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From lover boy to a macho icon

Suriya's tryst with success began with `Nanda' and the glory continues, writes T.SARAVANAN

WORKAHOLIC Determined to succeed Photo:G. MOORTHY

"I am neither a born actor nor spontaneous. But I work hard to become a good actor," Kollywood macho icon Suriya's candid self-assessment off-screen bowls you over as much as his on screen performances do, where he has come a long way from his early "lover boy" image to the rough and tough man.

In town recently to attend a function of a popular motorcycle company for which he is the brand ambassador, Suriya, dressed in blue denim and a cotton shirt, was perfectly at ease facing a volley of questions.

He-man

Dubbed as the modern `He-man' of Tamil movies, Suriya's meteoric rise is quite stunning. The glow and aura of this man, especially after the resounding success of `Kakka Kakka' and `Ghajini', have transcended boundaries.

"When I started acting I just wanted to support my family and shoulder the burden with my father. My garment export business gave me job satisfaction but I was not able to take over the mantle from my father. In the meantime, I was also receiving offers from top directors and that lured me into the filmdom," he reminisces.

Not choosy

Initially, he accepted all roles that came his way. From his introduction in the movie `Nerukku Ner' to `Friends', Suriya was hardly choosy about his roles. "Unlike many other actors who have made it to the top, my entry into films was easy given the celebrity status of my father Sivakumar. Struggle was less as I had a brand name to push me forward. But I have never misused it. Realisation of the value and importance of my father's reputation in the industry made me more responsible," he says.

Turning point

Ever since he caught director Bala's attention, life changed for Suriya.

It was he who identified the actor's strong point, the eyes with a penetrative look, and suitably exposed them in `Nanda'. "I have learnt a lot from Bala. I have understood the principles behind looking and acting differently. It is all in the mind and attitude," he owes his success to the powerful character he played in `Nanda'.

As Suriya transformed himself with Nanda, he also learnt how to sustain success. "The urge to succeed is more important. My association with Bala was a revelation. I started to concentrate on my costumes and gait. It has now become an addiction." What followed is history. He accepted challenging roles like the one in `Kakka Kakka'.

His father and actor Sivakumar too believes that good homework matters the most: "The secret of success is in hard work. Suriya does his homework to perfection. At the end your dedication shows. He avoided rice for six months to shape himself better for his performance in `Ghajini'."

Echoes Suriya: "I realised that if the industry has to remember you, you should be identified by the roles you do. The thirst is important. See Tom Hanks, especially in the movie `Castaway', he works hard for his character. Even I would like to be as inquisitive as he is."

Earlier, the success percentage of celluloid heroes was low. But now actors are on the prowl to scout challenging roles and Suriya is not an exception. "Yes, script dominated the industry three decades ago. But now, with modern day advancements, the technical aspect of movie assumes more important. Besides, success also depends on the enthusiasm of the team. Everyone contributes to a movie's success. It is a teamwork."

Now he is also much sought after in Telugu films. "I like to surprise my fans in every movie I do. It has worked wonders and I have good number of offers from there."

He equates the affinity of Telugu audience to a mother's love. "Their love is purely unconditional and spontaneous and I enjoy my success in Tollywood."

Given the freedom he enjoys in the family it has become his responsibility now to prove his worth.

Spends for charity

Having accomplished as an actor he has turned his attention towards charity. "My father, for the past 25 years, has been funding many deserving students for their educational expenses. Now, I have started Suriya Charitable Trust and have created a corpus fund of Rs.One crore. The interest amount goes to deserving persons in need of finance for education, medicine and childcare."

He also funds liberally for the kidney treatment and subsidised dialysis.

He has even become the brand ambassador for a hospital specialised in treating kidney ailments.

Elated

Suriya is elated to see his brother Karthi venturing into films. "He is a hard worker and his knowledge of world cinema is quite exemplary. He will nicely fit into films. He is sharp and he should turn out to be good performer."

Suriya still has a soft corner for the garment export business, which fed him initially. "I wish to start a garment export company and provide employment to people," he spells out his plans for the future.

For a man with such name and fame, he seems to be affable and extremely pleasing. "I still have to mature a lot and have a long way to go," he says with a touch of humility. Like father, like son.

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