I'm more comfortable in Hindi, than in Tamil or Telugu: Prithviraj

Tutor helps South star Prithviraj get a hang of Hindi that is indigenous to the national capital

Aiyyaa was South actor Prithviraj's foray into Bollywood. Though he had very few Hindi dialogues in the film, the actor states he is quite comfortable in the language. However, for his upcoming film, the actor has been taking lessons from a Hindi coach, who's teaching him how the language is spoken in Delhi.

It is usually believed that South actors are not so fluent in Hindi. However, Prithviraj says, I'm, in fact, more comfortable in Hindi, than in Tamil or Telugu! However, his Hindi dialogues in his upcoming film have an accent that is more prevalent in Delhi.

A source says, Prithvi's language tutor taught him the attitude and the accent with which Dilliwalas speak Hindi. The actor spent a month in Mumbai practising his language skills.

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Some hated Aiyyaa, others liked it

South Indian actor Prithviraj talks about settling for the second spot behind Rani Mukerji in 'Aiyyaa' and being the next Mammootty or Mohanlal

Having acted in more than 80 films, the 30-year-old Prithviraj seems like an extremely humble man. 

In fact for this interview, we found the actor tucked away at the quietest corner of a coffee shop in a suburban hotel, sipping on a hot cup all by himself. An excerpt from our conversation...
You were missing from the Aiyya promotions?
The film was to release in November and I had asked the makers of my next film to give me some free days. But the release was pushed ahead but I was already committed for the other film. However, my producers were sweet enough and even gave me a few days off.

Did you find yourself in the shadows?
Not at all! When you have Rani Mukerji and a debutant in a film, then Rani is automatically the USP, not me. In fact, if I was the producer of the film then I too would have adopted the same strategy.

The film hasn't been the kind which has made people go ga ga. While some have hated it, the others have liked it. But there was a lot of buzz around me that makes me happy.
Pokiri Raja, starring you, is being remade in Hindi with Akshay Kumar
The film was designed to be a hit. However, it was not well written. They made Mammootty sir and me do stuff that the mass audience likes, mainly dance and fights.

Malayalam cinema has two big guns Mammootty and Mohanlal. Was it easy joining the bandwagon?
They are big guns because they are bloody good! Even after 30 years, they still have heroines and songs written for them. Each new actor is now compared to the two veterans. It's flattering if people think I can be the next Mammootty and Mohanlal. 

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Aurangzeb not about my looks: Prithviraj

Malayalam actor Prithviraj says his second Hindi film "Aurangzeb" is not about his looks, it is an intense drama.

Prithviraj was seen flaunting his sculpted body in his Bollywood debut "Aiyyaa". He says: "This film did not require me to take my shirt off. It's a very intense drama; so it's not about my looks.

"We have finished about half the film. The shooting is going on, and now the unit has been shifted from Delhi to Faridabad. It's progressing exactly as planned," he added.

"Aurangzeb" is "not a period film", he added.

"It's a contemporary story set in present day India. There is a reason to call it 'Aurangzeb' as it closely associated with what my and Arjun's characters go through in the film," he said.

The film is being made under Yash Raj Films banner. Prithviraj says when a prestigious studio offers a job, it boosts his confidence.

"When Aditya Chopra asked me to be part of the film, I really thought may be now I should be part of more Hindi films...

"One of the most prestigious banners is working with me, so I should really give it a shot now," said the 30-year-old, who shares screen space with Arjun Kapoor in "Aurangzeb".

Being directed by Atul Sabharwal, "Aurangzeb" is slated to come out next year.

Prithviraj is paired with Swara Bhaskar and Sashaa Agha is paired with Arjun. Then there are Rishi Kapoor, Anupam Kher and Jackie Shroff.

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Prithviraj plans to remake film with Big B

Actor Prithviraj, who is just one-film old in Bollywood, is extremely happy with the response to his recent Malayalam film "Ayalum Njanum Thammil". He says he now plans to remake it in Hindi with megastar Amitabh Bachchan. 

"This is a very special film for me because this story, the plot of the film, was thought of nine years ago. It's a film that I have travelled around with. I took this film to a friend of mine to direct. (Now) I would like to remake this film in Hindi with Mr.Bachchan. Let's see how things fall in place, " Prithviraj told.

"Ayalum Njanum Thammil", directed by Lal Jose, hit the screens Oct 19. It features Narain, Rima Kallingal, Samvrutha Sunil and Remya Nambeesan, apart from Prithviraj. 

