To make a person cry is easier but to make someone laugh is hard. It is true that a comedian’s role is tougher than hero’s. Tulunadu – Mangaluru has produced several actors-comedians like Naveen Padil, Devdas Kapikad, Bhojaraja Vamanjoor and Aravind Bolar who have ruled the Coastalwood. Newskarnataka caught up with Mangalorean actor-comedian Deepak Paladka. Though he has acted in just three films, he has quickly established himself as one of the funniest, most progressive comedians from coastal Karnataka.
Deepak D’Silva, popular as Deepak Paladka, is best known for his role in Tulu film Nirel (2014) which won 5 awards including the best movie award at Tulu Cinemotsava 2015. Later, he acted in Dhand (2015) which is the first Tulu language movie released in Australia and UK. Deepak Paladka also acted in Konkani movie Ek Aslyar Ek Na, which was released in UAE, Israel, Kuwait and India and other 12 countries.
Speaking about his first role as an actor, Deepak said, “Before coming into movies I used to act in dramas. During my college days, I acted in some dramas where I got support to continue in the acting line. Later on, when I moved to Dubai, I acted in several dramas with my friend Pradeep Barboza. During that time, I got an audition call for “Nirel” movie in which I got selected and played Deepu’s character. I also took up media and photography for many years before entering movie industry. I have given radio programmes on Favourite 105.4 FM and 93.5 Red FM in Dubai.”
To him “Gay” character in one of the dramas was the toughest character to change into. “I had to learn the body language and dialogue delivery of a transgender. In “Bale Telipale”, Dubai humour contest directed by Pradeep Barboza, I had to play the role of a girl. To bring those emotions, sentiments and style was tough for me. Also in Dhand movie, I had a challenging role where I had to act with established actors like Arjun Kapikad,” he added. He further said, “The biggest audience I have performed in front of was during Bale Telipale where I had to perform as a girl infront of more than 3500 spectators and it was challenging.”
He become a household name after “Dhand” and was called Tulu industry’s new “Friend”. Talking about his breakthrough movie, he said, “The director of ‘Nirel’ movie cast me with ‘Deepu’ my original name. In my second movie Dhand too, I was cast as Deepu but I had a larger role to play as a friend of the protagonist which made me a household name among the Tulu movie lovers and was much liked by the audience. “
Other than sharing screenspace with established actors in Tulu and Konkani industry, he has got offers for Kannada movies too. “Two Tulu movies in which I have acted are Dhand and Nirel directed by Ranjith Bajpe and produced by Shodhan Prasad. Konkani movie ‘Ek Aslyar Ek Na’ was directed by Pradeep D’Souza Paladka and produced by Frank Fernandes Thottam. I have two offers from two Kannada movie producers. I have acted in stage shows for more than 10 years”, he said.
Asked what kind of roles he prefers, he said, “I always believed in entertaining people. So I prefer comedy roles which I want to continue. So a good role with a lot of sense of humour is what I always prefer. I would be happy to do youth oriented films with a humorous touch.” Of all the roles he has played in the past, role played with Arjun Kapikad as his friend is his favourite.
Working in Gulf to support family needs and nourishing a passion is a big challenge. Asked how he manages profession and passion, he said, “I work in a corporate company as a manager in gulf. During Nirel shoots which went on for nearly one and a half year, I could dedicate only weekends for the film. I had to wake up at 5 am in the morning and shoot used to go on till 2 am in the night. Even worse, shuttling between Mangaluru and Dubai was tough. But I had put in my mind that I cannot be a baby of the corporate world and I wanted to entertain people. To be successful you need passion. Nothing else matters. That is what I believe.”
He has a message for aspiring actors. “I am a simple person and have worked hard. Be kind enough to understand others. My family, friends and teachers have supported me a lot. Work hard and expect less in monetary returns. If it is a regional movie, the payment is less compared to other film industries. Do not expect fancy things. Also do not depend only on acting unless you are well-settled.”
