'It's great to be recognised' Srikkant basks in his newfound success

It seems Tamil heroes are getting younger and younger. The new entrant who has become a sensation and teenage heartthrob is 23-year-old Srikkant, popularly known with a prefix Rojakkoottam (Rojakkoottam being the name of his first film).

Srikkant and ’12 B’ (again the name of the film) Shyam are labeled as the two who would take over the mantle from Ajit and Vijay.

If Shyam is inaccessible, Srikkant is extremely friendly and accessible. Born in a middle class family, Srikkant was expected to study computer science and follow his elder brother’s footsteps to the US. But he had other plans. He did his graduation in computer science and was doing MCA (Masters in Computer Application) when he was selected to act in Rojakkoottam.

After Rojakkoottam, life has completely changed for Srikkant. It is now films for the computer science graduate. He is booked till January 2003.

In conversation with Shobha Warrier:

Were you named after your namesake, Srikkant Krishnamachari?

I don’t think so. I think it is just a coincidence. But I feel I am fortunate to have this name. Having said that, I must admit my father was a lover of cricket and a fan of Srikkant. So am I. Srikkant was what Sachin is today. I used to admire him a lot as we both share the same name. There was a time I used to imitate all his mannerisms while batting.

My dream to meet him was realised recently when a magazine arranged a meeting between the two of us. It was great to shake hands with my hero.

Did you aspire to become a cricketer?

Yes, my dream was to be a cricketer and play for the country. It was to achieve my dream of playing for the country that my father (who was working for the State Bank of India ) got a transfer to Madras because we knew that was the place to pursue cricket.

I started out as an all rounder but became a pace bowler soon. I captained my college cricket team and also played at the University level but could not go beyond that and that's when I realised that playing cricket at the highest level would remain just a dream for me. I was very disappointed.

Even today?

Not today. A career in films keeps you in limelight. People may not recognise a scientist but they will recognise a film star. It is a great feeling to be recognised and loved. Till the other day, when I walked on the road, nobody noticed me. But today, people recognise you, they make way for you. I feel quite happy about it.

With this kind of adulation and the sycophancy, won't you get influenced?

It is nice to be important but it is more important to be nice. I am from a middle class family; my father was a banker and my mother worked in the Telephones department. In this background, we are expected to study, go abroad (read USA) and work. That was what my brother did. The same was expected of me too.

But I got a break in films and now everything has changed. I would definitely carry myself as what I am today, and not as a star.

When did you first realise that you have become a star?

When we were shooting for Rojakkoottam, the heroine Bhoomika was signing autographs while I sat watching. No one knew me then. I felt it was only yesterday when I went and watched her film Badri (with Vijay) with my college friends. And here I was sitting next to her as her hero! I just couldn't believe it. I couldn't imagine my friends watching me on screen.

Bhoomika would tell me, 'come on, get used to signing autographs'. Somehow, I couldn’t digest the idea. One day, when we were half way through the shooting, somebody came for my autograph. Was I thrilled or what!

Were you worried about the reaction of the audience to you and your film?

Oh yes, I was very worried. I didn’t have the courage to go inside the theatre and watch the preview. I stood outside and eagerly waited for their reaction. Almost all the top stars, top directors and top technicians came for the show.

After the show, every artist and every technician came to me, shook hands with me and congratulated me. I couldn’t believe it, I mean, the stars waiting to congratulate me!

That was half the battle won. The real test was when the movie reached the theatres. I went to the theatre with the crew on the first day itself to know the reaction of the public. I was extremely nervous. But their reaction was overwhelming. My immediate reaction after the movie got over was to thank the director.

When did people start recognising you?

One day when I parked my car on the road to buy something, a fruit vendor came to me with a bag full of fruits and said, ‘Please take it. I like you in Rojakkoottam. I can give only this to express my happiness.’ I was so touched by his love and affection that I didn’t know how to react.

Were you not invited as the Chief Guest in one of the functions in your college...

Yes, I can never forget that day. As the Cultural secretary, I used to invite people and welcome them on stage. And, that day, I was received as the Chief Guest! It was a great feeling when the same students with whom you fooled around, look at you as a celebrity. I have no words to express how I felt that day.

How did Rojakkoottam happen?

It is my fashion co-ordinator who asked me to give my pictures to Oscar films as they were looking for a youngster. Though I wasn't convinced, I went and gave my pictures to them. I still remember the day. It was April 1, 2001. They screen tested me at six in the morning, and in the evening, I got a call from them saying I had been selected. I just couldn’t believe the news. I thought I was screen tested for the second lead but they told me I was the hero! First I thought somebody was fooling me on the April fool's day!

Any memorable incidents while shooting for the film?

Actually every moment is memorable but one incident that I can never forget is, when I had to slap Bhoomika on her face. She is such a nice, down to earth person, that I couldn’t bring myself to slap her. In fact, I couldn’t think of slapping anybody, and that too a woman. But I was forced to do it four times. Imagine her taking forceful slaps on her face four times! I felt so bad and guilty doing something of that sort. But she was very co-operative and helped me overcome my inhibition.

Did you ever think that you would become a sensation with your very first film?

No. The response really surprised me. I had only prayed for acceptance. But this overwhelming response took me by surprise. I am grateful to all the people who are showering so much love on me.

Do you have any idols in this field?

Yes. I idolise Rajnikanth, Ajith, Vijayakanth and Vikram. You know why? All of them have fought their way to the top.