Tamil Nadu   

I am not what I look like: Manivannan

S.R. Ashok Kumar

"For me the biggest appreciation comes from my fans"

Manivannan

Manivannan, who started his film career as an assistant to director Bharathiraaja, slowly moved to acting in small roles in films. Then he started directing movies on his own. After acting in a variety of roles in nearly 200 films, Manivannan talks about his acting career and plans to direct a movie.

I am not what I look like. I am a soft person. I love life and enjoy it.

I started my career by writing the story and dialogue for director Bharathiraaja. When we were doing `Nizhalgal', for which I wrote the dialogue, I was asked to play the role of a rickshaw driver.

I have acted in nearly 200 films in Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam.

I like `Ullathai Alliththaa', `Sangamam', `Kuthalam', `Kodi Parakuthu' and `Parthipan Kanavu'. I have also directed over 50 films.

I do not have any regrets about not directing films now. I only wanted to be in the film world. So, whether I am an actor or director I am happy as I am in the field.

I am now 53 years old, but I do not feel that I have achieved anything. I will continue to work as long as I can.

I grew up watching M.R. Radha and Sivaji Ganesan, and I can proudly say that I am their fan. I also like Savithri and T.R. Rajakumari. I like M.N. Rajam, particularly for her Tamil diction and correct pronunciation. Among directors I like Bharathiraaja, K. Balachander, Mani Ratnam, Balu Mahendra and J. Mahendran, of `Udirippookkal' fame.

I wanted my son, Raghuvannan, to become a director. But, he wanted to be an actor, so I told him to try his hand at whatever he wanted to do. Now, he is considering offers from a couple of companies.

For me the biggest appreciation is that which comes from my fans. I always want to perform for them.

I respect awards, but when you start doing films for the sake of getting awards then you move away from the people. I prefer to act for the people.

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