Himanshu Shekhar Guru
Udayan Aparajit who has in-depth knowledge of post-production and behind-the-screen maneuverings of the film industry, had pledged he would only show up on screen in the role of a hero. Kudos to his hard work and dedication, he has landed his dream project…
True labour never goes waste is a time-honoured dictum. Investing his faith in the saying which his father often used to repeat, Oriya guy Udayan Aparajit initiated his journey to become the hero of a big budget film and finally achieved his objective in the Kannada film industry. Perhaps, Udayan is the first Oriya to be selected in a lead role in the Kannada industry in the film Khiladi. Known as ‘Khiladi Udaya’ in the Kannada industry, Udayan already has three more films in his kitty. The humble boy doesn’t hesitate to reveal that he had appeared in more than hundred auditions and has experienced rejection at every level. Orissa POST chats with the Khiladi guy on his silver screen journey.
Born to Namita and Arjun Prusty of Kaima village in Dharmasala block in Jajpur district, 28-year-old Udayan graduated from Bhadrak Autonomous College in 2006. He moved to Mumbai shortly after to try his luck in Bollywood and pursued a filmmaking course. He returned to Orissa in 2010 and started a post-production studio. Unfortunately, he suffered losses in production and decided to move to Bangalore in mid-2011.
He joined Zee TV as a technical trainer but soon left the job and joined another city-based post-production studio as the managing director where he worked for many Kannada films. After working for some years he convinced himself that it was the right time to make the effort to pursue his dream to become a hero. But the practical-minded Udayan knew it was not possible to attend auditions as he had a demanding job. Hence he left the job and devoted his time to auditions. He appeared in more than 143 auditions and faced many rejections. But the patient aspirant did not lose heart and finally achieved what he had set out for. He got selected as the hero of the Sharan Kabbur directed flick.
It is doubtless a tough task for a person from another state to make a mark in a regional film industry. Initially, Udayan faced problems with handling the language. A couple of years back he was chosen for a Kannada movie in a lead role but was rejected because of his Oriya origin.
“Not only Kannada, no other South Indian film industry has ever opened its doors to an outsider and that too in the hero’s role, although there are many villains and heroines in those industries who are from outside South India. As an actor you need to be one of the people and know the nuances of the language to come up with a good performance,” said Udayan.
What’s the secret of his success? “If you love the language and culture and get along well, the people will definitely love you. I faced many problems being a non-Kannada. Had I not been an Oriya, I could have done a film here two years back. I was selected for a film and was sitting in a press meet when this issue came up that I am from Orissa which was why I lost the film. But then I decided to appear in auditions and categorically mentioned that I am from Bhubaneswar. Give me a chance if I fit your requirements irrespective of my Oriya background,” he added.
The proud Oriya actor was not in a mood to compromise with his culture and tradition but he had to change his look and body language and almost became a South Indian to attain his dream.
About his struggle Udayan said, “I have worked in the film industry for eight years but all behind the camera in different departments of filmmaking. I have worked in various industries like Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, Oriya, and Bhojpuri and in different roles like shoot supervisor, vfx head, production manager, assistant director, EP and have even assisted in stunt direction.”
When asked why he didn’t start grooming as an actor from the very beginning of his professional career Udayan said, “I didn’t have the right background to jumpstart a career as a hero and I was keen to know the whole procedure from script to screen before I got to face the camera.”
Khiladi is his debut movie about his selection Udayan said, “It’s not like overnight I became an actor. The director and producer were happy with my performance and versatile look which suited the role. The director was moved by my dedication and hard work. He appreciated the fact that being an Oriya I played a Kannada guy so well. But I also had to pay a price (smiles) to get this film and it was that I had to lose weight. I went under training and lost 12 kg in two months to fit the character,” he added.
What about roles other than the hero, we asked him to which Udayan replied, “Had it been the second lead or any character role I could have done 15 films by now with the kind of links I have. But I had decided if I ever acted it would only be in a lead role.”
About his personal life Udayan said, “I hardly remember having a blissful personal life in my eight years of struggle and preparation. As they say love just happens. So am waiting if it’s on cards then it will happen and I will be ready for it.”