Asked if he has already approached Big B for the remake, he said: "No, I haven't approached him yet. I would like Mr. Bachchan to see this film, but I am assuming he will like the film at least. It's just a dream." 
"The response has been fantastic for this film and unfortunately this is the first time I am not in Kerala, during the release so feeling strange, " added the 30-year-old.

Prithviraj made his Bollywood debut opposite Rani Mukerji in the recently released "Aiyyaa", which has garnered a mixed response. But he is happy. 

"Some have liked the film, some have not liked the film. But personally, I feel the film has created a lot of buzz for me. I didn't expect people to suddenly take interest in me, so I am getting lot of calls and people want me to hear lot of scripts. 

"As a debutant (in Bollywood), I couldn't have asked for anything more. If you want to get noticed and that is the endeavour, then yes 'Aiyyaa' has worked for me somewhere, " he said.

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Direction on cards right now: Prithviraj

After making a success of it in the Malayalam film industry as an actor, Prithviraj Sukumaran now wants to make it big in Bollywood and says that he is thinking about going behind the camera to direct a film.

"Direction is definitely on cards right now. But I don't want to produce anything in Bollywood because I don't know the industry at all. I understand that it works differently for an independent producer here as for a wide release, you need to be backed by a studio and all that, " Prithviraj told.

"Direction was something I almost did couple of years back in Malayalam, but then I signed 'Ravan' that was postponed. I had a lot of pressure on me at that time... Hopefully, it (direction) will happen sometime soon. I would like it to happen, " added the actor who debuted in Bollywood with "Aiyyaa".

He admits he is looking for a pad here, but has no plans to say goodbye to Malayalam films.

"Yes, I am going to buy a property in Mumbai... not that I will completely shift here because Malayalam cinema has made me what I am today and my family is there (Kerala)... I will always do films in Malayalam, " he said adding that age is on his side, so he is free to experiment.

"Fortunately... I am only 30 and I have already made a career where I can afford to sit back and do one film a year. And that means I have enough time in hand to invest in Mumbai. I am hoping to get a place in Mumbai by the end of the year, " he added.

Married to Supriya Menon, a BBC reporter who is originally from Mumbai, Prithviraj says his wife loves the city.

"She (Supriya) would love to shift here. She is just like me - in love with the city and also she never lived in Kerala... it was a stop gap for her, " said the actor who has full support from his wife to try his luck in Bollywood.

Talking about his strength, he said: "Only passion can keep you going. First time when you sign an autograph, it gives you a big kick... and even when you sign your 10, 000th autograph, you feel good...."

"Everything that I need to support my lifestyle, I am getting that kind of money. There is nothing that I can do with more money. Ya, if I get more money, I will buy some property but having an estate in Mahabaleshwar is not going to do anything to your quality of life. All these things don't matter... what keeps you going most is only passion."

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Prithviraj now busy with Yash Raj Film Aurangzeb

Though his debut film 'Aiyyaa' was written off by Critics, But Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu star Prithviraj get's busy with his another hindi film Aurangzeb which is being produced by Yash Raj Films.

Not only this, But his wife Suparna who used to be a BBC journalist has been busy hunting for a home for the couple in Mumbai while Prithviraj has been busy in completing his films on the floor that consists some south projects.

The actor is very confident about his role in the movie Aurangzeb which also has Arjun Kapoor in a double role. Prithviraj also claimed in Press about he auditioning for this role for the first time in his career. He was hooked after he heard the part.

The actor who turned 30 this year has celebrated his birthday on the sets of Aurangzeb along with other cast and crew of the film. Last year too, Prithviraj celebrated his birthday on the film sets of 'Aiyyaa'. He was amazed by the treatment and surprises by other cast and crew for his birthday.

The only south indian actor apart from Prithviraj who is seeing some successful run in Bollywood is R.Madhavan.

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Prithviraj who celebrates his Birthday today to move to Mumbai in January 2013

Malayalam, Telugu and Tamil cinema's star-actor Prithviraj Sukumaran who has just made an impressive Bollywood debut as Rani Mukherjee's aromatic amour in Aiyyaa will wrap up his assignments in the South by the end of the year and move home from the South to Mumbai in January 2013. 

His wife Suparna who used to a BBC journalist has been busy hunting for a home for the couple in Mumbai while Prithvi has been immersed in completing his films on the floor. 

