I studied business in the U.S. and later worked in Dubai.
Dulquer Salmaan
'Parava,' in my head, was always a film about children. And I was like, 'If I can be part of the film and help promote it in some way or the other, I'd be very happy.' I also did 'Ann Maria' because it was a story about kids.
While I am fluent in Hindi, I was a little worried about my accent. So when I was approached for 'Karwaan,' I told them they need to first listen to me speak in Hindi, in case it sounds off.
Being a part of memorable movies has always been the goal.
People from my father's generation didn't have the luxury to be unhappy in their job.
I have the luxury of balancing and juggling films in different languages.
I don't think anything should limit me. I don't think any industry should be disrespected or looked down upon.
I have always believed if the intention is right, it'll be a good film.
One has to move from one's comfort zone to challenge oneself.
Honestly, I don't think we see ourselves as stars. That's what the media tags us as. I personally don't think too much about it.
I chose my own path because that was the only way.
I need to rely on the director's confidence and what he sees in me.
If someone asked me if I would be interested in doing a Hindi film, I would not say no. There were offers in the past, but something about 'Karwaan' just called out to me. The storyline of three unique characters in a van with a coffin seemed fresh, and I got a good vibe from the team.
When you just coast through work and don't feel inspired, I feel you are lying to yourself.
I don't know what draws me to my films. In hindsight, my choices turn out OK.
There is nothing like a 'born actor.' It's all about honing the skills.
I am very instinctive. When I read a script, I think, 'Is this something I would want to watch?'
I don't want to do acting as a chore or a job.
It might be easy to identify me as so-and-so's son, especially to begin with, but you only get that one first film, after which you have to prove yourself and keep improving.
Whenever offers come my way, if I connect with it, then I am completely open to it.
My primary focus will be Malayalam films. I will choose from what comes my way and take a call irrespective of the language.
The debut film came much easier to me than it would have if I was an outsider.
If we're discussing women's empowerment and equal rights, then yes, I support it.
I used to make short films even as a kid. I used to have a camera and play around with it. So, I was always interested in the process and telling stories. I've always wanted to direct.
I enjoy working in movies that appeal to and will be seen by many people.
For me, style is all about confidence. What you wear, both in terms of clothing and jewellery, should add to your confidence.
I would be very uncomfortable doing a safe part. It would make me think something is wrong.
I've always been a fan of my father's films. I'm crazy about my father and his movies. If I promote his movies, it's because of this.
I can make chicken curry, rice, kheema... I am a foodie and enjoy varied cuisines. My favourites are Korean and Japanese.
I feel lucky that I always have a number of films to choose from. I would like to come out of my comfort zone while doing various roles, and I don't want to keep repeating my characters.
It is when I am convinced about my character that I can do justice to that role.
Duplication never works for anybody.
I didn't want to use my father's name. I don't think I will ever want to use his influence... Never have I gone around asking people, 'Do you know who I am...' Even if it's to cut a line at the airport.
I enjoy clothes. My mother tells me how, even as a kid, I used to choose my own clothes. I have a feel for it, and I do the costume coordination for my photo shoots as well. Many a time, even my characters wear the clothes I choose.
People working in films are somewhat like gypsies: we move from set to set and spent weeks, sometimes even longer working while shooting a film. Right from the spot boys to the make-up guys and cast and crew, we become a kind of family.
For any actor, being part of a Mani Ratnam film is a great experience. I grew up watching his films.
My mum is slightly biased and feels everything I do is wonderful, but Dad was like, 'You should go ahead boldly, and I think you should do more films.' To me, that was some kind of acceptance.
I was shying away from acting for the longest time - because of having such big shoes to fill.
I don't want to get into a comfort zone. I am getting characters of varying shades, which I believe will help me grow as an actor.
Somehow, I'm in denial about being desirable. But every time my wife tells me to shave or cut my hair or clean up my look, I playfully boast to her that I'm the most desirable man!
You can't learn acting through any classes.
I might play characters that are loud in the movies, but in real life, I'm not loud in terms of personality.
In films, you will be judged by your last hit or, let's say, your last film.
I've been dubbing my own lines in Tamil for some time now.
I don't want to commit to too many films, as it would result in getting out of touch with what is happening in the industry.
People think that I have some idea about how I choose my films. I make sure that I am doing the kind of films that I want to watch. You hear so many stories, and one of them will stand out and connect to you somewhere.
I've done all my schooling at Chennai - it's always home for me. All my growing up years have been spent here, and I have really fond memories associated with the city.
When I was growing up, I wasn't particularly great at anything. I was in my own world, and my teachers felt I'd never reach my potential. Even in sports, I'd only play team games because I felt I was not good enough to outshine anyone.
I can't come to terms with stardom or see myself as a star.
