Aju Verghese’s cup of joy is full right now.
The Malayalam actor became a father on October 28 when his wife, Augustine, delivered twins, a boy and a girl. Then came the announcement of AsiaVision awards 2014.
But then Verghese is not new to awards.
He won the same award in 2012 for Thattathin Marayathu, and prior to that the Vanitha Film award for Best New Face in 2011 for his maiden film, Malarvadi Arts Club.
It wouldn’t be surprising if he marched onto the podium next year for another one. Verghese shines in political satire Vellimoonga.
Crediting the team members who enabled him to put in his best, Verghese said: “Before every scene, we had discussions on improvising our lines. And there were no ego hassles among us.”
Many one-liners came up spontaneously, sometimes by him and at other times by co-star Biju Menon.
“When Jibu narrated this story to me more than a year ago, I was excited over the climax scenes in [his character] Pachan’s personal and political lives,” said Verghese.
Acting was never on the cards for this engineer, until his friend, now director, Vineeth Sreeenivasan offered him a role in Malarvadi Arts Club.
“Vineeth is my mentor,” he added. “He helped me shed my inhibitions. I consult him on my work.”
Working with the two stalwarts of Malayalam cinema, Mammootty (in Deivanthinte Swantham Cleetus) and Mohanlal (in Peruchazhi) was a far-fetched dream, Verghese said.
“It was a learning experience under them. Mammuka advised me not to rush through my lines but to feel the emotions and then deliver them.”
Verghese was enamoured by Mohanlal’s unassuming nature.
“While shooting for Peruchazhi in the USA, Lalettan always took the initiative to come forward and he would include junior artists in his gatherings.”
Verghese’s next film Ormai Undo E Mukham, directed by Anwar Sadak hits screens next weekend. He is happy playing Vineeth’s side kick.
And, the Friday after that, is Rejeshh Midhila directed Lal Bahadur Sashtri.
“This is a sweet thriller featuring Jayasurya and Nedumudi Venu. I make an appearance in the second half and the three of us are on a mission.”
