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 He recently won the Kerala State Award for his performance in the Malayalam film 'Vaasthavam'. And his new Tamil release 'Mozhi', apart from turning into a box office success, has earned for the actor his share of appreciation. Balancing comfortably both languages, Prithwiraj's career seems to be on the right track. Excerpts from a chat with this actor whose has the right combination of looks and talent.
After your debut in 'Nandanam', you had to wait for about 30 films to get your second big hit 'Classmates'. Was the wait frustrating?
Not At all! And by the way, I've had a couple of other fair box office successes too. Like 'Swapnakoodu' and 'Vellinakshatram'. But no, I was never really driven to frustration by my failures. I'm just 24 now. There's nearly a decade for me to be at the age when most actors peak. To have all my faculties open, to get such varied roles in such a short span of time, and to be able to do the films I want to, all these have given me immense satisfaction. Only, it happens that at times I like some roles, but the audience don't take to it. Like 'Deivanaamathil'. Which I liked, but which didn't do well at the box office.
 Did you ever feel that your growth was being deliberately stifled, as some of your colleagues allege?
No. I don't think anybody can ever do that! If you have the talent, motivation and perseverance, you can make it. It may take a lot more time for some, that's all. One thing I miss out on is luck! But yes, there were times when I have walked into a theatre to see a film of mine and I've
experienced the disturbance caused by some elements in the audience. If it was deliberate, I don't know what the motivation is! This is not just with my film. It happens with others too. Like it happened when I went to watch 'Notebook'. I was appalled at the response from a part of the audience. And it was a good film with fresh faces. I don't know why people do it. If they don't like the film they can just walk out. Why spoil the fun for others? Anyway, it doesn't really stop a good film from doing well!
Seasoned directors like Shaji Kailas haven't taken you in their films. Does it bother You? And is it this which has made you venture into the Tamil field?
Not really. I don't think about it that way. It's up to them. If they have a script which demands me, I'm sure they will approach me. I'm doing a film with Shafi now. Talks are on with another veteran director. As for Tamil films, lots of scripts have always been coming my way. But the first really good script I got was cinematographer-director K V Anand's 'Kana Kandein'. And with my new release 'Mozhi' doing well and with the appreciation I'm getting, more good scripts are coming my way. And whenever I find my next exciting script, I'll do it, be it Malayalam or Tamil.
Arrogance and an attitude is alleged to be part of your nature.
Hey, I'm a very down-to-earth, simple and an amiable person. I work hard, like to have like-minded, cooperative people around me. I give my 100 per cent to any project. Film-makers have repeated me and offered me their next projects too. Would they have wanted me a second time if I was such a difficult person to deal or work with? And as for people who allege that I have an attitude problem, well, they may be having their own reason!
Talking of attitude, your father was supposed to be this very outspoken person. How has he influenced you as a person and an actor?
 My father was the biggest influence in my life. His influence was more as a human being that he was rather than as an actor. My entry into films was accidental. And my father had passed away much before that. In my life, I don't think I've met a more outspoken person than him. I am outspoken, too, and probably I inherited this trait from him. Some may take it as a negative trait
So how do you take these allegations, rumours and media gossip?
I'm least bothered! If a paper or magazine sells a hundred extra copies because of me, they can go ahead. I am me. Nothing can change that!
Coming to more pleasant things...Some of your colleagues like Thilagan, have spoken of your potential. That you'd give the rest a run for their money. Such compliments must surely have pleased you?
I'm overwhelmed. It's a big compliment coming from a man like Thilagan, and an actor of his calibre. His confidence in me, that he sees something in me, is a huge boost-up to my morale. It increases my responsibility as an actor too.
And what about some calling you the next superstar?
I don't get affected by it. It's just about five years since I've made my entry. What if tomorrow someone more talented or deserving comes up? Again, I feel that this whole concept of a 'Superstar' may not exist in the near future. Who is the superstar in Hollywood today? Or for that matter in Hindi films? There may be a big star, a big hit or a very highly paid hero. But it won't be just one, and it will keep changing. But if some do say that about me, it's again a confidence-booster. That they have so much faith in me.
With your recent films like 'Vaasthavam', it seemed like you were moving towards more realistic, meaningful cinema?
It's nothing deliberate. I did them for my artistic satisfaction. So I would call them 'selfish' films. They were all challenging roles. These films may not have been box office-grossers. But they gave me enough scope as an actor. The role of Balachandra Adiga in 'Vaasthavam' for example, was one of the most complex roles of my career. And it's this role that fetched me the State Award.
 An award which generated a lot of controversy too. Does it pain you, take away some of the sheen out of your winning it?
I shouldn't be complaining because I never expected the award in the first place. When I was shooting the film, I could feel the role was a mind-blowing one. But I didn't really do it with the thought of any award in mind. As for the controversy - if there are a few people who think that I didn't deserve it, it's fine with me. It's a free country, and people are free to express their opinion. Maybe it's because I'm the youngest hero to win the State Award? I really don't know. But then, no award is without a controversy. So it's nothing new!
Malini Mannath
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