Do you remember your debut film?
How can I forget my first film? It was Neechal Kulam. After college, I got this offer in 1978, thanks to my friend Kittu. So far, I have played hero in 250 films and character roles in over 100 films in Tamil and Telugu. But my recent break in Tamil came in Sivaji, where I acted with Superstar Rajinikanth.
What was it like working with the Superstar?
I can call him a new age guru. I was fortunate to be with him for nearly one and a half years; it was an enriching experience.
You are from Chennai. What do you intend doing for the people of Tamil Nadu who have appreciated your acting?
I would like to continue to entertain them. I am a black belt in karate. I want to train youngsters and develop karate in a big way here, as I have done in Andhra Pradesh.
How about politics?
As of now, cinema is my bread and butter. Perhaps after some years, I will join a party. Politics is a full-fledged job and one should serve people without expectations.
Do you plan to do anything for the youngsters in the industry?
I want to create a talent bank where one can look for suitable actors for films.
What's your take on awards? Do they make you happy?
Certainly. I was very happy on Vijayadasami day, when I got the award for best villain (for the first time) from the Tamil Nadu Government. I first thanked Rajinikanth; he magnanimously said that I deserved it. I also thank producers AVM Saravanan and M.S. Guhan, and director Shankar for it. I am now doing half a dozen films in Tamil, Telugu and one in Arabic too. But for Sivaji, these wouldn't have come my way.
