Finding that slot

He could have been a hero, but he chose to work in supporting roles. Today Ravi Prakash is the most sought after actor in big banner movies by new age directors, both in Tollywood and Kollywood. Nagaraj Goud By standing alongside stars and just having a dialogue a two, it's an arduous task to make a mark for oneself, but character actor Ravi Prakash, out of numerous such artistes, stood out and is one of the most sought after actors in Tollywood these days. Remembering how it all started he says, "Acting was never on mind. It was just a hobby. I entered the industry and got stuck here (smiles)." It turns out like he is a 'lucky chap' considering that he has not had his share of struggles to get that okka chance in the industry. "During the early 90s, I was doing a workshop in Visakapatnam with Satyanand. He happened to forward some of my pictures to Usha Kiran Movies. The production unit liked them and within a week I was cast as a lead in their film 'Shubavela'," recollects the actor who was seen in recent films like 'Dookudu', 'Ishq', 'Julayi', 'Brothers' and 'Yeto Vellipoindhi Manasu'. However, after the first film failed to do that well, it was time for struggle. "After the red carpet entry it was mullabata. Once you hit off as a hero and that too with a prestigious banner it becomes difficult to get other opportunities. I had to do small roles to show my existence. Many people expressed apprehensions about my choices after having started off as a hero. Add to it, there was no proper guidance. So I've decided to find my own path," reveals Prakash who has a medical degree to his CV. After 'shubavela', he decided to take a break of one and half year to complete house surgeon before making serious attempts again in the industry. While he could have left the industry in favour medicine, he chose to do otherwise. "When you are in mid-20's, you have that madness to prove yourself. Studying is a learning process whereas with acting you are delivering something you have, to a large section of people. Icing on the cake was the support that my parents gave me," he shares. The good-looking actor had to knock the doors of many directors to get that second chance and find a foothold in the industry. He explains the struggling phase, "It was not easy. To meet a director you have to go through three to four people and when finally you get to meet him, he's busy. In that process you lose 60 to 70 per cent of the energy. You take the plunge to do something, but you wonder if you can ever do anything in the industry." Later, director Jayanth C Paranjee put a full stop to this lean phase of Ravi through Prabhas' launch pad 'Eeshwar'. And after that, things began to fall in place for him. One film followed another and it was in a sense Venkatesh-starrer 'Gharshana' that gave him wide-recognition. Accepting that he just did modeling in 'Gharshana', he says that finding a slot was important." The name comedian associates with artistes doing comedy. So it's important to find a slot for yourself, though it becomes typecast in the industry. It gives you financial assistance and relieves you of mental pressures. You will come to know that things are only going to improve," he informs. Ravi shares a special equation with director Krish who gave him his career defining role in 'Vedam'. "I got huge appreciation for my stint as a police officer in 'Vedam'. People still remember me by that role. It opened new gates for me," he says as he recalls his association with the director. "I met him during the shoot of 'Okariki Okaru'. He was an apprentice, but was full of optimism every time I had a word with him. Though we shared a bond, the real camaraderie began with his first film 'Gamyam'. He's always been encouraging and I also understand his requirements when it comes to his characters." He holds director Trivikram too in high regard. He has done films like 'Athadu', 'Jalsa', and 'Julayi' with him. "well-known writer and director apart, he's an extra-ordinary human being. Whoever goes to him he's very receptive. During 'Gharshana' shoot I had approached him for a role in 'Athadu'. He said that he had 'one' for me, eventhough he did not know that I was already a part of 'Gharshana'. He induces positive energy into actors and gives you the confidence that you're a good actor. You spend ten minutes with him and you feel like you've learnt a lot." Married to Madhuri in 2006, Ravi has a five-year-old boy Mahith. "He's my stress buster. If there is no shooting then I'm playing with him." Right now, the actor is happy to shuttle between Chennai and Hyderabad often, after 'Brothers'. He is currently a part of Pawan Kalyan-Trivikram's film, Manchu Vishnu's 'Doosukeltha', Tamil actor Vijay's 'Thalaivar' and Dhanush's new production.