He believes lots in his energy and the power of lord Shiva. He broke the stereotype of Bollywood actors and made people mad over his voice and acting rather than the body cuts and six packs. He is very particular and concentrated that what he wants and how to get. None other than Mr. Kolaveri Di, Dhanush shares to Spectralhues about the feeling of conquering his recent released Shamitabh with Mr. Bachchan and lil inside of himself.
How did you get into films?
Oh, it’s a long story (smiles). My family came to Chennai in search of job before I born, I basically belong to a poor family. We were so poor that family of six sometime just got water to survive. My dad joined as an Assistant Director with the help of his friends. And he was the one got to direct my first film when I was in class 9th which had other six school kids in it. Because of dropping by that lead guy my family convinced me to take that role. My second film Kadhal Kondaen was directed by my brother Selvaraghavan that turned me overnight into a star. I did not choose to get into acting. I always wanted to be a Marine Engineer, but then this career chose me. And that how it all starts..!
How does it feel to be the son-in-law of Rajinikanth?
Truly speaking, He is one of them who don’t have any different side of their personality. As a person he is same as world knows him, his simplicity can attract anyone and I am one of his fan among all and will always be. We share an understanding and special bond of our relationship. After Kadhal Kondaen, one of his guys spoke to me and called me to his farmhouse. He wanted to tell me that he appreciated my work and really liked it. He always appreciated my work and so others no matter whom ever he is. I cannot explain it, it’s something beyond words. We are honest to each other and with mutual respect we never interfere in each other decisions.
Your Bollywood debut was phenomenal – You came and conquered with Raanjhanaa and your very next movie is with Mr.Bachchan, your comment.
It’s a dream come true working with a stalwart like Mr. Bachchan. My very first shot in Hindi films was against a poster of Mr. Bachchan and now I get to be pitted against him in Shamitabh -It doesn’t get any better than this.
Despite being a Superstar down south, you have an unprecedented fan following up north – How does it feel?
The fact that people loved the character I played in Raanjhanaa and follow my other films down south is something I’m yet to come to terms with – It feels surreal and for an actor it’s always a compliment to know that your character is remembered by people and not just your public image.
The roles you are choosing are very unconventional and very different from the kind a Superstar does down south – Why the decision to take up such roles?
Down south my fans are used to seeing me in a particular role and hence I’m restricted as an actor! In Bollywood I have nothing to lose, so I’m trying to experiment and mix it up as much as possible and thanks to my Director R. Balki I bagged this role of a lifetime.
They call you the dark horse at the B/O, what your take on it?
It’s overwhelming …And I hope to continue surprising them with performances that stay with them much after the film releases.
Tell us a little about your role in the film.
I play an ordinary guy with dreams of being a star! The film is about clash of egos, about people competing for credit as filmmaking is a collaborative effort. ‘Shamitabh’ explores that collision between Mr.Bachchan and me.
R.Balki has called you an “Original actor” and has been an admirer of your work – How was it being directed by him?
Balki sees things very differently and yet with so much clarity – It was a very enriching experience working on this film. Balki brings out the best in his actors.
Do you see yourself making a shift to Bollywood?
I don’t see the industry. I only see the film and North vs South films. I will do any good film irrespective of the language it is in.
Kolaveri Di, turned everybody to your side. Does that music still have that space in your life?
Yes, of course, it does play that important role in my life. I do lots of music in south films. I do write lyrics and songs in Tamil, music holds very special part in my life. I can’t live without music, I haven’t learnt music but still there’s some kind of rhythm my head rolls over in.
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