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By:
Amalan
He wants to be different in every film he does. He gets so immersed in the roles he plays, he has almost become an intellectual actor.
Like any successful actor, Vikram's road to success has been full of rough, uneven paths.
A short while after he became a hero, performance opportunities dwindled and he resorted to dubbing for films, till he regained his status as hero in films. Siyan's cinema career has thus been full of ups and downs.
When a man is struggling against the current, he will take hold of even a stick and swim ashore, is it not? 'Sethu' came as a catamaran for Vikram. After the action packed 'Anniyan' he's off to make merry in 'Maja.'
During his brief respite in Chennai after a stint of shooting at Karaikudi, he gave an interview to cinesouth.com. His face and hands were looking dark and tanned.
Vikram, you seem to have lost your color.
He laughed heartily, patted us on the back and said, "It's the magic of the 'Maja' outdoor shooting!"
What is the magic about?
"Mm..I don't mind telling you. The 'Maja' shooting is taking place at Pollachi and Karaikudi in turns. There is so much rain in the Pollachi area. It is so hot in the Karaikudi area. Shifting from this location to that, the skin automatically becomes dry and dark."
How is 'Maja' coming up so far?
"It's going great. We are in splits as we are shooting, then you can imagine what the script is like. Doing such a serious role in 'Anniyan,' I almost became robot like. In contrast, I am totally relaxed in 'Maja.' Each scene is a gem under director Shafi's expertise. 'Maja' is a super comedy frame by frame."
How is Asin?
"Very nice girl. She understands the scene very well and gives the desired result in just one take."
'Anniyan' which is doing well in Telugu, is not doing too well in Tamilnadu.
"All directors and actors want to come up with super hit films. Mr.Shankar worked so tirelessly for 'Anniyan.' But the calculation seems to have gone amiss somewhere, that's why there has been only a lukewarm response to 'Anniyan' in Tamilnadu. Maybe the expectations were too great in Tamilnadu, but not so much in Telugu, hence its success in Telugu is greater than in Tamil."
Has the result affected you in any way?
"I have the strength to withstand success or failure."
Is this what your past has taught you?
"Correct. A sculptor has to chisel the stone bit by bit before the sculpture takes shape. Rot becomes fertilizer in due course. One should never get depressed by failure or carried away by success. In those days when I was dubbing for other heroes, I had the passion to make it big in films, but never jealousy over another actor. That passion has brought me where I am today. Many of the actors for whom I dubbed are not even in the field any more. That is life," said Vikram in a philosophical manner.
You are being called the next Kamal.
"I am happy to even hear that, but I wonder if I do deserve that recognition." Even his answer has shades of Kamal!
Vijay seems to be your close friend...
"Yes. We usually make it a point to attend each other's functions. We do not have any ego hassles or envy between ourselves. That's because we do not mix reel life with real life. Such genuine friendship should grow between actors. What I like about Vijay are his calm, dance skills, action and acting."
How do you maintain your body?
"Before 'Sethu,' I used to eat anything veg or non-veg. A couple of idlis and dosa were not enough for breakfast. I used to have at least a dozen or two! I used to also have a whole chicken for lunch. I was like a bottomless pit. But now, each film demands a different appearance, so I eat accordingly. I also use dumbbells and lift weights to build my body. Even when doing outdoor shooting, I take along some gym equipment. That is the secret of my youth!"
How do you select your stories?
"Just like a grain of rice indicates the quality of a pot full of rice, just a one liner will indicate what the whole story will be like. If I am impressed by that one line, I will listen from the title to the end. Then I will gauge the talent of the director. If everything is suitable, then I give the go ahead signal."
Who is the director to impress you the most?
"Bala… Dharani… I can read out a whole list. Even director Shafi who's doing 'Maja' has impressed me greatly."
What are your other forthcoming films?
"After 'Maja' I will be doing a Telugu film. In Tamil, I will act in an A M Ratnam film. But there is no decision yet on the director."
When is Bala's film?
"Bala's film is like my own film. We will do it any time."
What do you think of the youngsters entering films?
"Hey, I am also a young actor!" he said with a laugh. "Bharath, Surya, Jeyam Ravi and Dhanush are all really doing so well. As long as their competition is healthy, their career as well as the film industry, will do well."
About your family.
"A small family is a happy one, so my family life is going on smoothly. When I return home after shooting, the time I spend with my wife and kids is like being in meditation. I feel so satisfied."
Vikram closed his eyes in bliss.
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-13.08.2005