Speaking of his plans to relocate into Bollywood Prithviraj said, Mumbai will be my home now for a while. Since I'm serious about a career in Hindi films I'd have relocate to Mumbai. 

Supriya and I are not rushing into buying property. Since we are relocating into Mumbai, we want to buy ourselves the best apartment possible. While we find the ideal love nest we'll rent a place in Mumbai in January when after completing my assignments we move to Mumbai. 

Once we are in a rented place in Mumbai we can look for a home to buy, aaram se.

Prithviraj who has already signed a second Hindi film, says he has left all the nitty-gritty regarding their new residence in Mumbai to his wife. Though Suparna is a Malayali she has spent a large part of her life in Mumbai. She's a Mumbai girl. 

In fact I saw the real Mumbai through Suparna's eyes. Of course I knew Mumbai before I got to know Suparna. But it was Suparna who showed me sides to Mumbai I had never seen.

The urge to see the real Mumbai got hold of Prithviraj after he read Gregory David Roberts' novel Shantaram. `Suddenly a new side to Mumbai opened up in my mind. 

I wanted to see all the places described in the novel like Haji Ali and the Leopold cafe. Suparna was a friend. I asked her to show me all these places. I invited myself over to Mumbai and Suparna took over my life for the next few weeks. This was when we fell in love and decided to get married. 

So the city holds great romance and relevance for me. I'd love to return to live in the city that gave the love of my life. 
Prithvi's voice fills up with affectionate gratitude when he talks about his wife. She gave up her job to join me in the South. I owe her a lot. I don't think I would be what I am today without her support.

Prithviraj who had been acting from age of 19 and has done films in three South Indian languages, doesn't see Aiyyaa as a debut in new language. When the director came to me with the offer I didn't focus on the language. 

In any case, my character doesn't speak much. I was just fascinated by the concept of the girl Rani Mukherjee falling in love with the scent of a man. I'd have accepted the offer in any language. At this stage of my career I'm looking for new challenges.

Prithviraj has signed a Yashraj film Aurangzeb. He has an interesting story to tell on how he signed it. I was shooting for the song Aga bai for Aiyyaa on one of the floors at Yashraj when the casting director at Yash Raj asked me if I'd be interested in auditioning for a part. I agreed. When I heard the role I was hooked.

Prithviraj says he is very confident of his role in Aurangzeb although Arjun Kapoor has a double role in the film. 

I wouldn't have accepted the role if I wasn't satisfied with what was offered to me. I am in no rush to get anywhere. I am here to stay. Mumbai is my home from January. 

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Prithviraj to have a working birthday today

Prithviraj turns 30 today and is looking forward to celebrate his birthday in Delhi with the crewmembers of his upcoming film

Interestingly, last year too, he couldn't have a relaxing day off as he was shooting with Rani Mukerji in Mumbai for his recently released Hindi film. Ahem... hard work and professionalism and all!

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Prithviraj is hardly getting any sleep

Thanks to his crammed work schedule, Prithviraj has no time to hit the snooze button

South Indian actors are known for their punctuality. However, Prithviraj who is popular for his brawny physique admits he has lost track of time. The Cochin-based actor who recently made his debut in a Bollywood film opposite Rani Mukerji says he is hardly getting any time to sleep.

According to a source, the actor is working round the clock and is currently shooting for a Yash Raj film. As the result of these pre- scheduled agenda, he hardly gets to doze off for more than two to three hours. To add to the existing twist, he'll be travelling abroad but won't take a break. On his return, he will resume his shoot once again.

Since the actor is serious about furthering his Bollywood career, Prithvi is ensuring that none of his projects are inconvenienced because of his constant shuttling. The source adds, No wonder he's ending up working 18 hours a day on a stretch. But he's not complaining and thoroughly enjoying the ride.

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We are heading towards pan-Indian cinema: Prithviraj

Southern star Prithviraj Sukumaran, who makes his Bollywood debut with Sachin Kundalkar's "Aiyyaa", says both Southern and Hindi film industries are on road to become pan-Indian cinema.

"I think what you should decipher from the phenomenon of South Indian films being remade in Bollywood and Bollywood films being remade in the South with actors migrating to and fro, is that aesthetically and creatively we are stepping towards being pan-India cinema," Prithviraj told.

