'I wear a smile for everyone'

Why did you choose acting as your career?
I belong to a family of artistes. Acting and singing are in my blood. Right from my childhood, I knew I had to choose a career in the film industry.
Tell us about your early days in the industry. Was it a smooth ride?
Not really. I first tried my luck in Odia film in 2007 and stayed near the residence of film star Uttam Mohanty.He suggested me to go for a career in music industry rather than acting, as there is tough competition. But I was decided. I struggled at first, but slowly I found my place and tasted success.
Do you think you have succeeded as a music director?
I have directed 50 to 60 albums and worked as director, lyricist and singer. I also got best music director awards. But then music industry passed through a bad phase. Some sort of Philistinism crept in. Unskilled people dominated the industry and talented artists could not survive. Then I decided to shift to FM radio and television.
How has the journey been in television so far?
Television has made me what I am today. Comedy programmes like "Excuse me please!", "Jaha Kahibi Sata Kahibi" and "Phaltu Katha" are most popular shows on television. These made me a household name in the state. So far I have played 318 characters in one serial, which is a record in itself.
When and how did you choose to switch to comedy?
A: I feel after "Jayee Bhai", there was a dearth of comedians in Odia film industry. Film makers started giving less importance to comic roles and scripts were lacking new ideas to provide a comic relief to the audiences. I got to play cameos in many films, but these did not give me satisfaction, so I decided to do selected films. People liked my style of presentation as they think me as one of them. For my colloquial language, many laughed at me, but when I tried to speak refined Odia, that sounded even more hilarious.
From a comedian in films to a lead role in 'Rangila Toka', was it a risk you deliberately took or a confident decision?
Actually my previous film, "Balunga Toka", in which I had a meaty role beside alongside Anubhab, was a super duper hit. I had also worked for the script. My work in the film was lauded by many, which gave me a confidence to take the risk of becoming the first comedian in a lead roll. And the result is before you. Even after weeks, 'Rangeela Toka' is running houseful shows.
Did the fear of failure as a hero ever haunt you before release of 'Rangeela toka'?
When I announced the project, many raised eyebrows, criticized the move or laughed at me. But my producer, Pravas Chandra Rout, had shown full faith in me and agreed to do the mega project. I took extra care and personally looked over everything starting from cast and crew to extras, story, script, music, lyrics. The film released and shut the mouth of all critics. It is a huge success.
What will be your next project after Rangeela Toka?
My next film will be released in January. I cannot say much about the film but I can ensure it would be an 'original' film and not a 'copy-paste'.
At present, Odia film industry has lost its sheen as most of the films are remakes of other regional films. What do you think should be done to improve the situation?
Producers are ready to invest, but we don't have cinema halls to run them. I will change the taste of Odia audience and have decided to make films on classic Odia stories like 'Nila Mastrani' and 'Rebati', but with a contemporary touch. The medium of film has changed with time. Film makers also need to follow suit. Even a Javed Akhtar writes a song like 'Darde disco'. We have to change with time.
What is the best compliment you have received so far?
A retired school headmaster recently told me 'You remind me the popular column 'Jhitipithi Kahe' by Harekrushna Mahatab. You are mini Harekrushna Mahatab.
Who has been your inspiration in this journey?
Life itself is my biggest inspiration, because most of my characters are from the society we see around us. We all see them but never give them much importance. Moreover, there is something to learn from every character.
What is your biggest strength?
My biggest strength is my confidence. I am a dreamer and pursue my dreams till they are fulfilled.
Where do you want to see Papu Pom Pom 10 years down the line?
I would love to drink tea at my teashop at my gali's end. I drive without helmet on city roads, and wear a smile for everyone. I always want to remain like this only and wish to be remembered as a good actor. Remember the crowd that gathered at the funeral of Md Rafi? Such a crowd would bid me adieu, I wish.