My parents advised me to draw a line between my on-screen character and real-life: Mithuna Raashi actor Swaminathan Anantharaman

Kannada actor Swaminathan Anantharaman's career seems to be on the right track. The engineer-turned-actor has indeed turned out to be one of the popular faces on Kannada television and is enjoying his stint as an actor. He will also be making his silver screen debut too. Amidst his busy schedule, ETimes TV got in touch with the actor to know more about his life as an actor and much more...

Acting just happened to me. I always wanted to be a model and was keen on taking up modeling projects. On the other hand, I would also be a part of short films during my college days. Somehow, I would land up bagging the lead role in the short films. Although I was much interested in working behind the camera, I was convinced to take up acting as well.

Besides these activities, I was very much interested in attending plays. We used to have plays being performed in our college. So, I was very fascinated in seeing these artists perform on stage. Memorising the dialogues, performing live in front of the audience, and showcasing the acting prowess need a lot of effort. Although I do not have a theatre background, I really have huge respect for theatre artists. I never used to miss any plays during my college days. In fact, I still make it a point to watch plays during my leisure time in and around the city.

It always feel that an artist needs to have a theatre background. It actually enhances their acting prowess. I felt this after I became a full-fledged actor. As I mentioned earlier, acting just happened to me. It was one of my friends who actually circulated my pictures to a few casting agencies here. She did this without my knowledge. By then, I had already completed my engineering and started to work as well. Although I would get calls from the casting agencies, I would take it on a lighter note since I had no idea about it.

One fine day, the producer of Mithuna Rashi called me. I was asked to appear for the look test. I had no idea about it. I called up my friend and asked her about the same. She asked me to give it a try. So, I went all the way to the venue and gave it a try. Everything started falling into place. I had my photoshoot for the show. The shoot did not start immediately. Amidst this, I was getting to know the process of the shoot and all.

I was really very naive when it came to acting during the initial days of my career. I did not have any knowledge about it. My director of the show would guide me often. I did not know much of the technical aspects while shooting. It was on the 14th or 15th of December 2019 when the shoot for Mitha Rashi started. I was very excited about my new journey in my career. I was asked to suit up as the character demanded it. It was a thrilling moment for me.

Initially, my on-screen character demanded me to showcase the arrogant side. My on-screen character 'Mithun', lives in his own bubble. He is stubborn. For him, money mattered a lot due to bitter experiences in his life. Somewhere in between getting involved in the character, I realized that I was fleeing away from who I am. Mithun's character was clung to my back. I literally had forgotten who I am.

Eight months after the premiere of Mithuna Rashi, I turned out to be a different man. I used to be stubborn, arrogant, and whatnot! This was adapted from my on-screen character. So, one day, my parents gave me a reality check. Upon witnessing the changes in my behavior, my parents advised me to draw a line between my on-screen character and real life. They made me realise the changes in my behavior. This was really an eye-opener for me.

It has been an amazing journey so far. My on-screen mother, Harini ma has always been very supportive. The directors have also been equally supportive. They give references for my on-screen appearance. Besides, yes Mitha Rashi is a star-studded serial and we have all been there for each other through the thick and thin of our workspace. All of us bond well off-screen as well.

Initially, my on-screen character had a grey shade to it. So there were times when people would reach out to me and advise me not to hurt my on-screen wife. On the other hand, considering the change in the storyline about my on-screen character, I get a lot of praise now. Especially, when I am out with my family I feel very overwhelmed when I get positive feedback.

Many scripts came to me, but nothing drew me. It is content which I was looking for rather than commercial dramas. I heard the narration of this film from the director for about two hours. It excited me and I accepted the project.

I have completed two schedules of my movie shoot. It has been a great experience so far. Interestingly, what's best about my silver screen project is that Harini ma plays the role of my mother too in the movie. She is my on-screen mother for my daily soap as well as my movie.

Right now, I am just concentrating on my career. It seems to be on a right track. I want to settle first and then think about the next step in my personal life; I mean marriage. I am happy that I am in a good space in terms of my career.