Southern films like "Vikramarkudu", "Singam", "Pokiri" and "Maryada Ramanna" are being remade in Hindi as "Rowdy Rathore", "Singham", "Wanted" and "Son of Sardaar" respectively.

The actor says that it's nice to see such change.

"Rather than making Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu, ideally we should be in a space where we make Indian cinema and where the entire country can connect to a film and I think that is where we are headed towards," he said.

The 29-year-old is known for his work down South in movies like "Indian Rupee", "Vaasthavam" and "Anwar".

Prithviraj says of late he has observed people picking similarities between the two industries.

"A lot of people are making observation that a lot of Telugu movies are being made like Bollywood these days and when I come to Mumbai, I hear people say that Bollywood is becoming like South Indian films these days," he said.

"It's great to know that the so called linguistic barriers a film has is becoming more and more ambiguous these days," he said.

"Aiyyaa" also stars Rani Mukerji and the film released Friday.

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Prithviraj to focus more on Bollywood projects

Buoyed by his comfort with Hindi and Bollyood's relaxed pace, southern star Prithviraj Sukumaran, who will soon be seen in "Aiyyaa", is eager to find a firm foothold in Hindi filmdom.

"I want to go slow with southern movies. I will do one-two films a year. So, that means three months, and the rest of the time I want to give to my new found Bollywood career, " Prithviraj told, a few days before his Bollywood debut with Rani Mukerji.

The actor, who hails from Kerala, has no particular genre in mind for his next Bollywood project.

"I want to work in the genre that defines good cinema. Regardless of what the film is about, it should be a cinema which deserves to be made, " he added.

The 29-year-old made his debut in 2002 with the Malayalam film "Nandanam" and entered Tamil cinema with the 2005 release "Kana Kandaen".

After following strict deadlines down south, he enjoyed the relaxed pace in Bollywood.

"The process of filmmaking is the same, but in the south you always work according to a deadline. The day you announce the muhurat of the film, you announce the release date. So you give yourself a deadline and everything is hurried to meet that.

"In Bollywood, you make the film at its own pace, you edit, and see the work and then decide when to release. This is how, I feel, a film should be made, " he said.

"Aiyaa", written and directed by Sachin Kundalkar, centres on Rani Mukerji's character, but this doesn't seem to affect the actor in any way.

"I don't mind making my debut in a film centred on the actress. My Malayalam debut was also centred on a woman. The point where I have reached in Malayalam cinema, if I reach that position in Bollywood with this film, then what is the harm?" he said.

Discussing his role in the film, he said: "I play a south Indian art student with whom Meenakshi (Rani) falls in love. He leaves certain impressions on her and goes by them but then the film reveals what he actually is. So there is a lot of mystery associated with the character."

The actor says his Hindi is pretty good and so he faced no language issues.

"Language was not a problem. Hindi is the only language apart from Malayalam and English which I can read and write. I have done many Tamil films and I am way more comfortable in Hindi than I am in Tamil; so that was not been a problem, " he said.

Produced by Anurag Kashyap "Aiyaa" hits theatres Oct 12.

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It was fun to be Rani Mukherjee's fantasy guy

South star Prithviraj on his formula for success and working with Rani Mukerji in his Bollywood debut film 'Aiyyaa'

Though he isn't fond of the word 'superstar', Prithviraj's filmography has assured him the exact status in South Indian cinema. 

Recommended by Anurag Kashyap, the 29-year-old actor is finally making his Bollywood debut opposite Rani Mukerji and has already started shooting for his second Hindi film. The actor talks about the Hindi film industry, language barrier, his favourites and much more.

We heard you are not great at Hindi...
I must admit I'm not a very fluent speaker of the language but I can converse easily. I'm not so confident about my grammar though. Having said that, I can understand what others are saying in Hindi and I can make them understand what I want to.

South stars are getting fitter by the day!
I'm not the only actor from South to sport a toned body. Let's just say that the new generation is certainly more health conscious. Furthermore, I strongly believe that my USP is not my six-pack abs but my acting skills. My physique can merely enhance the character I'm portraying on the big screen.
Will you make Mumbai your home?
(Laughs) I won't say I'm shifting base to Mumbai. I don't have a house of my own here yet. The quest is to do good cinema as Bollywood is going through an interesting phase and I'm more than happy to be part of it.

Didn't you feel awkward dancing in this film?
On the contrary, I enjoyed every single step! It was fun to be this fantasy guy whom Rani Mukerji's character desires.

