Before acquiring a project, take the advice of experienced trade pundits in the industry and analyse the risks and business propositions thoroughly.
When K. Balachander saw me for the first time, he booked me for three films and asked me to learn Tamil first.
For me, every film is like the first picture. I am very choosy with the director and producer.
Starting with a meagre amount of Rs 300 as a conductor, when I became an actor and started seeing huge moneys like Rs 3 or 4 lakhs, I thought I was 'an exclusive creation' by God, and he had made me like this. Later, I got the wisdom and realised that my time was good and things worked out! And I was also a normal human being like others.
When producers and directors were courting Sivaji Ganesan, MGR directed and produced 'Nadodi Mannan' and showed that he can do it alone. He created history and stood his ground against one of the best actors in history, Sivaji Ganesan.
A producer is bound to market his product with innovative gimmicks and quirky selling techniques, but distributors and exhibitors should not fall prey to it. Don't buy a film for exorbitant price and crib about losses post the film's release.
My brother was my first guru who introduced me to spiritualism at a very young age. He later even enrolled me into Ramakrishna Mission.
In my entire career, only two actors challenged me as villain in my films. One is Raghuvaran's character of Mark Antony in 'Baasha' and Ramya Krishnan's portrayal of Neelambari in 'Padaiyappa.'
If I get a good character, a suitable role, a good producer-director, only then will I do a film.
Due to God's grace and a good director, I became successful.
By God's grace, the only property my parents gave me was a good body. No BP, no sugar, no hereditary problems. Small build, tight skin.
Usually, in many films, only the hero's character is of importance, and the others may not be as significant. But in 'Kaala,' there are at least six characters that will have a huge impact and will stay with you even after the movie.
How you communicate while criticising a film is important. Don't pass any hurtful remarks.
Real human purpose in life is to realise self. I am on the path to spirituality, to realise my inner self.
Working with intelligent people is easy, but we should be careful with geniuses.
I go to the Himalayas after every film. I go alone. I go to the interiors, to the villages. Being there itself is like meditation.
MeToo is a good movement, but women should not misuse it... MeToo should be used correctly.
The worst form of violence is the assault on uniformed personnel.
If people go out and start protests for everything, then entire Tamil Nadu will become a grave yard!
I grew as an actor just by watching Kamal Haasan acting. I had the good fortune of being able to observe Kamal Haasan from close quarters.
