The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Work is worship for him

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, Dec 10, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Work is worship for him

S.R. Ashok Kumar

"When you play a character role people remember your acting"

Actor Vijaykumar

CHENNAI: Vijayakumar started off as a child artist, grew into a hero and is now a busy star doing character roles. Having acted in some of the best Tamil movies, Vijayakumar missed a national award by one vote for his role in Andhi Mantharai. Here he talks about his experiences.

I am hardworking as work, for me, is worship.

Who would believe that I did the role of Lord Muruga in Sri Valli that featured Sivaji Ganesan and Padmini, in 1961-`62. I started as a child artist and later on became a full-fledged stage actor.

I joined Sahasranamam's Seva Stage. When actor Muthuraman left Seva Stage to act in films, I took up his roles. Those days, becoming a film artist was not easy. Compared to the struggle then, it is now very easy.

After watching a film at Shanthi Theatre, Chennai, I saw writer Balamurugan at the bus stop. He asked me to meet him at Arun Prasad Movies the next day. I was asked to come for a screen test the very next day. I did lengthy dialogues of Sivaji from Raman Ethanai Ramanadi. Director Madhavan, Balamurugan and cameraman Sundaram told me that I had been selected to do the main role in their coming film Ponnukku Thangam Manasu. This happened in 1973.

I have till now acted in nearly 400 films and those I like most are: Ponnukku Thanga Manasu directed by Madhavan, Madura Geetham by V.C. Guhanathan, and Azhage Unnai Aradhikkerain by Sridhar. In character roles my choices are Agni Nakshathiram by Mani Ratnam, the first film in which I acted as father of two top heroes of Tamil filmdom, Karthik and Prabhu, Kizhakku Chemaiyile by Bharathiraja, Velai Kidachirukku by P. Vasu and Anthi Mantharai by Bharathiraja.

When shooting for Anthi Mantharai director Bharathiraja said I would certainly get the coveted national award for best actor. Later, news came that I had missed the award by a vote. I also like the film Nattamai directed by Ravikumar. After the release of the film, Rajnikant saw it and when it was remade in Telugu he did my role. I was very happy to hear it.

I was happy as a hero. But I am happier doing character roles. When you play a character role, irrespective of whether the film flops or succeeds people will remember your acting. That is the best compliment for any actor.

Still, I do not think I have achieved anything in life. Acting is my bread and butter and I do not know anything else.

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