Filmmaker-actor Ramesh Aravind shares a warm anecdote remembering K Viswanath’s contribution to Indian cinema and his experience working with the veteran, who passed away on Thursday.
In a conversation with us, Ramesh Aravind says that without films like Shankarabaranam, Sagara Sangamam, Siri Siri Muvva and Swathi Muthyam, there will be a huge void in Indian cinema. “That’s why K Viswanath’s contribution is monumental. I still remember the release of Shankarabaranam. I was in Bengaluru, a non-Telugu-speaking state, but the crowd that thronged the theatres every day to watch the film was incredible. At a time when there was a strong influence of Western music and culture, he had the conviction to make a film that dealt with Carnatic music.”
Ramesh Aravind also directed Viswanath in the Kamal Haasan-starrer Uthama Villain. Viswanath played the role of Poornachandra Rao, a popular director and the father-in-law of Kamal’s character Manoranjan. About working with the legendary artist, he says, “After completing the narration and briefing of the role, I told him that I am a huge fan of his work and I am open to suggestions. However, I informed him that if something does not match our script, he must excuse us. I still remember his response. He said, ‘I may be a big heart surgeon, but if I am the patient and you are the doctor, you are welcome to put your knife wherever you want.’ The respect he shows for the directors is immense. While on set, he told me that he wanted to work as an associate with K Balachander. Both of these doyens shared great camaraderie and love for each other’s work. He is a filmmaker with a beautiful mind. His aura, well-intended thoughts, and ability to add a touch of Indianness to whatever he did made him the greatest.”