Karthik Subbaraj, Director
I grew up in a house that adored thalaivar . There would be major discussions at home whenever a film of his was due for release, and we would manage to watch the film on the first day. I heard his voice live for the first time when he called me after watching Pizza . I was thrilled. But, I never got to meet him. Once I heard Karunakaran was part of Lingaa , I told him to somehow arrange for me to meet Thalaivar. The Jigarthanda team met him when he was shooting in Shimoga. It was a memorable meeting as he opened the door for us, sat and answered whatever we asked him. And, I got to meet him twice in two days! He was magnanimous enough to speak about my films, Pizza and Jigarthanda. ”
Karunakaran, Actor
I remember going for the Enthiran premiere some years ago, when I was not yet an actor. There was a sudden rush, and I saw Thalaivar for the first time. He waved at everyone and disappeared. I never dreamt I would one day work in films, that too with him. My schedule for Lingaa with him was in Hyderabad; I remember how I was nervous and excited at the same time! I just hung around and kept peering at him from a distance. Then, K.S. Ravikumar sir introduced me to him. He patted me on the back and said, “ Kaasu panam duddu money money…you lived the character. Super-a pannerkeenga .” He recalled my role in Soodhu Kavvum … That was enough for me to last a lifetime! On the sets of Lingaa , he was this incredibly fun-loving and warm person. He would ensure everyone was comfortable. It was cold and raining in Shimoga when we were shooting one day. “ Kulurum . Go wear something warm,” he would say, like a family elder.
