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SIMBU AND ASIN ON FILMS, FASHION AND FRIENDSHIP
"We've the best of both worlds'
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With films such as "Sivakasi" with Vijay, "Godfather" with Ajit and "Gajini" with Surya in her kitty, Asin is the current toast of Kollywood. Her USP: amber eyes, exuberance, ticking mind and a catwalker-like frame. Son of actor-director T.Rajen dar, Silambarasan a.k.a Simbu may not be the typical chocolate hero, but there's a certain charm about him. Luckily, he is here at a time when Tamil cinema is turning refreshingly real. His USP: gentle, unpretentious, crazy about films (he watches one everyday) and a fit physique. Simbu greets Asin with a disarmingly warm smile as she walks into The Park for a Take Two. They seem to hit it off with each other from the word `go'. The smile-a-minute actress and the macho young man will soon fac
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It takes two to tango: Simbu and Asin at The Park. Pics by S. Thanthoni
Asin: Tell me, what does Silambarasan mean?
Simbu: Silambu is a piece of jewellery worn on the ankle and `arasan' means ruler.
Asin: Oh! So you were born to rule. (Simbu grins) If not a kingdom, at least filmdom! And are you wearing a silambu? Anyway you are carrying enough accessories on your neck and hand. (The oxidised kadas and chain gel well with his rugged jeans and cotton T)
Simbu: Is Asin your full name?
Asin: Yes. It means one without sin, pure. People generally don't get my name right.
Simbu: But I have always pronounced it right.
Asin: And I really like you for that.
Simbu: Girls are quite fussy about these things.
Asin: I don't think so. Most of us are particular about our names being pronounced correctly because this one word gives us our identity. I think boys don't mind as they have many names. (Laughs aloud)
(Asin orders a fresh fruit juice without sugar while Simbu sips some wine)
Simbu: Sugar-free? For figure's sake?
Asin: Not really. At home too we avoid sugar in juices. Instead, we put honey, which is good for health. My parents are quite health conscious. My mom being a doctor has reason to be.
Rapport with parents
Simbu: I have always admired the rapport you have with your dad.
Asin: Being a single child I am the constant focus of my parents' attention. Mind you, I am not a spoilt brat. They are my best friends with whom I share my dreams and fears. I always enjoy our dinner table discussions. My parents have been supportive of my decisions and given me total freedom to do what I want.
Simbu: Confidence and family backing are absolutely essential to survive in the fickle film world. Though I was launched in my dad's film, it was only after the success of "Manmadhan" did offers start coming in.
Asin: You had even scripted the film?
Simbu: Yes. I was completely involved in it. Not just acting, I love every aspect of filmmaking. And that's not surprising as I first faced the camera when I was nine months old. Besides, with dad in the industry, it was easier being noticed.
Asin: In "Manmadhan" you danced your way into cinegoers' hearts.
Simbu: You too dance well.
Asin: I have learnt Bharatanatyam and even some folk forms. I was a lot into culturals since my days at the Naval Public School in Cochin. Since the age of 14, I have been an entrepreneur, marketing and distributing hospital equipment, marking devices, computer and accessories. I also deal with antiques. That was my first brush with fame as I got wide media coverage for being one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the country. It also fetched me modelling offers and a Malayalam film.
Simbu: And that's the only Malayalam film you have done?
Filmfare award
Asin: Since I was in Standard XII then, I wanted to concentrate on my studies. And when I was again ready to take up assignments, I got good offers in Telugu and Tamil. For my first Telugu film "Amma Naana O Tamila Ammayi" (later remade in Tamil as "M.Kumaran, son of Mahalaxmi") I got a Filmfare award for best actress last year. As for my business, I have some reliable managers to handle it while I am away. You created quite a flutter with that stunt you did in "Dum".
Simbu: Ya, I jumped from the fifth floor of a building.
Asin: And where did you land? (laughs)
Simbu: I am not a spiderman, I obviously landed on the airbed. I remember how nervous I was when I looked down from the fifth floor. But it was too late to go back on my decision. I had to do it to save my face. There were many onlookers. So I just closed my eyes and did it. For the next few minutes I didn't know what was happening to me.
Asin: No doubt you keep getting such dare devil roles.
Simbu: In my next film "Thottijaya," I play a ruffian. For the last four months I have been sporting a beard. I am sick of it and waiting to finish shooting for the film. The other day, some kids wanted to see me and when I came out, they said you are not our Simbu. I was shocked.
Asin: Who designs your clothes? I like the T-shirt you are wearing.
Simbu: Going by the roles I have been doing there is hardly any scope to get into stylish outfits. I like the way you have worn the hairband. Even Jyotika wore such bands in "Manmadhan". It looks really cool. What kind of dresses do you prefer?
Asin: Decent (bursts into laughter). Seriously, I am comfortable in both western and ethnic. And it's nice that a lot of professional designers are around these days to help you look prim and proper. But I hate wearing jewellery.
Simbu: Then what do you do with all your money?
Asin: Invest for a relaxed future. I strongly believe in financial independence. Despite the urge to be an achiever, I want success on my terms. Sadly, glamour is misinterpreted as obscenity in the film world. I can never do a "Murder" or "Jism". If things don't happen, I would rather pack up my bags and go home.
No number game
Simbu: I too don't bother much about whether I am No. 1 or 10. I just believe in giving my best in each shot. And whenever I feel like taking a break, it's destination London.
Asin: I also love travelling and meeting people. But these days I long to get back to my home in Cochin and enjoy mom-made food. I also try to squeeze out some time to catch up with studies. (She's doing her final year English literature). My friends supply me with notes.
Simbu: I miss school a lot. So much that I am scripting a film in which I will play a schoolboy.
Asin: I think we are enjoying the best of both worlds. Do you hangout with friends?
Simbu: Sometimes. But I am not really a party animal. No disco-kisco for me. Discotheques are actually for those who don't know dance.
Asin: Your kind of girl?
Simbu: A girl. For the past one year I have been in a dilemma — to fall in love or not to. I wonder how gossip columns link me with several girls while here I am single and ready to mingle.
Asin: Luckily they have spared me till now.
Simbu: Oh, that's unfair. Wait, I will cook up an exciting rumour about you. The best I have heard about myself recently is `Aishwarya Rai will co-star in my next film'.
Asin: This one I am sure you would have spread yourself. (Can't stop laughing) Come on, admit it.
Simbu: Remember, you are `A-sin'.
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