My First Break: Karthi

CHENNAI: 10/06/2009: Actor Karthi at a Press Conference to announce the new movie `Aayirathil Oruvan’, in Chennai on Wednesday. Photo: S_S_Kumar

How it happened

I wanted to be in the same industry as my father Siva Kumar, but never thought I would end up as an actor. Wanting to become a director, I joined Mani Ratnam as an assistant. After working for a few years, I realised one must also be a writer to become a successful director. But I was not well-versed in writing. That was when Mani Ratnam said, ‘Give whatever you want to do a try. But if you get an offer to act, grab it.' I waited in the wings for the right break and it came in the form of Paruthiveeran, directed by Ameer.

How it felt

I saw

Paruthiveeran in parts, when I was dubbing for it. On the first day of its release, I watched the film in Albert theatre. When I appeared on the screen for the first time, the audience cheered. I can never forget this ovation in my life. That day I decided I must always give my fans good films. Ayirathil Oruvan and Paiya followed.

How life changed

Being an actor's son, you're already known. I can't say my privacy has been encroached on. When I enter a shopping mall or a coffee pub, people talk to me for a couple of minutes, after which they leave me alone. I am now doing some good roles in

Naan Mahan Alla and

Siruthai, where Anushka is the heroine. I wanted to do a full-fledged comic role and have tried something on those lines in

Naan Mahan Alla . I am eager to see my fans' reaction to it.