GALLANT GOPI
Going Miles Ahead

Writeup by - CNB           Photos by K.M. VEERESH                Date - 22nd April  2005

Gopi from Peenya (M.Gopal) in Bangalore is going thousands of miles far away to work as associate director for an English and Hindi film ‘Off Shore’ being directed by Diane. 

This is a major breakthrough for this youngster with promise who was an unsung hero all these years. Work is worship aptly suits this workaholic multifaceted Gopi Peenya.

In an exclusive chat with Chitraloka he speaks on his past, present and future:

• 16 long years in various capacities, what is your achievement?

I 16 long years in various capacities, what is your achievement?
I am enjoying the challenges. In the hunt for freshness I am looking out for peace. From a wanderer boy status I have grown up in Peenya with a BA degree certificate. Today I have procured work satisfaction. I am quite comfortable in life.
 
• What is this new project ‘Off Shore’?

For this bilingual film in Hindi and English I am working as associate director under the direction of Diane. The shooting begins in June middle and in August I am going to United States of America for two months. This is an off beat film. It may be another ‘Monsoon Wedding’ and ‘Bend it like Beckhem’.
 
• How did this contact developed?

I never miss out in my earlier contacts. It was when I was working for Nagathihalli Chandrasekhar’s ‘America America’ and ‘Nanna Preethiya Hudugi’ I came in touch with Diane and others. I have worked as production manager for Ravi Ravindranath for his two audio albums in which one is devotional and another one is light music. For Mano Murthy I have worked for his fusion audio album. These two well known personalities are living in United States of America.
 
• What is your working style?

Reaching the target is my first and foremost importance. With not much of seriousness I involve everyone without pressurizing. I give a feeling that in the work everyone needs my presence. I look after the variety of importance so accurately. I always like to work in the morning where the freshness is very good.
 
• How was your early period of life?

I was not having much of responsibilities. I started a studio. I am even today a still photographer, opened a bakery worked for my father’s business galvanizing unit. One my friends showed interest in adopting a novel of Nagathihalli Chandrsekharji to small screen. Then I approached Nagathihalli Chandrasekharji. Since I was interested in photography I was with P.Rajan for sometime. In a very short time I developed good contact with Nagathihalli Chandrasekharji. I worked for his documentaries he liked my work and my first assignment for him in films began in 1991.
 
• You are permanently in the camp of Nagathihalli Chandrasekhar….

For all his six films from Undu Hodha Kondu Hodha to Nanna Preethiya Hudugi and most of his serials till the middle of ‘Vataara’ I have worked day and night gained work experience and systematic approach.
 
• In what are the areas you have worked?

As an assistant cameraman, associate director, assistant director, trekker, ecological photographer (active member of Eco’s Wild club) besides the still photographer for various films.
 
• What are the important films and television serials you have done?

I was associated with important films like Kotreshi Kanasu, America America, Hoomale, Utkarsha, Prathama Ushakirana, Baa Nalle Madhuchandrake etc. Some important television serials are Prathibimba, Kaveri, Bhagya, Punya, Vataara and Manase Oh Manase.
 
• What is that you have liked most in your profession?

For the change and learning experience perhaps the arch light is the best place. Each day is a new change. This change has kept me going for so long.
 
• How about the security?

The financial security is not possible from films. But from television serials the financial as well as professional satisfaction is possible. What you cannot do it in films you can try out in small screen. 
 
• But off late the small screen is feeding the unnecessary?

That is my argument also. Just for the sake of holding the attention of the people and TRP going high we are going low off late. From my shooting also I have such disturbing experiences. You go to the exteriors people talk about clashes and antagonizing elements.
 
• What is that you missed so far?

My mother! She died at the age of 45 on account of cancer. I wanted her to know that I have attained little bit of status in the society. Before she could know that I am a good son she left me.
 
• Are you married?

Yes. I fell in love with TV announcer Jyothi three years ago. She is a good singer good conductor of shows in Udaya and at present in ETV. It was while she was working for ‘Bhagya’ television serial I got married to her. 
 
• What is your future plan?

After I come back from United States of America I am planning to take up independent direction. I have the subject ready and a producer has shown interest.
 
• Which are your best television serials?

It is Cauvery and Punya. I have got good memories from it even today. How it got immersed in the minds of the viewers is something remarkable.