Waiting for a big break: Jagapati

Jagapati Babu, who was last seen in Vishal–Tamannaah starrer Kaththi Sandai is excited about his recent release, Vijay’s Bairavaa, directed by Bharathan. Even though the Lingaa actor has been part of several notable Tamil films, he feels that he is yet to get his break in Kollywood.

“I hope Bairavaa brings me much-needed fame in Tamil. In Telugu, I’m kind of settled as I have been getting great offers. I am still waiting to make it big in Kollywood though,” starts off Jagapati.

The 54-year-old actor is all praise for Vijay. “Producer Bharati Reddy is close to my family and that is how Bairavaa’s offer landed up on my bag. I loved working with Vijay. He is usually quiet on the sets when the camera is switched off — but as soon as he goes on-screen, we can see a different Vijay. He is like dynamite!” hails Jagapati.

For an actor with more than three decades of experience, he thinks his career is at a high now. He elaborates, “I’ve done several films as a hero, but I feel I am getting maximum attention now. Being a character artist is fun as you don’t have to take too much responsibility on your shoulders. In fact, I am enjoying my work these days.”

Jagapati is one of the few actors who takes his styling seriously. “After my Telugu film Legend, I was interested in styling. I am extremely casual in real life and you can see me in track pants and slippers all the time. I do take the time to check what clothes I am wearing — and I am involved when the designer and director discuss costumes for the film,” he opines.

The Thaandavam actor does feel that he is being typecast though — “In the majority of films, I play either a posh villain or a person hailing from a rich family! I am bored of these roles and I wanted to do something commercial. In fact, I had a great role in Selvaraghavan’s Kaan. It had class and mass elements. Unfortunately, the film was shelved. I want to break all the rules and pick those films which are challenging and unique,” he signs off. Jagapati Babu is also in talks for another big project in Tamil along with several in Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada.