Grill mill
‘Thalai Vasal’ Vijay
You started as a hero in television. Why did you switch to character roles in films?
In my first serial `Neela
Mala', I was a 35-year-old
hero. But, in films I always
go in for character roles so
that I can show variety. Incidentally,
I've played hero
in four films including
Sthree in Telugu, directed
by K.S. Sethumadhavan,
which won the national
award, and Oru Iniya
Udayam for the National
Film Development Corporation.
I'm now working in
Ugapurushan in Malayalam,
where I play social reformer
Narayana Guru.
The cast includes big
names such as Mammootty
and `Kalabavan' Mani.
Do you agree good actors do not have much scope in Tamil films?
In a way, yes. In fact, people have told me I should have more scenes in films. Whenever I dub for other language films, I'd ask the producer when they'd call me for such good roles.
Now actors sing and direct films. What about you?
I want to direct a film, but right now I'm busy with my son and daughter, who are State- and Nationallevel swimmers, to ensure they bring laurels to the country.
Are you happy with the film industry now?
I've come a long way since my days as a vacuum cleaner representative. I can't sit in judgment of the industry as I have no long term plans. I take things as they come.
Favourites among your films?
Thalai Vasal, Kadal Kottai, Devar Magan, Kathalukku Mariyathai and Abiyum Nanum.
S.R. ASHOK KUMAR
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