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The winning score
THE NEWLY launched KTV, a fortnight ago, promised us non-stop ``Kondattam." I am not sure whether they have kept their promise because the concept of Kondattam varies from person to person. But, sure enough, KTV telecast vintage, classic and super hit movies, movie-based programmes and serials on a non-stop basis. Is it then old wine in a new bottle? Perhaps not, for, is not old wine choice wine? This heady issue apart, I must concede I watched a fairly good half-hour programme on Thursday at 6.30 p.m. titled ``Nootrukku Nooru.'' The idea behind it is commendable. The numeral 100 always holds great fascination for one and all. A 100-day run for a movie, a 100 runs hit with a stick of a bat, a 100 years lived, a 100 marks scored and, of course, a new, crisp 100-rupee note... the programme is all about interviewing people who have scored 100 and more in their respective fields. By listening to them, the idea is that youngsters and novices in the same field can stand to gain by avoiding similar pitfalls. It is suggested that this programme be extended to encompass even successful people in other relevant fields.
The first to be interviewed was the chubby-faced, dimple-cheeked, swinging hero of the foot-tapping A.R. Rahman number "Kathirikai, Gundu Kathirikai.'' Yes, it was ``Illaiya Thilakam'' Prabhu, of course, and the most coveted virtue in him seems to be his ability to laugh at himself. This is no light matter for being the son of the great doyen he could well afford to sport airs but he is the epitome of humility and friendliness. This then is an important factor that has contributed to his track record of 125 not out.
Prabhu traced the crests and troughs of his career graph in a congenial fashion. Though he began as his father's son and was signed for 10 films in a row, the successive flops of all these caused him to be dropped at midsea with the command ``Sink or swim.'' Having learnt to swim against the currents of hardship, he admits he has managed to stay afloat. He is copious in his praise of his fellow stars and early directors for their support and encouragement.
Good questions were fired at him and from his answers we could glean that he picked up discipline, punctuality and dedication to the job from his father. Equanimity appears to be his forte for he talks of his failures and successes with a twinkle in the eye. Though a hero in his own right he has not hesitated to co-star with other heroes, sometimes playing a supporting role even if was convinced his role could have been a meatier one. That is the hallmark of a true artiste who enjoys acting for its own sake.
Several films to his credit include breezy comedies like "Arangetravellai". ``My Dear Marthandam''and ``Chinna Mapillai'' and serious ones like ``Seraisaalai", ``Agni Natchathiram", ``Duet'' and "Manasukkul Mathappu". He credits ``Chinnathambi", that was a runaway hit, as his best film to date.
THARA MOHAN RAO
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