Pearl D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (AM)

Mangaluru, Apr 6: "The dialogue 'Yereg aavuye kiri kiri' and the character 'Kattappa' became a rage. We never thought that the dialogue  would be so well received and  be such a hit. People loved it," said an elated actor in Satish Bandale in a candid interview with daijiworld, recently when the actor visited daijiworld audio-studio for dubbing a movie. Bandale recounted his experience as an actor in movies, past and present.

"My first was the Tulu-short film, Jokulatige. Since then, i've acted in Telikeda Bolli, Rickshaw driver, Super Marmaaye, Pakkilu Mooji, Rang, ekka saka, Chandi Kori, Barsa, Arjun weds Amrutha, Ambar Caterers, Yesa, Jugari, Are Marler and Kannada movie Challa pilli,"  he recounted the seemingly endless list.

"I performed comedy roles earlier and now it's the villian-season, with a touch of comedy.  I play a comedy-villain in  Kori Rotti, Ambar Caterers and Anarkali," he said while his team promptly added about the star being a  very 'flexible' actor.

Stage to cinema

"My journey in the field began when I was in seventh grade at St Lawrence School, Bondel. I was in plays. And it was plays and school for me then. I got trained and acted in various drama troupes later on. I joined Devdas Kapikad's 'Bale Cha Parka'  in 2003.

I performed all varieties of roles. Out of Kapikad's  52 dramas, I was part of 42. Vaywaat Vasantha'  was the most successful play. I've  also played in 6,800 shows, including some in Gulf countries. I have also bagged a maximum number of awards for Tulu dramas in the Gulf countries," he said.

"From plays, I made an appearance on the silver screen.  Ekka Sakka was my most famous film along with 'Pilibail Yamunakka'.

I have also acted in a short film 'Kinnevu Kanombu' in Beary, which bagged an award in Chennai. I also played a role in a Konkani short film on St Lawrence,  though it was a Tulu speaking role," he added.

Balancing real and reel

Bandale, who is also a trustee of the Korgajja temple, here is said to be devout. His team added that he is found at the temple till 12 in the noon. When asked about how he balances devotion with his profession as an actor, he said "My work beyond the temple starts only after 12 in the noon. I've been the trustee from two years now.  Ever since, I've been confined to shoots in Mangaluru. I am interested in doing a variety of roles, but don't find time. I turned down offers in Sandalwood  as I do not go out of the city nowadays like how I used to."

Versatility aplenty

When asked about his potential roles, he said, "I am interested in any type of roles. I have played different roles in dramas, performed anything that Kapikad offered me. I'm never tired of playing any role."

"We modify the dialogues in drama and films accordingly wherever necessary. Sometimes it works and seldom it doesn't," he said.

Tulu artists of all platforms need encouragement from the audience. If there is support from the audience, we are ready to do any type of roles. Their claps is respect enough and awards for us," he concluded.

When asked about his constant support, "The credit goes to my mother and wife who supported me throughout. They knew I would achieve something in life," he said contentedly.