I can never be a romantic hero: Simha

“I make sure that I choose roles that appear different from that of my previous ones. A film runs mainly because of its script. And yes, it’s a conscious effort to not repeat myself and play varied roles. I don’t mind playing really small roles, as long as I like the script. Hero, villain, character roles… I want to do them all,” says Simha. The selection of roles has made him what he is now. “The viewers are looking for entertainment and that’s what I’m here to give them. I am not in competition with anyone. I am only concerned about how to make my films better,” he smiles.

So, ask him how life has changed after especially winning a national award? Simha says he’ll always be thankful to Karthik Subbaraj for the role in Jigarthanda. “In fact, it’s the most challenging role that I played so far. I had to stand in the sun for six hours a day to get the right skin tone. It’s a kind of a lifetime character that any actor would love to play.

As an actor, if given a choice, Simha says he would like to portray all of Rajinikanth’s characters on screen, as the superstar has hugely inspired him. “I am a huge fan of Thalaivar and many say that when I speak, I speak like Rajinikanth. I don’t imitate him, but I have been deeply affected by him. I mainly came to cinema because of him,” he says with a smile.

Quiz him on his dream role and Simha says that he doesn’t have one. “When I play a character, I make sure I get under its skin; but, I can never be a romantic hero. That’s not in me. I take acting seriously because I have always wanted to become an actor. Even now, when I accept a movie, I see it as my debut. I have never had any second thoughts about my career. So far, I have believed in my directors — be it a debutante or otherwise. This has helped me evolve as an actor,” he signs off.