Thursday Oct 11 2007, Chennai

A tête-à-tête with actor Bala

Actor Bala gives a small sneak into his forth-coming ventures to our correspondent.Why the hiatus?

It was deliberate. I also got a few offers in Malayalam. Also I wanted to be choosey, hence the gap. I loved playing the roles that I have done so far but success has eluded me, so I stopped doing films for sometime.

Then I got a role in Malayalam. Director Anil signed me up for ‘Kalabam’. I am really happy to have acted in Anil’s film because he is a very experienced guy. Thank god the film was a huge hit and I got a name for myself too (smiles). Then came Big B with Mammuka.

It was an RGV film.I got to play a very different character. I play a fighter in the film. Now I have a lot of movies lined up in Malayalam.

What about Tamil roles?

I have got Manjal Veyil on the cards. I am lucky to have got this character. My patience has paid. It is a role that has been untouched by our heroes for the past ten years. I cannot say a word more about this project because the role has a suspense element. I am looking forward for more good roles in Tamil.

Tell us more about your ‘sunny’ experience in Manjal Veyil.The director is Raja and it is produced by Syed, Krishna Kumar has wielded the camera and Music for the film is scored by Bharadwaj. It is a dream team. I hope I get ten more movies with the same team. I have two songs in Manjal Veyil both shot abroad.I am preparing to go overseas for the shoot.Manjal Veyil deals with dual-hero subject.

Don’t you have any qualms about doing twin-hero subjects?

Definitely no. I will go ahead if I get to portray good roles.Tell us more about your current projects.Director Sajulan in Malayalam has roped me in for his movie ‘SMS’. Ilayaraja is the music director. He is the person who actually gave the title for the movie. Then there is Paththaam Adhyayam. It is an art film.

Then ‘Orma Kuripugal’ and ‘Harindran Oru Nishkalangan?’ directed by Vinayan. Then there is one more untitled film by Shaji Kailas.

You have a lot of movies lined up in Malayalam. What about in Tamil?

I am waiting for Manjal Veyil to hit the screens.

What about having your own production?

Yes I am giving it some thought. My dad has earmarked it for 2008. Let’s wait and see.

When do you plan to tie the knot?

(Laughs) Only after a huge hit, and that too in Tamil.

Who is your favourite actress?

Simran.Can’t you give us the name of a young, unmarried actress?
Hey don’t drag me into controversies.(Laughs)