VERACIOUS VETERAN
Ashwath Pride Of Kannada Filmdom

Interview - CNB         Photos - K.M. Veeresh     Date 03-07-2006       Time - 10-00 AM

Veteran Kannada cinema actor K.S.Ashwath who brought additional dimension to the supporting actor's fraternity is leading a cool and calm life in Mysore. The respected actor is called as 'Maryadha Purusha' of Kannada cinema.

He was surrounded by a few journalists at Atria Hotel after his dinner when he had come to jointly release the audio cassette of 'Mohini…., Kannada film with Kannada Development Board President Dr.Siddalingaiah. He came to Bangalore from Mysore with his daughter to attend the audio function. This is unexpected occasion for me. In the six long years ill health I have detached from filmdom. The God has lent me an opportunity to mingle with the Industry again he said. When Ashwathji was invited for a role in 'Savira Mettilu' the 38 years ago unfinished project of Puttannaji he had told ace director K.S.L.Swamee that it seems he is living today to act in this long pending project.

Excerpts of an interview with 82 years old Gentleman actor par excellence:

How are you Ashwathji?
From the paralytic stroke to left side of my body I have recouped. My heart is very strong. I can't walk for more than 40 minutes.

How you are spending your time?
In recollecting the memories!

What is that?
Firstly I tell you it is nothing but good old days. Secondly I tell you that I can speak on two points and I cannot say anything on the present day cinema.

What are those two points?
You journalists have to come to me I have to tell you something. But I will tell you one experience of mine.

We are curious to hear?
My park friend told me that 'Nagarahavu' is coming in television one day. I wanted to see that 34 years old film. I was anxious to see. I came home and switched on the TV. But 'Kotigobba' Kannada film was on air. I was taken aback and quietly watching it. My park friend rang up asked how do I find it after watching an hour of 'Nagarahavu' film. I told him 'Kotigobba' is coming in TV. He asked me to change the channel to Ushe. Immediately I did like that on his instruction and watched the remaining portion of 'Nagarahavu'.

What did you felt after watching it?
I remember the talk I had with Puttannaji behind Chitradurga hill. Puttannaji was perturbed. He wept. He told after giving so many good films Kannada producers are not asking him to direct. I remember that pain in Puttannaji even to this day. I wonder to even this day why such a thing has happened to Puttannaji.

What is another point you want to make?
Only directors like Puttanna and S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu add value to the character artistes. They make a supporting actor like me feel proud.

Sir, you know our culture is becoming defunct?
Laughs! I know hudgru hudgiru avarava dress exchange madkonda hage kanuthe.

A senior citizen like you can give some advices?
This question does not come under my jurisdiction.

How do you spend time?
I sleep well. I do walking read newspapers and then watch television.

Are you happy with newspaper reports?
No. Today's newspaper policy is not good. In a newspaper the entire state and country development was given in the past. But today what happens in Mysore is only highlighted in that particular edition. Person like me is interested in knowing what happened in Dharwar or Belgaum. I want to inter act for what's happening in remote distant village. Why can't they focus?

How this state can remember icon of Kannada cinema Dr.Rajkumar?
He has already done unforgettable work. No one can wipe him away from our memory. What I would say about Dr.Rajkumar is that he practiced what he did on screen. He became part and parcel of our social life. This is not in the case of doctors, engineers, scientists and others.

Ashwathji why a national award has slipped away from you?
Yaakri Beku application haaki padeyo award? Till today I am recognized by people as 'Chamayya Meshtru' role in 'Nagarahavu'. I am satisfied with that..