We’ve spent years laughing because of Santhanam’s spontaneity and instant wit; in fact, those are the qualities most associated with his brand of humour — the ability to rattle off a hilarious one-liner on the spur of the moment and leave everyone dumbfounded.
However, meeting the star in person is a different experience altogether — the funnyman, and recently-christened hero, views comedy as a mixture of talent and art, yes, but also treats it almost like a science.
“You need to keep reinventing yourself — these days with social media and the Internet ruling the roost, is it possible for just one man to absorb everything out there and find hilarity in it? My crack team has been with me since the days of Lollu Sabha (his TV show from more than a decade ago), and we work together to formulate jokes, gags and routines that would work on screen. Yes, there’s a lot of prep going on behind the scenes — it’s necessary! Even in my next flick, there is a very Hollywood-like flavour of humour that I’ve experimented with,” says the actor, who looks trimmer and fitter than ever!
“It’s also because I’m a producer; of course I’m losing weight!” he laughs, “But I did attend workshops and classes to improve my acting skills, work on my appearance, and so on. There is a conscious change and evolution to the way I do comedy too — it is fitting for a leading man, no? As far as taking on a serious role in the future goes, to be honest, I don’t see it happening. If I don’t like the character myself, how will audiences? Being an entertainer is what I pride myself on — and entertain everyone, I shall!”
So does this mean he will stop being a supporting actor in the future? “I have cut down on the number of ‘sidekick’ films, yes, but I’ve always got to judge each script on the merits it offers me as an actor. And I have plenty of close friends in the industry, who I’m always going to be there for — and form amazing combinations with. Simbu, for instance, attended the audio launch of Inimey … his first such public appearance in over two years, and gave an emotional speech about tough times in his career, us sticking together and the value of trust between friends. My relationship with such people is stronger than ever, and something I cherish,” smiles Santhanam.
And true to his word — the STR-Santhanam hit combination which began with Manmadhan (in 2004), has reunited for both the imminent Vaalu and Idhu Namma Aalu. The comedy icon also picks favourites from his long list of blockbusters over the last decade — a period that's seen him act in more films than most other leading men.
“It’s hard to choose, but my work with director Rajesh; especially the role of Partha is always a great memory,” he recalls with grin, and adds, “Earlier, I used to have no time to relax at all but in the recent past, I’ve cut down on films and made it a point to spend time with my family. They have always grounded me, and kept my best interests at heart —that’s what it’s all about!”
