Interviews

Kiran Raj: One day, I know I will make it big in this industry

The actor discusses his fourth outing, Megha, a romantic family drama, directed by Charan, which sees its release this week

A Sharadhaa

Kiran Raj is no stranger to the spotlight. With his undeniable charm, the actor has carved out a special place in the hearts of his fans on the small screen. Having made a bold leap from television to film, he is now gearing up for his fourth outing, Megha. The film is a love story directed by Charan and produced by Yatheesh HR under the banner of Krishi Productions, set to release on November 28. Known widely for his iconic role in the hit serial Kannadati, Kiran has become a household name. Now, he's ready to show a new side of himself, one that steps beyond television.

"I need to be an actor, whether it's on the small screen or the big screen," Kiran Raj confidently states. For him, acting isn’t just about visibility; it’s about making people feel the character. On television, he had already earned star status, with an audience who knew him and loved him. "Television was a free platform; even if I didn’t put that extra effort, I knew my audience and my job," he shares. But now, as a film actor, and with Megha, he’s aware that transitioning to the silver screen demands a different kind of effort. “On the big screen, I have to push myself just as much as I did on TV.”

When comparing his world of television and film, Kiran Raj likens it to the difference between being a big fish in a small pond and being a big fish in a vast sea, which he explains is huge. But despite the vastness of the sea, he remains optimistic. “I am mentally prepared. People still associate me with Kannadati, but before that, I did six serials that no one really recognised. The struggle isn’t new to me, but the environment is. I believe in sincerity and hard work. One day, I know I’ll succeed here.”

When asked about a piece of advice he would give to anyone coming from the television background and looking to find success in films, Kiran Raj says, "I would ask them to develop patience and surround themselves with the right people." He adds, “Success in this industry is a journey, and it’s important to keep learning. Television gives you comfort, but how long can you stay in that comfort zone? Eventually, someone else will come along. To stay relevant, you need to bring something fresh, something new. That’s why I’m pushing myself to improve.”

Kiran Raj’s love for learning mirrors that of a child’s excitement when they first get on their father’s bike. "It’s that rush of excitement, the joy of learning something new every day, that keeps me going," he explains. With every new step, Kiran seeks to add more depth to his craft, explore fresh avenues, and energise his career.

Speaking of Megha, Kiran Raj plays a soft-natured, romantic hero, a role that feels close to the hearts of many fans who’ve followed him. The film delicately balances love and friendship, and Kiran elaborates, "Every relationship starts with an introduction, and as it grows comfortable, it can evolve into love. If things go wrong, you have two choices: make things right or move away. That’s the journey of love."

As per the makers, it is the portrayal of father-son relationships that makes Megha unique. "The father-son bond is something special," says Kiran Raj. "In today’s generation, there’s often a disconnect. People struggle to share their feelings, especially when it comes to making decisions. We all need someone wise to guide us, and that’s where the experience of a father comes in. It’s about avoiding miscommunication and finding that balance. Parents need to be friends to their children, not just authoritative figures."

In Kiran Raj's own words, this journey of his is all about improvement. Whether on TV or in films, the goal remains the same: to give his audience something authentic, something they resonate with. And with Megha, Kiran Raj is ready to prove just how much he’s grown, not just as an actor, but as a person willing to take on new challenges. "It’s not just about today," he says with conviction. "One day, I know I will make it big in this industry," he signs off.

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