Kalidas Jayaram Going The Extra Mile

It was his deep passion for films that led him to renowned film maker, Mani Ratnam’s office. With just a college degree and no recommendations, they rejected his request instantly but he wasn’t ready to quit just yet and fervently persisted. Soon they realised that this young chap is not giving up that easily and eventually, they agreed to take him in. He was so excited to be a part of the team that he zealously went about doing every single task assigned to him– irrespective of the nature of the job! In the process, he got to watch and work with his dream film maker at close quarters! Later, Superstar Jayaram happened to meet Mani Ratnam during one of his trips and he casually enquired about his son’s apprenticeship. It was only then that the film maker realised that it was young Kalidas Jayaram who had been working at his office but he had never even once mentioned his dad. That is Kalidas Jayaram for you – a thorough gentleman, down to earth and charmingly unassuming! RITZ has a candid chat with the handsome young star, who, after having bagged national awards as a child artist, is currently stealing the hearts of the South Indian audience just like his iconic father!

- Riya Sonny Datson

What are you earliest memories as an actor?

I still have a very clear memory of my very first shot. It feels as if it happened yesterday. The shoot was in Goa for ‘Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal’ with Sathyandikad Sir. The boy who was supposed to do the role couldn’t make it as he was unwell and it was KPAC Lalitha aunty who suggested my name. My father himself wasn’t sure if I could perform. He asked me if I wanted to give it a try and I agreed. The first scene was with my dad - we are walking together and I see his friend approaching us and I say, ‘Dhe Jose Uncle....’ and run towards him. I got the shot right in the first take. But at that point, being a child I didn’t give it much thought. I came back and sat next to my mum and someone approached me with a book. I didn’t realise why I was given a book and I examined it carefully. That’s when mum explained to me that it was an autograph book and that I had to sign it! Through the shoot, I realised that it’s not all fun and games at a movie set and that you have to work really hard but I enjoyed it all the same. In fact, I couldn’t stop thinking about it.

You discovered your passion for films as a child. While growing up, did you prepare yourself for the same?

Not really. After being a child artist in two movies, I couldn’t shake my mind off Cinema. I would be thinking about it all the time. Though there were offers coming my way, my parents wanted me to focus on my studies. But I literally grew up watching performances, films being made and visiting movie sets. So it was very much a part of my life always! As I reached 10th standard,