Hat-trick hero Shivarajkumar is known for simplicity and humility. Shivarajkumar, who is affectionately called as Shivu by his friends and family members, is a no-nonsense person but at the same time he will not hesitate to call a spade a spade and will not tolerate any type of nonsense. Though it is not known whether his recent film Santheyalli Nintha Kabira will do well at the box-office, he is very happy with the rave reviews it got from film critics and a positive feedback from friends and well-wishers. In a brief interview with Y Maheswara Reddy on the side-lines of the film’s success meet Shivarajkumar talks about his plans and emphasises the need for unity among the leaders of Kannada organisations to fight for a cause.

What is the feedback you got on your recent film Santeyalli Nintha Kabira?

I was scared to accept this film when director Babu approached me because it was not like a regular formula film which consist some fights, a few scenes of running around trees and a few scenes of sentiment and emotion. I took it as a challenge and made all efforts to give my best. Its shooting was completed in 45 days. I do not know whether this film will fare well at the box-office and can make its producer happy but I am very happy with the feedback. Many people told me Santeyalli Ninta Kabira has met their expectations.

Why did you agree to act in Santeyalli Ninta Kabira?

I consider it as a miracle because this character was waiting for me for 54 years. I was born after nine years of my parents got married. Kabira known for national integrity and I also had an opportunity to mingle with people from all religions. I happened to study at schools and colleges managed by Christian and Muslim organisaitons. I had cultivated the habit of not discriminating people based on caste or creed. Having such thoughts has helped me to play the role Kabira without any hurdles.

You are known for acting in action-oriented films. Most of your action-oriented films were succeeded at the box-office but other films aimed at family audience failed at the box-office. Are you repenting for acting in such films?

No, I am not repenting for acting in films that were bombed at the box office. Yes there were occasions. I was shocked to see lukewarm response from the audience to such films. For example, I gave my best in Chigurida Kanasu. It was qualified to be a successful film but the audience did not encourage it.

What type of films do you like to accept in future?

Though some of my action-oriented films are ready for release, I want to act as Dasimayya, Bhakta Ambareesha in future. Though preparations are underway but nothing has been finalised so far. I am eagerly waiting for such a golden opportunity. I want my fans and cine buffs to see me on the screen as an artiste and not as a hero who loves to cut ten or more people with a dagger at a time and gets away with such crime.

A few of your films are scheduled for a simultaneous release. Will it not affect the prospects of your films?

I am against simultaneous release of my films. The producers or the distributors should realise that unhealthy competition in releasing films will have an adverse impact on the box-office collections. It happened to my earlier films – Vajrakaya and Killing Veerappan. Because of the release of two films at the same time, Killing Veerappan failed to fare well at the box-office. It was a good film and I made lot of efforts to play such character but it did not bring money back to the producer and distributor.

Will you convince producers and distributors of your films not to release your films at a time?

Producers were like annadataru (who provide food for others) during my father’s heydays. They used to listen to heroes those days. Now, producers have become villains. They are not bothered to follow the advice of heroes. The producers of my films are not taking my advice on when and how to release my films.

Now it seems you are in the forefront whenever Karnataka’s interests are affected. Are you happy to participate in agitations?

I consider it as my responsibility to raise my voice whenever Kannada or Karnataka’s interested are affected. I am ready to take part in more and more agitations whenever it is needed. At the same time, I am of the opinion that people of Karnataka should not blame artistes for not able to participating in agitations. The people should not depend only on artistes. There are many people who are eligible and suppose to take part in agitations.

Are you happy with the response during the recent bandh?

I am happy with the response to the recent bandh against the interim judgment of Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal but at the same time I am not happy with the attitude of some people. While taking out a procession, some fans started shouting slogans in favour of their favourite heroes. It was not an occasion to shout slogans in favour of the heroes. The need of the hour was to fight unitedly and certainly not for organising meetings and protests separately.

Will you elaborate a little bit on organising separate meetings and protests?

The problem with some pro-Kannada organisations is that each of them wanted to maintain its identity. Each of the organisations wants to project itself as the sole protector of Karnataka’s interests. These so-called organisations have to maintain dignity and should not become nonsense.

Some people began questioning the absence of some artistes at the protest rally instead of appreciating those who turned up at the venue. They have not bothered about what to do to protect state’s interests in Mahadayi issue. I am of the opinion that all out efforts should be made to win the legal battle in Mayadayi water dispute. The people at the helm of affairs have to retrospect on what went wrong to convince Mayadayi Water Dispute Tribunal and take suitable measures to win the legal battle.