Were you intimidated by Rani's presence on the sets?
No, not at all, she is the most inclusive person I've ever worked with. I'm not saying this because I've done a film with her. Besides, I'm a huge fan of hers and now that I've worked with her, I can add I'm her greatest fan alive.

Who are your role models in acting?
I've always idolised Mohanlal and Mammootty. You can call me old-fashioned but I feel Amitabh Bachchan is the finest actor in the country. I aspire to be like Aamir Khan. He has reached that point where if he says yes to a script, the film has to work.
Is Bollywood any different from the South film industry?
I've noticed that Bollywood doesn't work on a deadline and allows improvisation. South cinema tends to function on a tighter schedule because it follows a slightly different equation there. Like one has to book theatres in advance and stuff like that.

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Why is Prithviraj not promoting Aiyyaa?

While Rani Mukerji has been actively promoting her upcoming film, her co-star Prithviraj has been conspicuous by his absence

South actor Prithviraj is making his Bollywood debut opposite Rani Mukerji in her upcoming film. While Rani has been on her toes to promote her film everywhere, interestingly Prithviraj has been missing in action, except for attending a music event.

Prithviraj tells us, "Unfortunately I am shooting for Yashraj Studio's next film in Delhi. However, I will be in Mumbai today and will start promoting the film. My dates are with the production house of the film and they have given me the charts well in advance."

However, a source from the channel says, "Prithviraj will be in Mumbai but only for one day where he will be doing basic interviews and radio bytes. He will promote the film in Dubai for a day. Nothing else has been scheduled so far."
There has been buzz that the reason behind Prithviraj's absence is because he apparently has only a cameo in the film. However the actor clarifies, "I have shot for 70 days for the film so it can't be a cameo."

While the South actor will be in the city today, incidentally Rani will not be joining him in promoting the film. The actress will be busy making a solo appearance in a comedy show. Rani has appeared on several reality shows and Ganpati pandals to promote her upcoming film.

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Prithvi shocks Rani, Vaibhavi

Actress Rani Mukerji, who stars opposite southern actor Prithviraj Sukumaran in forthcoming movie "Aiyyaa", was shocked to see the actor in an all-new avatar while shooting a song.

"Choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant and Rani both were too scared of the item numbers in the movie. After their first meeting, they thought of Prithviraj as a very shy and coy guy, which is very unlike them, " said a source.

"But it was only on first day of rehearsal that they were shocked to a completely different side of him come out on the dance floor, " added the source.

"Aiyaa" tells the story of a Maharashtrian girl Meenakshi Deshpande played by Rani, who lives in a Bollywood-style fantasy world and tries to woo a Malayali man Surya, played by Prithviraj.

Rani has three item numbers in "Aiyyaa", produced by Anurag Kashyap. The movie releases Oct 12.

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Prithviraj gets 6-pack abs for Rani's Aiyya

South Indian actor Prithviraj Sukumaran is all set to mark his debut in Bollywood. But that will not be the only fresh experience for this actor, who has also developed a six-pack abdomen for his role in "Aiyya" opposite Rani Mukherjee.

"Director Sachin (Kundalkar) gave me the brief that I would have two-sided scenes. I play Suriya, an unassuming guy who does not care about his appearance. But there are songs in which the same man is the object of Meenakshi's (the heroine's) fantasy. In the song sequences, the man fits all those cliches of masculinity," Prithviraj told reporters during the promotion of "Aiyya".

"I tried to fit both roles, and I had to develop an ideal body. I was on a strict diet regimen for about five months. Sachin (the director) and Anurag (Kashyap, the producer) were kind enough to shoot some scenes first and give me enough time to get into shape (for the fantasy scenes). It wasn't exactly my cup of tea, but seeing how it has come off, it was worth it," Prithviraj said.

The actor, who hails from Kerala, says delivering dialogue in Hindi wasn't a problem.

"I can read and write Hindi. I was comfortable delivering the dialogues," he said.

Besides being a recognised actor in Malayalam films, Prithviraj is also a singer of some renown. On public request, he sang a few lines from the song in "Aiyya", "Dreammam Wakepam."

Prithviraj arrived at the venue of the event in typical South Indian attire, wearing a blue shirt and a white "mundu". The other actors starring in the film were present too.

"Aiyya" is slated for release Oct 12.

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