Says an Excited Greeshma Sridhar,fresh From Her Gange Sur Garonne 2023 Win in Paris, Reflecting on the Kannada Film Industry’s Evolving Demand for Depth in Female Characters
Female Actors Are More Than Eye-candies in KFI
Touched by the euphoria of success, actor Greeshma Sridhar finds herself on cloud nine, and rightly so. The stars have aligned in her favour this year, culminating in a momentous win at the prestigious Gange Sur Garonne 2023 Film Festival in Paris on October 28. As she basks in this triumph, the actor reveals a slew of upcoming films poised for release in the coming days. A seasoned theatre artiste, Greeshma’s affinity for acting flows effortlessly. Yet, she remains grounded, attributing her success to unwavering dedication, letting fortune find its own path. In an exclusive conversation with Our Bangalore, the “Nanu Kusuma” actor opens the door to her world. From her unique preparation mantra to navigating the choice between seasoned and debutant directors, Greeshma candidly discusses gender biases in the Kannada Film Industry. And, of course, she offers her personal definition of what makes a good actor. Dive into the revelations for an intimate look into Greeshma Sridhar’s cinematic universe.
OB: Reflect on your journey into acting and the diverse roles you’ve undertaken.
Graduating in Arts with a Theater Major, my journey began in Bangalore’s theater scene. After working at Prithvi in Bombay, I earned my Diploma in Acting from Roshan Taneja’s school. My path led through ADs, TV serials, to prominent roles in films like Nathicharami and Nodi Swami Ivn irode hege, shaping my acting journey.
OB: Share insights into your character in “Nanu Kusuma,” recent award wins, and any previous accolades.
In Nanu Kusuma, I portray Kusuma, a nurse navigating life’s challenges. The film, showcased at IFFI, Goa, and various festivals, earned accolades, including the Best Actor award at the Gange Sur Garonne 2023 Film Festival in Paris.
OB: How does it feel to receive recognition on an international platform as an actor?
As an actor, you need an audience, who else are you performing for? Any recognition as an actor brings joy, and being acknowledged internationally for my fourth film is significant. Winning alongside admired actors like Nasiruddin Shah adds to the honour
OB: Dive into your process of preparing for a character.
As individuals, we evolve daily, and our mindset undergoes transformation with each character we portray. Techniques from training institutions provide a foundation, yet observation plays a pivotal role. Clear direction from the director is a significant asset in understanding the character’s requirements.
OB: In your opinion, what defines a good actor? Share your perspective on the essence of excellent acting.
Good acting is when the audience sees the character, not the actor. The performance should immerse them so thoroughly that they believe in the character, not just witness an act.
OB: Do you lean towards working with seasoned directors or debutants? What influences your decision?
I’m open to working with both. The director’s experience or the outcome of their previous film won’t dictate my decision.
OB: Would you accept a role from a proven director even if it holds no significance in the story?
Whether it’s a seasoned director or a newcomer, if the story is compelling and my character adds value, I’m on board. I look for conviction in the director and the soul in the story
OB: Shed light on your criteria for signing up for a film.
The pivotal factor is the weight and significance of my character. Its importance in the narrative is the decisive criterion for me.
OB: Offer your thoughts on gen der biases in the Kannada film industry (KFI) and its evolving landscape.
I see a positive shift happening. Films like “Toby” and “Saptha” highlight the significance of female leads in story telling. Audiences now expect more than just eye candy; they seek depth and prominence for female characters. It’s encouraging to witness this positive change.
OB: When considering a film, what carries more weight for you— the director’s reputation or the script’s quality?
Both elements carry equal weight. A strong script paired with weak direction won’t succeed. The synergy between a compelling script and effective direction is paramount for a project’s success.”
OB: Share your eagerness to explore future roles. Are there specific characters or genres you’re keen on?
I’ve never limited myself to specific roles. Each character is unique, even if the profession is the same. Exploring diverse genres allows me to delve into distinct thought processes, body language, and mannerisms.
OB: Excite us with details about your up coming projects and any other ventures in the pipeline.
Upcoming releases include “Desperate Woman”, “Third Wheel”, and “Saitan”. Stay tuned for announcements on a couple more projects currently in the pipeline.”