Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

SWEET TALK Ramya, who’s parsimonious when it comes to praising co-stars, has only good things to say about Ganesh

Ramya invites me to the shoot of Rockline productions’ “Bombat” with ‘Golden Star’ Ganesh as her co-star for the first time. She’s parsimonious when it comes to praising co-stars but has only good things to say about Ganesh. “He’s a cool dude if you can put up with the motor mouth,” she says with a chuckle.

A set has been erected in a cul de sac on a bustling street in Subramanyanagar, off Malleshwaram. It’s the hero’s humble abode. The multi-storeyed tenements and shops are packed with fans craning to get a glimpse of their favourite stars. The unit hands and cops have a tough time controlling autograph seekers.

The hero, for some reason, has the heroine, who’s the police commissioner’s daughter in his safe keep and now he’s confronted by goons played by Guru Dutt, Mukesh Rishi and Rahul Dev.

Ganesh has lost weight and looks trim. This is the first time he’ll be doing some action scenes too. He has to mouth some smart one-liners, which he does with aplomb. With some improvisation, the third take is okayed by director Rajendra Babu. Ramya looks forlorn because all she has to do is peer out of a window and is mostly out of focus. A sharp shower has everyone seeking shelter while the crew scurries to protect the equipment. Ramya introduces me around. I remind Ganesh that I’ve sent feelers for an interview. Good actor that he is, Ganesh feigns ignorance but promises one shortly in calmer environs.

While Rahul Dev buries himself in a book about Buddha, Mukesh Rishi is busy on his cell. Guru Dutt looks relaxed. “Do you know producer Rockline Venkatesh used to work at a footwear store on this street?” he asks. “His house was a couple of streets away and we’d gather there on Sundays for delicious biryani,” said Guru with a look of nostalgia. Guru has wrapped up his directorial venture “Kamannana Makkalu” with Sudeep four months ago but was waiting for the release of the star’s “Gooli”.

Two ecstatic girls rush in, kiss Ramya and swear they are her biggest fans. A toddler trundles in and says the same. “This is what makes all the trouble worth it,” sighs Ramya. Ramya decides to buy all the children chocolates. “I’m young at heart too,” says an old lady snatching one.

Cell phone cameras record the stars’ presence for posterity. A hush descends as producer Rockline Venkatesh arrives.

Ramya gleefully accepts an envelope he offers. “He’s one producer who pays before you can ask,” says Ramya who’s used to bad paymasters. She’s on tenterhooks as she’s hosting a Holi party and it’s getting late. At last her close-ups are shot. She has to react to cues given by an assistant director. She scampers into a waiting car pulling you along like a school child who’s heard the last bell, before the director shouts “Pack up.”

The crowd dissolves but is sure to be there when shooting resumes the next morning. I leave hoping “Bombat” lives up to its title.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail