Nine-year-old Nishok didn’t let dyslexia stand in the way of his achieving an IQ score of 130+, after a year at a special school. He wanted to prove that nothing can hamper one’s progress in life. “We came to Chennai from Tiruvannamalai to admit Nishok in the special school,” says his mother, Raji. “After a year at the school, his IQ level went up and we found a new enthusiasm in him. To encourage him we circulated his photos among model coordinating agencies which resulted in him getting a small role in Pattathu Yaanai . Subsequently, Nishok got another role as Kovai Sarala and Pandiarajan’s son in Nooravathu Naal . He has also done a role in a short film, Kallarai, which is yet to be released,” says Raji.
Fun unlimited on the sets
Musical theatre is in her blood; remember Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Mamma Mia and Lion King ? Well, Varalaxmi, daughter of Sarathkumar, will again be seen in the production Shrek on October 12 and 13. Meanwhile, Varalaxmi is gearing up for the release of her second film Madha Gaja Raja (MGR). How does she compare the two heroes she has been paired with so far? “Simbu proved to be a helpful co-star in Podaa Podi. It was my first film and he taught me a lot about acting techniques, cues, timing, etc. Besides, he is fun to be around with. Vishal (in MGR ) has for long been a family friend. He is also full of life and since we had a large ensemble on the sets, it was always fun,” says Varalaxmi who plays a typical half-sari clad village girl in the film.
Three in a row
He plays Karthik, a boy-next-door in Unnodu Oru Naal . “But, due to circumstances, his character acquires negative shades in the second half of the film. This role has given me a lot of scope to showcase my talent,” says Arjun Vijayaraghavan, who has just completed his second movie, Tirumanam Ennum Nikka . “In this film, I play a negative role which adds weight to the story. I am happy that I have signed my third film, Nenjay Ezhu in which I am paired with Anjana. In this crime drama, I play the role of a cop,” says Arjun.
