Kochi: Balaji Sarma, a familiar name among TV serial buffs, now has a firm foothold in tinsel town too. The versatile actor who has proved his mettle through a number of hit Malayalam soaps such as Alakal, Ammakili, and Kayamkulam Kochunni, has carved a niche for himself with flicks such as Ozhimuri, Drishyam, Pakida, Memories, and Mr Fraud in which he played a prominent role.
The actor who made his M’town debut in 2010 feels that the whole world conspired to bring out the best in him through diverse and challenging roles!
“I owe Madhupal ettan for the fantastic role he offered me in Ozhimuri. It was a performance oriented movie dealing with a good subject that gave me a much-needed career break,” says Balaji.
He has never looked back since then. Apart from Drishyam and Pakida, he has acted in many other films including Hotel California, Left Right Left, Kunjananthante Kada, Perariyathavar and Medulla Oblangata.
He says he is blessed not to be stereotyped. “I am happy that I get to play notable characters and thus showcase my performing abilities, even if it is a single shot. For instance, in Pakida, I played a broker, in Ozhimuri a brother whereas in Hotel California, I was the local pimp. In Memories, the character Somasekharan brought the twist. Also, I am lucky to have combination scenes with all leading actors such as Mohanlal and Jayaram within this short span of time,” he adds.
However, Balaji says that getting into movies was not a cakewalk. Quitting a job with the Air Force, he commenced his acting spree as a television anchor, moving on to serials and gradually stepping into movies.
He started with hosting a live tele programme, Thamasha.com in ACV in which he appeared in different get-ups to entertain the masses. The show was a big hit and soon he got a call to act in the serial Alakal.
According to Balaji, “If we wish truly for something, it will come to us.” He says many of his chances including that in Kamal’s film Nadan came to him in a similar fashion.
“I aspired to be a film actor while working on the small screen. It happened. And now I look forward to getting more challenging character roles,” he adds.
His upcoming movies are Avatharam, Saradhi and Homely Meals.
