April 22, 2012 Y. Sunitha Chowdhary
"Ups and downs are common in life, I've learnt to take them with a pinch of salt but I'm hugely happy and gratified that God has been more than kind to me. I thought I would be of no use in life, now look I'm an actor," says comedian Suman Shetty who's been around in this industry for eleven years with a repertoire of more than 190 films that includes Tamil and Kannada movies. The actor shot into fame with his debut film Jayam directed by Teja.
He saw an advertisement in a vernacular magazine that called for entries from newcomers. That was followed by a telegram and an audition and there was no looking back; He has moved from Poorna Market in Visakhapatnam to Manikonda, another upmarket area mostly resided by film artistes.
Suman Shetty says, "I discontinued intermediate and decided to sell rice and oil in the wholesale shop that my father owns but this turn of events completely changed my life. My parents have always been supportive and encouraged me in whatever I did. They believed that any work undertaken by me is done with conviction and passion and I'm glad I lived upto their expectations. I thought I would do a few films and that's about it, the fact that I'm still continuing surprises me."
The actor is aware of his limitations his voice that has no clarity and his height but that is what ended up being his plus points. He is 5 feet one inch and that in no way affects his confidence levels. He found a life partner who is 5ft 3 inches.
He reminisces, "My parents saw Jayam in Vizag and I saw it in Hyderabad with Teja. Thereafter I spoke to them over the phone and could sense their excitement. After three days I joined them and there were tears in the eyes.
I have no knowledge of films or the film industry, Teja guided me and told me to improvise my modulation during dubbing and use my eyes to the maximum extent possible and that I would click here, that is what I have been doing all these years. People tell me nee voice baguntundi, nee maatalu muddhu muddhuga untaayi."
Didn't he do C-grade films in the beginning of his career? "It is not that I didn't have a choice. It is my duty to make the producers and directors happy. They have immense faith in us and we shouldn't be disappointing them. I never reject roles and take up whatever comes to me and give my maximum qualitative output. Today everyone in the theatres whistle and clap at my work. My folks, friends back home tell me Nuvvu mana Vizag paruvu nilabeduthunnavura!"
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