Stardom is here to stay: Nedumudi Venu

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 21 (IANS) Veteran character actor Nedumudi Venu Saturday said that superstars and their lustre overshadowing the rest of the cast in a film was inevitable, adding that other actors would have to play a second fiddle to them.

Interacting with reporters after a preview of his latest film 'Saira', he said, "I am not for competing with the stars because I have my role cut out and I am happy that I still continue to get good roles."

Asked whether he felt dejected at having to play a second fiddle to Mammootty and Mohanlal despite his own phenomenal talent, Venu was quick to retort, "that is the order of the day in films all over the world. Stars are stars because they are good actors".

The veteran, who started his film career in the mid-seventies and has over 600 films to his credit, is still going strong.

Leading South Indian actress Navya Nair who plays the role of a television journalist in the film 'Saira' says enacting her role in the film has been a very enjoyable experience

'Saira' is in a genre of its own, different from the run-of-the-mill commercial films, says Venu. "Despite the fact that the story revolves around terrorism, there is very little of the staple of gore and violence. With several new faces in the film, essaying the role in the film has been a stimulating experience," he adds.

Directed by practising homoeopath Dr Biju, the film focuses on the dissonances and discordant undercurrents in society.