There is a strong social premise in our country and I feel today freedom is being misused and not used.
As an actor, I am delighted that Innocent has busted the myth that a film star would never win an election in Kerala.
There was never any strain, because it becomes a strain only if you don't love what you are doing. I loved every moment of making these films.
I never maligned the sanctity of cinema in my career. I always selected themes and made films with the fervent hope that they will never demoralise viewers.
Mammootty has everything from talent to looks. It's no secret that many are envious of him. And I know that if he is envious of anyone, it's me.
On one occasion I saw a banner where my name read 'Sarvasri Bharat Balachandra Menon.' I was amused and decided to find out the reason for this coinage. One of the organizers confessed rather sheepishly that they were sure about me getting the Bharat award but were doubtful if I was a Padma Shri awardee.
As I am a film personality, I feel it would be best to be an independent candidate. Thus if I decide to contest it won't be under the symbol of any political party.
My basic mission as an artist is to communicate with people. Therefore, I am conscious I have to make films that people can digest.
I recently found out that the print of my first film 'Utrada Rathri,' released in 1978, is damaged beyond repair. So the only way to relive earlier films is through books based on the screenplay.
The movie 'Prema Geethangal' brought out the campus life in the 1980s whereas 'Ennalum Sharat' speaks from the 2017 perspective.
Of all my movies, I feel that 'Krishna Gopalakrishna' remains one of my best works though it could not be called a box office success. I maintain that it was far ahead of its time.
One thing that I have noticed is that whatever be the function, however poignant or serious, the audience always prefers a speech laced with a bit of humor.