I am not keen on being called a star: Shaam

It is hard to imagine Shaam, who has mostly acted in breezy romances, trying experimental roles. He is, however a picture of confidence after his latest film. “I put in so much effort for each film to make it work,” he smiles, and adds that he believes everything happens for the best. “When I entered films, I didn’t have a ticket to stardom like a hero’s son. I believed that if my preparation for a goal was sincere, I was bound to reach it.”

Shaam is not too keen on being called a star. “Of course, I have ambitions but I would like to do movies that appeal to me,” he tells us. Shaam is quite comfortable doing multi-starrers. When asked why, he says those films have variety. “When interesting actors unite for a film, it generates curiosity among the public. And the trend is very healthy.”

The actor believes that Purampokku will be a trendsetter. “The film is an exploration of different ideologies that people have in the modern world, driven strongly by its characters. Jananathan is an honest director who does justice to his films. I didn’t even know the climax of the film when I signed the script. It speaks volumes of the confidence I have in him,” he says.

After being in the industry for 13 years, Shaam says he has learnt to take both the highs and the lows in good spirit. “I use my failure as an inspiration to work harder. I am grateful and thankful to the people of Tamil Nadu for accepting me in such a big way. I’ve done a lot of Telugu films, but Tamil films come first. The reception has been inspiring,” he says.  

 “I choose scripts that bring out the finer actor in me,” says Shaam, adding he would like to do what Manoj Bajpai did in Satya. Talking about his future projects, he is excited about Oru Melliya Kodu and Kalakutthu. “I need a makeover for Kalakutthu because it is set around Madurai,” he says. Shaam says he misses the good old 12B days. “I miss Jeeva, the director, who made such wonderful romantic films. He was my godfather, the one who taught me to stop being the happy-go-lucky guy on sets, to work seriously and to value my takes. I would like to star in a deep, intense love story. I also want to act under Shankar's direction,” he says. What’s next for Shaam? “I’ve been an actor and producer, so why not a director? Maybe not now, but in the future. I have plans to direct a film,” he signs off.