The Proust Questionnaire is a weekly feature that derives its name from French writer Marcel Proust, whose personality-revealing responses to these questions went on to popularise this form of celebrity confession.
K.V. Anand is a Tamil film director and a national award-winning cinematographer.
What is your idea of happiness?
When everything around you goes according to your expectations. If it goes against you, it might disturb you.
What is your greatest fear?
Nothing should happen to my brinjal plant (on my rooftop garden).
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I’m a foodie. I actually don’t eat much but I eat a variety of things. I should resist some of them.
If you could change one thing about your family?
I should spend more time with them
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Making complicated films that become successful.
If you were to die and come back?
I wanted to be a photojournalist. I want India Today to take me back. It’s a role where you are independent and answerable only to your editor. But I should get the same money as what I’m making as a director (laughs)
What is your idea of misery?
I’m basically a pessimist. I’m not affected by either the success or failure of my films. But I should enjoy a bit of happiness and be saddened by certain things. I’m not able to do either.
Where would you like to live?
Inside a forest. I want trees around me. I don’t like the concrete jungle. I want to live around greenery.
What is your favourite occupation?
Farming, agriculture.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Lot of people say I get angry quickly but forget it the next second. I would have nastily scolded an assistant in the morning but by the afternoon I’d be lunching with him on the friendliest terms.
What is the quality you like most in the opposite sex?
I like it when they talk about or involve themselves in social issues.
Who are your favourite authors?
Perumal Rasu and T. Janakiraman.
Who is your favourite hero in fiction?
Irumbu Kai Mayavi (comics).
Heroes in real life?
My hero is always P.C. Sreeram.
What is your present state of mind?
My producer saw my latest film last evening and appreciated me. So I’m elated.
How would you like to die?
When I die, my family shouldn’t know about it immediately. It’s better they don’t come to know about it.
What is your motto?
Live in the present. I never have any strategy for my next film or project. If we concentrate on what we’re doing right now and do it right, that’s enough. Planning ahead is overrated.
