We should be thankful for our extended run: actor Jagadish

Lecturer-turned-comedian and character artiste Jagadish, who entered the filmdom three decades ago, says he and his fellow actors should be thankful for their extended run in the Malayalam film industry.

"Thriving in the industry for close to three decades and still going on - we should consider it as a bonus," Jagadish, who debuted in films with a minor role in "My Dear Kuttichathan" in 1984, told IANS.

"This is applicable to all those stars who started their career with me and they still continue to don the grease paint," he added.

Quite true! Even now, the likes of Mammootty and Mohanlal rule the roost.

Jagadish started his career as a lecturer in the late 1980s and after juggling teaching and acting job for a while, he decided to become a full-time actor.

Over the last 30 years Jagadish, who is married to a doctor, acted in more than 340 films. Of these, 40 films saw him in the lead roles. He also scripted more than a dozen films.

If Jagadish established himself with his roles in "Mutharamkunnu P.O." (1985), "Nandi Veendum Varika" (1986), "Manivathoorile Aayiram Shivarathrikal" (1987) and "Vandanam" (1989), he scaled newer heights with his stellar performances in "Mukhachitram", "In Harihar Nagar" and "Godfather".

"The fact of the matter is that even though we all continue to be in the industry, many of us are still known for our roles that we essayed in the early or middle stage of our career, and mind you this is applicable to all who still continue to be on the top," said Jagadish, who understands the pulse of politics and showbiz.

Being frank, the long innings that he and his fellow actors enjoyed may not be possible now, thanks to the competition.

"The world has become competitive and today there are numerous other activities for those who want entertainment, hence to survive where one is today can become tough. Owning a distribution or a production company may not be the answer for sustained presence," said the 55-year-old who shuttles between sets even today.

If that is not enough, he is visible on television too.

"I am gainfully engaged and I am happy with what I am doing now," he said.