Last year during the second week of August actor Joju George, who never imagined that he would have to face floods anytime, was marooned. His house at Mala, Thrissur, was flooded because of incessant rains and he had to shift to a safer place with his family members. Exactly a year later, in the second week of August, the actor is in Bengaluru and excited to know about his special mention in the National Film Awards for his movie 'Joseph'.
Though happy, Joju is concerned and worried for his family and home in Kerala. The rains are back and the last update he got from his family was that the flood water level is rising steadily.
When Onmanorama contacted the actor, soon after the National Film Awards were announced on Friday, Joju revealed that he is stuck in Bengaluru owing to the shutdown of Kochi airport.
We shall overcome
“I have been getting congratulatory messages and calls and I am very much delighted to know about the recognition. But I am not sure if this is the right time to talk about it. I hope, just like last year, we will overcome everything and get back to our normal lives. Currently, our state is in need of help and we must entrust each other in helping out and reaching out to the needy,” he said.
Every role is special
“Joseph was indeed a life-changing experience for me as I got a big break with that movie. In fact, there are so many actors in Malayalam who are talented but have not been recognised. I have been in the industry for such a long time and I have nothing else in my life other than cinema. For me, each role is special, be it small or big. For me, doing each film is like getting an award itself,” he said.
He further added, “With awards coming in for Joseph, it stands as a recognition for each of the crew. I am indebted to Papettan (director Padmakumar) for giving me this role. Thanks to our makeup artiste NG Roshan who gave life to the character and all such people who made the movie happen. I remember during the shoot how I had to maintain the red colour in my eyes by applying 'chunda poovu', which only Kathakali artistes use.”
Joseph heralds change
Post Joseph, life haven't been the same, admits Joju. “When I stepped in the industry, I admired a few filmmakers. And now, I am offered roles in their movies. What more can I ask. Joshiy sir (director Joshiy) is one such person. My upcoming movie 'Porinju Mariam Jose' is directed by him,” he said.
Apart from 'Porinju Mariam Jose' which is slated to hit screens on August 15, he is also part of 'Valiyaperunal' which has Shane Nigam and Soubin Shahir too. He is also part of 'Petta' director Karthik Subbaraj’s next film.
Before signing off, he also reminds that though an actor, he is a human being and that's what make him the person he is today.
