Silambarasan, also known as STR, recently resurfaced into the limelight, looking a completely changed man. Finally releasing his long-delayed project Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada with Gautham Menon, the once hot-buttoned star was surprisingly open-minded in an interview with DC, where he waxed philosophy, his vision, politics, working with Gautham and ARR, and more.
AYM will take me to the next level in my career:
Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada is definitely an important film in my career. My combination with Gautham Menon and AR Rahman after Vinnai Thaandi Varuvaaya, is special not only for us — but also the audience. The extra burden of retaining the success is also there. When Gautham sir narrated the script to me, I knew that AYM would take me to the next level in my career. VTV was about a boy and his love life — whereas in AYM, he becomes a man who has to deal with a number of situations in his life. Gautham has touched upon two genres of styles; the first half is totally different from what appears post-interval. That’s not only new to me, but I think it is new to Tamil cinema. Any actor would have apprehensions on how the director would handle the story, but I trusted Gautham fully. I personally felt it was worth a try — and today the film has shaped up so well. I owe a lot to Gautham and he has done a great job. The rest, I leave it to God and the audience.
Fans are my biggest strength during times of crisis:
In today’s scenario, having a fan base itself is a big task. Despite the problems and the nightmares that I have been through in the last three years, and the uncertainty of my movie releases, my fans have stood by me. Though I had the courage to face difficulties, my fans’ love, respect, courage, strength and patience has made me rock-solid. They are the biggest pillars of strength for me. Without them, I am nobody. Everyone is in awe of my fans’ support. I don’t know how I am going to ever repay them. By way of giving good films at regular intervals, I want to make them happy.
STR after 10 years:
As a person, I will always remain the same Silambarasan. Success or failure doesn’t affect me at all. But professionally, as a star, I don’t know where I will be. Those things depend on my movies and audiences.
Vision:
I want to give food, clothes, good health, education and protection to every new-born in this world. I will work towards this goal, and do something for them. When the guys who founded Snapchat and Whatsapp can make billions of dollars, why won’t I be able to accomplish my mission? (laughs). Even when I was just four years old, I sang the song ‘I am a little star, aavaen naan superstar’ in my dad’s film Samsara Sangeetham. Today I am a ‘star’ (smiles). My vision is for not only for Indian kids —it is for children across the world.
Politics is not my cup of tea:
No way! Being outside politics, I have already announced my agenda. I don’t need to be a politician to do good things. To be frank, I am not in a position to say proudly that I have many people backing me. I want to make people in front of me happy — it is as simple as that. I am neither politically-inclined nor would it suit my nature. The whole structure is tainted and I will also be sucked into the vicious circle.
Evil over good:
We are in kaliyug! When the legendary MGR offered food to an old lady and hugged her, people accepted it and heaped laurels on him. But the kind of situation that prevails now... noone would appreciate a similar gesture! Only villains get respect in today’s scenario. If you notice in Thani Oruvan, it was Arvind Swami’s role which was widely appreciated. Similarly, Sathuranga Vettai got noticed for its conman theme. Only negativity works. The same thing is applicable in my personal life too. Everyone talked so badly about me — to the extent of tarnishing my image totally. But no one could dump me, because there’s a huge group who have given me a place in the industry. That’s the reality!
Agenda in life:
I am working towards my vision. I want to do good movies. I have structured and made a system, which I think will hopefully work out.
