Interview 1

Actor Dhanush’s Interview

Life has a strange way of throwing things across your path when you least expect it. Giving up his cherished dream of becoming a marine engineer, Dhanush found himself with acting on big screen instead. Coming to terms with life’s strange ‘accident’ that made him an actor, Dhanush has come so far into the industry that his film has even received international acclaim. Clad simply and comfortably in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, the actor reveals his story to Sharanya C.R. and Deepti Govind.

How did you enter the film industry?

It was an accident. I was studying in 11th standard when my dad asked me to act in Thulluvatho Illammai. I had no interest in movies then. As a college student, who would want to miss the opportunity to bunk college though? But to my surprise, I was thought to fit the role perfectly, and had no choice but to act in it after that! I grumbled and cried, but to no avail.

How was your experience acting for the very first time against your wishes? Were you confident of doing a good job?

I always wanted to become a marine engineer. I knew nothing about cinema and had no confidence. They taught me and I acted. I just wanted to get done with it! I even prayed to god that the movie should not do well, but unfortunately, it did really well in the box office. (Laughs)

Do you choose scripts after consultation with family and friends?

No, I do not. I just follow my instincts.

It is said by critics that the best of you seems to have come out only in films directed by your brother, Selvaraghavan. What would you say to that?

I agree completely. For an actor to bring out his best, the script should offer him a lot of scope. That is exactly what Selva’s scripts have done to me. The roles he offers are also heavy and challenging. Once you are posed with a challenge, you naturally tend to put in more effort.

Though Pudhupettai was a huge hit, it was said to have excess violence.

I think when the whole movie revolves around the story of a gangster, there is bound to be violence in it.

The usual perception of a gangster’s appearance is that he is strong and muscular of build.

When I discussed the movie with Selva, and started preparing for it, I had to meet few gangsters to see how their life actually is. You would be surprised to hear that, almost 7 out of 10 gangsters are thin. They laughed at us when we told them the same thing. Being thing and wiry has its advantages, especially when you need to escape fast. The stamina that a thin person has will surely be more than a bulky person if both have to run fast and for miles to escape!

How do you prepare for your roles?

I literally make myself become the character in the course of time. My homework is done in front of the mirror. For this movie, Pudupettai, I learned the body language, and the lifestyle of the gangsters by watching movies based on them.

The movie has achieved international recognition. How do you feel about a Tamil movie getting so much importance in the international scenario?

Yeah, it is awesome because normally Indian movies that achieve international recognition have been from Bollywood. Also, when someone like Cameron Bailey who is the selector of Asian films for the Toronto film festival, and has such a vast experience in films, has praised the movie, I think it speaks for itself about the film.

Many of the actors these days tend to change their ‘look’ completely for every other movie, what is your say on this?

When I first entered the industry, everyone looked back to see who this gawky teenager who didn’t look at all like a movie actor was. I didn’t have your usual ‘hero’ look! This made me popular! (Laughs) I think I look perfectly okay for my age. “Get up change” I think may be four years down the lane I might consider it. Now I want to do roles that will go well with and which suits my age.

What change do you find in yourself from the first movie and now?

In the first movie, I was a kid. I did not have any ambitions or passion for movies. I just acted the way they asked me to. Only in Pudupettai did I grow up to be an actor.

Rajini..?

It feels good to be his son-in-law. In my school days I used to be crazy about him. I dreamt of meeting him just once and now... On the other hand, I have lost my identity. Earlier I was Dhanush, now I am ‘Rajini’s son-in-law’. I am fighting to regain my lost identity now.

Is singing is also one of your passions, because you sing for movies.

(Laugh’s loud) That was because they needed a voice that is bad for the song in Pudupettai.

Which do you think is your best movie?

Pudupettai undoubtedly.

Your favorite director?

Selvaraghavan. It is not because he is my brother, but because he is one director who can bring out real emotions. He has a style and class of his own. He has a lot of courage and I think he is the best.

What are your plans for the future?

I have plans to direct. I am in the process of learning direction. May be 4 or 5 years down the lane, I would be directing a movie.

A word for today’s generation?

I know advice is boring. But someone has to say it. Never let down your parents at any point in your life. Their expectations are very small. Respect them by giving them what they want from you. They can never want anything but the good for you. I did not follow this and screwed up life quite a few times. Now I regret and I don’t want others to learn the hard way. My last word would be, no one can ever love you more than your parents!

Post Script:

This interview was totally amazing! Myself and sowmya found his house eppadiyo n asked for an interview through intercom system! The next day we were asked to come at 7.30! Myself and Deepti went exactly at 7.20, if i remember. A traditional entrance and a lovely house. We were asked to sit. As we were looking around, a young boy comes in, he was Dhanush! I confirmed myself "he is only danush know?". It's my first -actor-interview. Little nervous, deepti didn't know much about him, so I need to ask the most part of it! In the end we managed to finish it successfully. He was very patient and soft-spoken. Nice man!This we did in our 2nd year, first semester! Unforgettable!