All for make-up: When Upendra risked his moustache with liquid latex

'Real Star' Upendra has always carved a niche for himself in Sandalwood with his 'out-of-the-box' movies. Now, he has taken a plunge into politics, too. On his birthday, Sandalwood's senior make-up artist NK Ramakrishna recalls an incident with the star that would leave you in splits!

Upendra was shooting for the 'Kathariveera Surasundarangi' (2012) at Ramoji Rao Film City in Hyderabad. In a scene, Upendra had to look like a leprosy patient -that look which made him famous in the 'Raktha Kanneeru' movie.

Upendra is always ready to take a risk in to bring reality into the character he is playing. Even during the movie, 'Kathariveera Surasundarangi', Upendra was enthusiastic to get the make-up for his role. "We usually carry liquid latex, a liquid that is mostly used by the make-up artists to remove tough makeup, but very carefully," says Ramakrishna.

As it happened, Upendra asked the make-up artist to apply the liquid latex on his moustache too - which was crucial for his role in the movie.

After sitting for hours, Upendra's make-up was appreciated by all. After the shot was okayed by the director, Upendra was in a hurry to attend a programme in Bengaluru. As there was no time to catch the flight, he decided to remove the makeup in the car. But little did he realise that how painful it was to remove the latex that was applied on his moustache. Bearing the excruciating pain, Upendra somehow managed to remove the make-up.

Next day, when he returned for the shoot, he rushed to me and begged me, "Please spare my moustache. Never apply that liquid again," Upendra said with a wide grin, recalls Ramakrishna.