Though disconnected from the world of colors, some magical force seems to pull people like him to the film industry. In the same way, professional cricketer Bhasi Bhaskar, who was only known for his cricketing skills, has now worked not just in Kannada but also in Bollywood films, acting alongside stars and directors. He has acted in numerous Kannada films, gaining recognition. He even worked with Mohanlal in the Malayalam film Vrushabha. There are possibilities that his pan-India level movie Vrushabha will release this year. Bhasi Bhaskar, who has been working on this project, shares his experience of his journey into the film industry.
“I never dreamed of entering films. My connection with the film industry started through friendships. When Vishnu sir came to our office, that was the beginning of my journey in films. My bond with Vishnuvardhan sir, Shivaramanna, Abhijith, Shobhraj, and Vijay Kumar grew from there. We also played cricket together. While playing cricket, a director with a background in drama met me. He asked me if I wanted to act in a role in his drama. I told him I knew nothing about drama. They trained me for about one and a half to two months, teaching me how to speak and express myself. That’s how acting began for me.”
“One day, after watching my drama, S. Narayan sir suggested I act in the movie Veeraparampare. It was a film with Ambareesh and Sudeep. When big personalities ask, it’s impossible to say no. Without thinking twice, I agreed to do the movie. After Veeraparampare, I did films like Varevva and E Kshana. From there, my journey in full-fledged cinema began, and at the same time, I got into CCL (Celebrity Cricket League). I got a chance from Sudeep and Ashok Kheni. In CCL, I hit a six off the last ball to win the game, and even today, people remember that moment.”
“During my training, I also acted in Hindi and Urdu plays in Mumbai. One day, director Neeraj Pandey saw my performance in a play, and that led to my opportunity in the movie M.S. Dhoni. After that, I acted with Akshay Kumar and Taapsee Pannu in Naam Shabana. Slowly, I started getting more offers. During this time, I got a chance to play a police officer role in Salaga. I must thank Duniya Vijay for that role. It gave my career a new milestone.”
“In the midst of all this, I also got a chance to act in Mohanlal’s Vrushabha movie. I was selected through an audition for Ekta Kapoor’s production. In Vrushabha, I play a doctor who treats Mohanlal’s character. Kannada director Nandakishore is directing the film, and I must thank him as well. I have already completed my shooting for the movie. It’s a pleasure to share the screen with Mohanlal. It felt like I was meeting our Kannada pride Rajkumar. Such simplicity, he called me to his caravan and spoke with me.”
Acting with Mohanlal is a lifetime achievement: “Every artist dreams of playing a role with Mohanlal. There is so much to learn from him, and those lessons will stay with me for a lifetime. On our first meeting, I touched his feet in respect. The way he speaks to fellow artists with respect reminded me of Rajkumar. On the day I met him, I told him, ‘You are the encyclopedia of world cinema’ because I am a huge fan of Doddmane and all the greats in Kannada cinema, from Annavru to Shivanna, Raghanna, and Puneeth. I have several books related to Doddmane, and that was a proud moment for me.”
Don’t limit yourself to just one type of role: After Salaga, Bhasi Bhaskar has not appeared in many Kannada films. That’s because roles of the same kind started coming his way. Cinema, for me, is about navarasas (the nine emotions). I can express all kinds of emotions through my acting. However, I feel like I’ve been typecast into police roles, and those are the kinds of roles coming my way. So, I’m now on the lookout for new and diverse roles. I am ready to act in any language,” says Bhasi Bhaskar.
