Shouldering films as the lead hero is a huge responsibility: Nagabhushana

Kannada actor Nagabhushana is currently balancing two trajectories of his career — one as a lead actor and the other as a character or supporting actor. “When one starts off as an actor in the Kannada film industry, nobody is waiting to give you work. You need to prove your talent before anything substantial comes your way. I used to take up any little role offered to me and give it my best,” recalls the actor.He tells us more about his growth and journey so far:
‘WHAT REALLY MATTERS IS HOW SUCCESSFUL YOUR FILM HAS BEEN’
The biggest turning point in my career came through with two of my films — Ikkat, in which I played the lead, and Badava Rascal, which gave me the opportunity to play an interesting character. Both were hits and that is what set the ball rolling. No matter how well you act, if the film has not been a commercial success, you will not grow further. The next change came through last year. All the three films that I was part of last year — Daredevil Musthafa, Kousalya Supraja Rama and Tagaru Palya — turned out to be hits. In the first two movies, I played supporting roles, and in the last, I played the lead. When films turn out to be hits, it gives you the confidence that as an actor, that you are capable of keeping the audiences engaged for the two-hour duration of a film.
‘COMEDIAN VS AN ACTOR WITH A COMIC TIMING’
When I asked myself a question about how I want my audience to see me — as a comedian or as an actor who does comedy — I chose the latter, as it gives you a lot more scope to perform. They are both about delivering punch dialogues written by a writer. However, I like to bring in a bit of myself to the role, too. I don’t deliver the exact same lines written for the character, but add more to ensure the delivery comes across as natural as possible. There have been times when directors have insisted that the exact words should be delivered. I do that as well. But that has neither worked for me, nor for them, and not worked for the film. It is also important for us to understand and know when to act and when not to act, too. For instance, in Badava Rascal, the character was such that I just had to be myself and that was all the role demanded; but in Ikkat, the situation demanded a bit of exaggerated acting.
‘ALL MY CONCENTRATION IS NOW ON MY NEXT FILM, VIDYAPATI’
I play the lead again in Vidyapati and all my concentration is there, as it is a very important project for me. It is a big-budget film and to think that so much money is riding on me as the lead, makes me anxious. However, I am also quite convinced with this story and know that people will be entertained. It a film full of surprises. There is also a supporting role that I am playing in Anna From Mexico. It is a character that will bring out another aspect of my skills.
‘I HAVE GOT TOO BUSY AND I AM GRATEFUL FOR IT’
I have been too busy lately, and I am not bragging. I have not been able to get a day off in a month, and I am just so grateful for it. This, especially after my wedding earlier this year. Before, as a bachelor, there was nobody to ask me where I was or what time I would be back home. Now, as soon as I finish work, I know I must head back home, because I know someone is waiting for me