'They asked if I could imitate...': Actor Jagadish shares how mimicry helped him ace bank interview

Actor Jagadish, who cracked a bank job interview with his impeccable mimicry skills, has had an extraordinary journey from a college professor to a leading Malayalam film star. As he approaches his 70th birthday in a few months, Jagadish's acting career continues to thrive, marking 41 years of success in the industry. Known for his humble demeanor and remarkable talent, he remains a beloved figure in Malayalam cinema.

Despite his fame, Jagadish, often referred to as the “poor man’s superstar,” continues to lead a simple life, even driving his own Wagon R. His latest film, Marco, where he plays a pivotal role, is a testament to his enduring appeal, with the movie performing well at the box office in 2024.

In a candid chat, Jagadish expressed his contentment with his career which is still going strong. “At my age, many prefer to stay indoors, often relegated to playing grandfatherly roles. But I have several films awaiting release and continue to receive new offers,” said the veteran, who initially gained recognition for his impeccable comic acting since his debut in 1984.

Before becoming a college lecturer of Commerce, Jagadish had an unexpected career start as a bank employee. During his interview at Canara Bank, he recalls impressing the panel not just with his qualifications but with his talent in mimicry.

“They asked about my studies, and I managed to answer. Then one interviewer, noticing my certificates in mimicry and mono-acting, asked if I could imitate Sanjeev Kumar. I did, and then followed requests for MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, and others. I knew I had secured the job when I saw their reactions,” he chuckled.

Interestingly, during this time, he worked alongside the wives of two political stalwarts in Canara Bank -- India’s longest-serving Defence Minister A.K. Antony, and two-time Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.

A devoted grandfather, Jagadish often visits his daughters -- one based in Chennai and the other in Thiruvananthapuram -- whenever he gets a break from his busy acting schedule.

His brief foray into politics came in the 2016 Kerala Assembly elections, where he contested as a Congress candidate against fellow actor K.B. Ganesh Kumar in Pathanapuram. Though he lost, he has since distanced himself from politics to focus entirely on acting.

At his elegant home in Thiruvananthapuram, Jagadish deeply misses his wife, Dr Rema, who passed away a few years ago due to a rare illness. “She has left me only physically. I owe everything to her. When I sit alone at home, I still feel her presence. So emotionally, I’m not alone -- she is always with me,” he shared, his voice tinged with emotion.

With over 400 films to his credit, Jagadish has set no retirement plans. “As long as I can, I will continue to don the grease paint,” he affirmed. IANS