It has been great journey from where I have started to where I am today. I am really blessed with God's grace.
Dhanush
I don't know why, but rain comes into my head the minute I think of my childhood.
I come from a very humble background. My father had to work really hard to become an assistant director. For a large part of his youth, he worked in a mill and took up odd jobs to make ends meet. We lived in a small room and could only afford a meal a day.
Apart from 'VIP' being a blockbuster movie, the various characters such as mine, the Luna bike I use in the movie, the lovable amma and appa, a pet dog named Harry Potter, the innocent brother, etc., had a huge reach among the audiences.
I had to fight; I had to fall, and I had to get hurt to be where I am.
People find pleasure in hating someone. I think it's the beginning of kali. If someone has betrayed you, it's understandable that you hate them. But hating someone you don't even know... that's something I will never understand.
I think it is not easy to impress a girl, especially with the looks that I have. It is quite tough.
Music is my breath, blood and food - without music I would perish; the actor in me would die.
Since childhood, I have been watching the Filmfare Awards, and it has always been very special to anyone who works in the film industry.
Every man plays many roles. So far, I have played father the best.
I haven't experienced college life. It's the phase that my character in 'Raanjhana' is set in. But it isn't that bad, either. I have nearly 30 films behind me and a National Award to boot.
A villain can be stylish, and his actions don't have to be explained. Heroes are boring in comparison, even anti-heroes, as there's always a justification for their bad actions.
Trust me, it has been anything but easy to make it as an actor.
In life, there is good, evil, love, and hatred. What we desire, choose, and need to pursue is in our hands.
When I joined films in 2002, there were all kinds of rash and unkind comments that were made about my looks in the reviews.
My dream is to become a director. I want to direct a Hindi film.
My dream is to become a director. I want to direct a Hindi film. I have two scripts ready. One of them is a fantasy-adventure, while the other is a thriller. I've assisted my brother Selvaraghavan, who's a well-known director in Tamil cinema. I've also made short films.
Wherever I went, I became a son-in-law. It was a terrible phase for me. I had to work double hard to get back my identity. Whenever I gave an interview, the first question would invariably be, 'What is it like to be his son-in-law?' Now that question comes somewhere in the middle of the interview. Hopefully, soon, it won't be asked at all.
The world is shrinking, and everyone is majorly interested in Indian films now.
Many people find their calling very early in their lives. These are the kind of people we read about in school books and newspapers. Then there are some who don't have a clue of what they want to do in their lives; I am belong to the latter category.
As an actor, I do not want to stick to a particular route.
I am not answerable to what happens with my personal life.
I never wanted to let go of the opportunity, and so I hit upon 'VIP 2'.
Once I finished writing the script, I couldn't find my Pandi. It was actually little difficult to cast for the role. One fine day, when I was shooting for 'Vada Chennai', Raj Kiran's name just popped into my head.
In the beginning, I was riddled with major complexes about my looks. Even now, here and there, these complexes crop up. But as the days progressed, I learnt to handle them much better.
Kajol as Vasundhara is a tough cookie. Raghu and her world collides, and they have different ideologies. The plot revolves around their core beliefs and their disagreement with each other.
I am a very positive person in real life.
Working with Kajol was a delight, as we complemented each other. She is a seasoned actor, and there is so much to learn from her.
Few years ago, it was completely different. Now you go to any country, city, or continent and just say 'Bollywood,' and they will know. So, it means everybody is watching everything.
When 'stuff' hits the fan, it has a way of making you stronger.
I am far more confident now because of the love people have showered on me. Their acceptance is what keeps me going.
My mother's prayers protect me. Negativity, nothing reaches me.
I've always known that I'm very, very ordinary looking. But I'm not alien looking. I am an artist here to play characters.
I would be lying if I said I did not feel bad when 'Shamitabh' failed, but I was proud to be associated with a film like this. If it were easy to know the pulse of the audience, then all movies would be blockbusters.
The screenplay has to be gripping. That's when the film will work. Then, I see how much I can relate to the character I'm playing.
If I was not an actor, I would have been working in a five star hotel as a chef.
If there is no music, I will perish. While I have not learnt music, I can play the tune that comes into my head on the keyboard.
While I do not believe in idol worship, I believe in energy.
I've improved as an actor, thanks to my wonderful directors. As a person, I've changed, too; I was 16 when I did 'Thullavatho Ilamai,' and I'm 32 now. With age, I've sobered down. I'm calmer; I can see things more clearly now.
After a few years, I understood that this is what I was meant to do.
My energy is undoubtedly my two sons Yatra and Linga, and they are my all-time inspirations.
What I didn't expect was 'VIP' becoming something of a cult and one of my biggest hits.
'Ranjhana' and 'Shamitabh' really gave me a wider exposure to Hindi-speaking audience.
I would be lying if I said no. I have an idea for 'Pa. Pandi 2', but I don't know when it will happen or if it will happen at all.
There is no such thing as a Bollywood hero or Hollywood hero. All you see on the screen is the lead actor's interpretation of the role that has been conceived by the writer.
I have played so many romantic roles that I don't know if I am really a romantic in real life. I get confused about the real me.
In Tamil and Telugu, I have to do mainstream commercial films. Irrespective of what I want to do, the audience wants to see me in that 'mass' space.
Ilaiyaraaja is my most favourite music director. His music was my lullaby, his music was my food, his music was my childhood, his music was my first love, his music was my failure, his music was my first kiss, my first love failure, my success... he is in my blood.
Kajol ma'am is full of energy. Her energy is so infectious that it motivated people to work with the same enthusiasm. She is a very friendly and warm person. We had a great time working with her.
While shooting for 'Kodi' at Pollachi, I got this new idea for 'VIP 2'.
