‘Thankappan Nair’ is the star among voters in Pathanapuram. Wondering who is Mr Nair? None other than comedian Jagadish! Even as the actor, roped in by UDF, sweats it out for his electoral debut, voters are heaping praises upon the actor for his convincing act as 'Thankappan Nair' in Leela, the role of a cruel father who molests his own daughter.
“I was shocked and surprised when I was offered to do this role. Later, when I discussed it with my wife (Dr P Rama, forensic Professor in Thiruvananthapuram Medical College), equally surprising was her response,” Jagadish opens up to Onmanorama. “She insisted that I accept the role, since such a role come in our way once in a life time. She was sure that it will turn a milestone in my career as an actor,” he added.
Also read: Leela movie review
“I have two daughters – Ramya and Soumya – (both doctors). I value their opinion too, regarding the role. To my surprise, both of them responded positively, which motivated me to take up the challenge,” says Jagadish. “I was apprehensive of the impact of the character on my family, but I got a new energy and enthusiasm from their support,” he said. Only after that I took the next step – reading Leela, which helped me conceive the character in my mind,” he added.
“They compare my character with the likes done by Bharat Gopi, which is indeed a matter of pride,” says a visibly elated Jagadish. “But, Mr Gopi was a banyan tree, whereas I am just a sapling,” the actor turns humble.
“Many are apprehensive of my image created by this negative character, especially when elections are round the corner. But I am confident as I know the psyche of Malayali viewers. They can differentiate reel life from real life,” reasons Jagadish.
The role demanded a change in get-up. Director Ranjith took a call on the hairstyle. And, the actor took a close crop in the front, then applied a liberal stroke of gray all over.
“This is the cruellest and most challenging roles I have ever done. The success of the character instils confidence in me that I can experiment with more such negative roles,” says a beaming Jagadish.
Even as he speaks to Onmanorama, his mobile phone knows no rest – of course, it's raining congratulations to ‘Thankappan Nair’.
