Talk about Prithviraj and one is reminded of his power-packed performances and strong statements. Some may troll him for his English and some for his arrogant attitude but for actor Prithviraj what matters really is making memorable films in Malayalam industry.
Today, as the actor reaches 100th movie with 'Koode' in a career spanning over 16 years, Onmanorama takes a look at five of his best quotes that makes him an actor and human par excellence.
“I apologise...”
Prithviraj was the first male actor to openly admit that he had promoted misogyny in his films and that will refrain from doing such roles after an actress was attacked early last year.
“…I apologise..for at an age and time when I wasn’t wise enough..I have been part of films that celebrated misogyny..I have mouthed lines that vilified regard for your self respect and I have taken a bow to the claps that ensued. NEVER AGAIN... never again will I let disrespect for women be celebrated in my movies! Yes... I’m an actor and this is my craft! I will wholeheartedly trudge the grey and black with characters that possess unhinged moral compasses… but I will never let these men be glorified or their actions justified on screen,” he wrote on his Facebook page back then.
“The fault of mine...”
Trolls are never kind to any celebrity and when it comes to Prithviraj, the only reason he seems to be getting trolled regularly on social media is for his 'English' language. Each time, he posts something on Facebook in English, Malayalis who deem speaking in that tongue is elitist take a dig at his 'over proficiency'. Asked about in an interview, the actor said, “The trolls are so genuinely creative that I can't help loving it. But otherwise, if my written English language is failing to communicate, then it is my problem I suppose. I take it as a fault of mine.” We are floored Prithvi!
“Taking up challenges...”
As a kid, Prithviraj was enrolled in Sainik School. Recalling it, Prithviraj once said in an interview, “It was my father who told me and my brother about the school. What he said then is still vivid in my memory. He said how tough it was to get an admission in a school like that and it won't be easy for us. And when he advised that both of us should take it as a challenge and yes we did got into the school. Probably, what I learnt as a young boy is still there within me. When I listen to a script I check what is the challenging part for me in the movie and I just love to do things in such manner.”
“Let me be the Youth Icon till 50...”
In his initial days of acting career, Prithviraj was most recognised as the 'youth icon' of Mollywood and he did a couple of awards with the same tag. When an interviewer asked him about it, he replied, “It is good, isn't it. Let me get the award even at 50 years of age.” And when he was told “Isn't that an arrogant statement to talk about..., he replied, “Hope you get the dark humour of what I mentioned”. Yes, no matter what and how others think, he gets his saying right.
“Keeping my identity...”
Although Prithviraj's talent was well accepted by audience, people hardly accepted his attitude in his initial days of career as a star.
“It takes sometime for people to accept change, be it in terms of a new initiative, a new minister, and even a new actor. I think there is a set norm for hypocrisy in the society. When situations ask me to give respect, I have respected. But I haven't overdone it either. I have always try to keep an identity to myself. My attitude or my identity is not something that I got after becoming an actor but it was revealed to many after I became one. Earlier, I was called as an introvert, later this became arrogance and now I have reached to a stage of becoming courageous”, this is what he had said in an interview on Manorama News show 'Nere Chowe'.
Well, all said, we wait to see the shining star taking up his directorial venture soon with 'Lucifer'.
