Good-guy doctor is screen villain

DR KUMAR with the X-ray system at the Royal Oldham Hospital

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AN Oldham radiologist has swapped X-ray screens for the cinema variety.

Dr Mahesh Kumar has just headed a £9 million project to install a high-tech X-ray system at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

But he has taken time out from his role as clinical director of radiology for Pennine Acute Trust to take on a different role — that of a villainous ringleader in the Bollywood thriller “Accident”.

The English-subtitled film, which starts a three-day run at Cineworld, Bolton, on Saturday, July 12, tells of a DJ whose suspicions about the death of his girlfriend in an alleged accident lead to the true story being uncovered.

The film has its UK premiere in London tomorrow.

Dr Kumar began acting as a medical student in India, appearing in inter-collegiate stage shows and on television.

But this is his first role since he moved to the UK more than a decade ago.

He said: “Some of my friends are involved in mainstream film production, and they said the role would suit me, and did I want to do it? I couldn’t resist.”

Dr Kumar used his annual leave for the 20-day filming in Bangalore, and is now back at work at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

He said: “I had a great time playing this villain, who leads a gang involved in CD/DVD piracy.

“It’s very exciting to see the film released in the UK, and we’re obviously hoping that more dates will be added to its run. It is also being released in the USA this month.

“But I’m not giving up my professional role just yet. Nothing would take me away from my clinical work but this was a great thing to do. It’s only a small role but I had a fantastic time.”

Dr Kumar’s screen name is Mahesh Longa, which was given to him by friends during his college days.

He came to work in Oldham eight years ago, and this latest taste of acting life has prompted him to offer his talents to a theatre group in Cheshire.

Dr Kumar said: “Acting gives me a buzz and encourages me to think laterally. Everyone should have a hobby to break the stress of monotony.

“I hope that people watching ‘Accident’ enjoy the outcome of my role.

“I’m not revealing what happens to my character though. People will have to watch the film to find out.”