Interview: Sudeep speaks on misunderstandings, the 'S' factor and more

The recent release of the poster of Hebbuli has created a sensation. Did you anticipate that your hairstyle will go viral? 

I had no clue people would like it so much. It has become a craze not only among youngsters, but also children. Interestingly, soon after the release of  the poster, the owner of the saloon near my house visited us and distributed sweets. He said my Hebbuli hairstyle had given him good business (laughs)!

You came to the film industry 20 years ago, but the number of your films has not crossed 50. Why?

No particular reason. So far, how much ever I tried, I could only make one movie in a year. I don’t do it purposely. But this year I have three films lined up - Kotigobba 2, Mukunda Murari and Hebbuli.

You never felt like returning to Bollywood after Phoonk and Rann?

My time in the Bollywood was like a holiday period for me. What I have understood from Bollywood is that those who go there as technicians find more value than artists who go there. My life and ventures here have given me more happiness. 

Many heroines from South have become stars in Bollywood. But why have Southern heroes not achieved similar success there?

At this point, I think even I should have born as a girl (laughs). Girls get a grand welcome, wherever they go! 

Looks like you have close connection with injuries…

Every day, before heading to the set, I pray for safety. Still most days I end up injured (smiles). But truly speaking, I am more hurt by off-screen injuries. When a film starts, it is defined in a certain way and when it is done, it takes a completely different definition. I can bear the pain of physical injuries, but cannot take the pain caused by back biting.

How to you manage to be healthy without gym or yoga?

One day someone convinced me to join a gym. I shopped for it and I was the first one to reach the gym on the first day. I was a bit late on the second day and my friends had to pull me to gym on the third day. On the fourth day, I was seen at a coffee house. I tried yoga too. My master asked me do Shavasana and I fell asleep. That was the end of the yoga too. But I take care of my health through healthy food. I have quit cigarettes a year ago and now I don’t even drink wine. 

What is this 'S' connection to your family? 

It all started after my father Sanjeev got married to mother Sarojamma. Since then, my house was named Srinidhi, my hotel is Sarovar, my daughter is named Saanvi, my first film was Sparsha and its director is Sunil Kumar Desai. Even my sisters' names start with 'S'. So much so...even the area and crossroad where I stay happened to start from ‘S’ (looks amazed).

How attached are you to your daughter?

I am very much attached to her. But I give the complete credit  of taking care of her to my wife Priya. When I am at home, Saanvi and I love trying to cook new dishes and I play badminton with her, as she loves the game.

You visited the sets of Puneeth Rajkumar's 'Rajakumara' film. Can we expect a film together?

If I get a script which wows me, I will act with Puneeth as well as Darshan. Whatever the situation is, we must grow above misunderstandings. It was not a planned visit to the 'Rajakumara' set. I love riding my bike in Mysore. I just happened to stop at the sets of 'Rajakumara' during one of my rides, where I met Datthanna and Ananth Nag Sir too.