Known for his natural acting and comedy-tinged roles, Jayaram, who has also acted in several Tamil films, is doing the role of a 'chenda' player in the upcoming film by eminent director Shaji N Karun.
'Chenda' is a wooden percussion instrument used in temple rituals and festivals as well as classical and folk art forms like Kathakali and Theyyam in Kerala.
The film, "Swapaanam", shooting of which is progressing at a village in Palakkad, explores the inner struggles and agonies of a skilled 'chenda' player and how the exceptional creativity of the artiste makes him an alien in his own family and village.
"The actor himself is an excellent percussionist.His talent in playing the instrument is the main reason which made me to choose him for this role. I did not think of casting any other actor when I concesptualised the character," Shaji told PTI.
Jayaram, who used to find time to perform 'chenda' at temple festivals despite his busy shooting schedules, has already appeared playing the instrument in some of the films but this is for the first time that he is doing a full-length character of a percussionist.