You grew up in Chennai. How much has changed in the city since you were a child? Are you happy bringing up your daughter Anoushka in this city?
I have been a Chennaiite since I was two years old. My parents came to Chennai on 3rd August, 1973. A lot has changed (good and bad) since then. Yes, I am happy bringing up my daughter Anoushka in this city. Shalini and I cannot think of living anywhere else. Home is where the heart is! Our heart is in Chennai!
What would be some of the things you’d like to change in Chennai?
(Smiles) Who am I to change anything?
I am sure the leaders in the governance know what’s best. I only wish that, we the people are more disciplined, tolerant and pay more attention to civic sense.
This year, you have been quite vocal in supporting causes in society and for the film industry?
I have always been vocal. Guess it’s only being reported now! (Smiles)
Coming to your films, despite injuries, you are pushing yourself to complete commitments. Isn’t health important?
Yes, ‘health is wealth’! Getting injured during filming is an occupational hazard. Of what use is good health alone if one does not have a career? So, I guess we need to find a way to balance both.
Do awards mean a lot to you? Or are you happy with box office numbers?
It all depends on who is organising/giving the awards. I do not like it when some organisers exploit fans and announce awards purely for commercial exploitation.
Do you have a lot of friends in the industry? Are friendships in the film industry real or fake like the on-screen world?
Shalini and I do have good friends in the industry. But name droppers exist in every industry.
Did you expect to be where you are in your career today?
I have been very sincere with my efforts be it my films, racing or my hobbies. That’s all that matters to me. I would like to share a quote from the Bhagavad Gita — “Perform all thy actions with mind concentrated on the Divine, renouncing attachment and looking upon success and failure with an equal eye. Spirituality implies equanimity.”
Your birthday is coming up on May 1st. Any special wishes this year?
I sincerely request my fans to henceforth not waste money on posters and hoardings. Instead, please use that money to educate and feed underprivileged children. God will bless you!
TAMIL NEW YEAR WISHES
As always, I wish every single soul good health, happiness, prosperity and peace of mind forever!
WISHES TO CT AND ITS READERS I wish the management and staff of Chennai Times a happy anniversary and many more years to come. I wish to thank the readers and my fans as well for their unflinching support!
