KARAN NATH : CHILD ACTOR TURNS FILM STAR!
Rakesh Nath's Son Is Set To Thrill With Sssshhh!

Karan Nath may be termed a newcomer by the media, but technically he started his film career very young…in the arms of screen queen Sridevi. However he was only five years old at the time! The year was 1987 and the film was Mr. India. Karan played one of the tiny tots in the blockbuster. However in 2003, that child actor has grown into a promising film star with three movies to his credit and three more in the making.

When Karan Nath made his debut in Pagalpan two years ago he was known more as the son of Madhuri Dixit's secretary Rakesh Nath, who himself had come to Mumbai to become a hero. When those dreams remained unfulfilled, it was left for Karan to turn them into reality.

Karan's debut film (Pagalpan) was not very successful. Yet that did not deter him. His next film Aruna Irani's Yeh Dil Aashiqana did reasonably well. This October Karan Nath will be seen in Pavan Kaul's Sssshhh… We caught up with the young star and grilled him on his career.

Being Rakesh 'Rikku' Nath's son you were born into Bollywood. So was there any struggle to become an actor?
"Although I was from a 'filmi' family, tennis was my first love. I rarely went to studios and was not involved in films. So in that sense I did not struggle. But once I became an actor I had to struggle like every one else. People don't cast you for whose son you are but for what you can deliver".

After Paagalpan flopped were you disappointed?
"I'd be lying if I said "no". But that's life".

How did Sssshhh… happen?
"The film's executive producer, Siddhartha Malhotra is a friend. He came up to me and related the script of the film. I loved the story and immediately agreed".

What is Ssshhh all about?
"Sssshhh… is a thriller that revolves around seven college friends. They are followed by a serial killer who says "Sssshhh" before every murder he commits".

Isn't the film a love triangle between you Dino Morea and Tanisha?
"Not exactly a love triangle. But yes, there is an undercurrent. Dino's character is an extrovert, whereas my character is an introvert who sometimes comes out of his shell. Tanisha's admires me while Dino is in love with Tanisha".

Since you mentioned college friends is Sssshhh… a youth-oriented film?
"No, not at all. The film will be appreciated universally".

How was it working with Pavan Kaul?
"Pawanji is a great technician, and a superb director. Wait till you see the film".

Tell us about your other projects?
"I am playing a strong character in J P Dutta's LoC. I play major Rajesh Adhikari, the youngest major in the film. He leads his own batallion in the battle of Tololing and is also a Param Vir Chakra awardee. There is another Aruna Raje's Tum in which I am cast opposite Manisha Koirala. This year I have three releases. Sssshhh… on October 24, Tum in November and LoC in December".

Who is your favourite heroine?
"Madhuri Dixit, absolutely. But I can never act opposite her. At least not in a love story, she is like my aunt!"