in love… but it’s the treatment that makes every film unique, so in that this film is very different and anyone who watches it will agree. It’s unfair to write off a film just by going with what a few people feel. The audience at large has loved it and that’s what I would rather think about.

As an industry kid, was there more pressure?
Well, the pressure is there as you don’t want to let down the audience who pays money to come and see you. But that’s just the motivation to try harder. The fact that Prabhu sir (director Prabhudheva) was backing my talent also gave me confidence. Besides, this pressure I think comes with any and every film for all actors. As clichéd as it may sound, I feel I was born to be an actor. And I have been very serious about it and not taking things for granted is something I have been taught.

There is a general feeling that industry kids have it easier.
That’s why it was more important to prove with my work that I deserved this break. I am not the first film family son to be launched, nor will I be the last. Why should it be unfair for an insider to make a debut and fair only if an outsider debuts? I think talent speaks at the end of the day and not your surname. The audience doesn’t care where you come from as long as you can be what they want to see on screen. Every actor has his destiny and the surname has nothing to do with it.

Who are the actors you look up to in the industry?
Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan. They are icons. They are an industry in themselves.

What next?
Well, I am already reading a few scripts, so let’s see what works.

Romantic ones?
Romance, action, I am open to all. I did make my debut as a romantic hero, but as an actor, I just want to blend in with whatever my director’s vision is. Acting is a journey of self-discovery, and for me this journey has just begun, so I am waiting to surprise myself.