Kozhikode: The Hema Committee Report has caused more harm than good to the film industry, as the public has started believing that everything connected to films is bad, said renowned actor TG Ravi. In an interview with Mathrubhumi, the veteran actor expressed his opinions about the Hema Committee, AMMA, and other issues related to the industry.

Q: For a man who has acted in around 350 films, what is your take on the Hema Committee Report?
A: Although the intention behind the attempt was good and aimed to cleanse the bad practices in the film industry, it has caused more harm than good. In reality, the film industry, like any other field in society, contains both positive and negative elements. There is no such thing as "everything in the film industry is bad."

Q: What is your opinion about AMMA?
A: AMMA is an organisation that does many philanthropic activities and good things for its members and their families. Sadly, in the wake of the Hema Committee Report, an attempt was made to create the feeling that AMMA is irrelevant. The organisation was portrayed as a tainted outfit. In my opinion, a committee like the Hema Committee should be formed in all fields to monitor the bad elements in force. Very unhealthy practices are taking place in politics as well. As long as there are men and women, anything could happen. Most of these would be with mutual consent. One should not forget what actress Sarada had said about relationships in films.

Q: You have portrayed many characters in films that women abhor. You have acted with many female stars. Have you ever committed any mistakes that you now regret?
A: For me, my wife was everything. She left me a long time ago, bidding farewell to this world. I have no bad experiences and carry no excess baggage. I have nothing to hide and nothing to fear.

Q: What new changes do you see in the film industry compared to the past?
A: What I want to say is that whatever erosion of values exists in society will be reflected in the film industry as well. The changes in society are reflected in the films too. There are only a few films that were ahead of their time and did not connect to society’s habits.

Q: Do you feel that age is a barrier for you in getting new roles in films?
A: Every actor gets roles according to his age. Age becomes a factor in that respect. Since there are more artists in the industry, the chance to get roles is affected.

Q: In your entire artistic career, which character do you feel most proud of portraying?
A: I am quite proud that I could act as Variyankunnath Kunhahammad Haji in the film 1921, directed by IV Sasi. I respect that historical character in real life as well. It was a role that I can never forget, as it touched my heart. I won’t be fortunate enough to portray a character like that again.

Q: Considering your age, do you have any plans to quit acting?
A: Recently, I acted along with my son in a film. I will continue acting till my death.

Q: Who is your favorite actor?
A: The immortal actor, Sathyan master.

Q: Do you have any regrets about the villain characters you depicted in films?
A: Not at all. I have no regrets. What I did was acting, and what people saw on the screen were characters, not me. In the past, women hated me and were frightened when they saw me. I am not worried about that. The fear I was able to instill in women showed how successful I was in portraying those characters. It was a recognition for me as an actor.

Q: What is your advice to new actors who step into the industry?
A: New actors should not learn from me. I should learn from them by watching them act. One should be able to assimilate the changing sensibilities as time changes. I am trying to learn from the changing times and films. Or else, I would not remain in the industry. I would be thrown out.