Vijay Sethupathi, the happening star in Tamil cinema, is portraying transgender character Shipla in Super Deluxe, in award winning filmmaker Thiagarajan Kumararaja’s direction. Ever since the trailer and teaser went online, the actor’s quirky looks and the dialogues he utters have become popular.
The movie, which hits the marquee on March 29, also features Samantha in a never before seen role, Ramya Krishnan as a porn star, and Fahad Fazil. The actor hailed as ‘Makkal Selvan’ (People’s favourite) speaks to DC in an exclusive about why he accepted the trans-woman role in the first place, how he does not believe in the numbers game and the rat race and his Telugu debut while also raising questions as to why criminals in Pollachi sex scandal case are yet to be punished. He was also willing to talk about the forthcoming elections.
On accepting a transgender role:
I did not accept Shilpa character just because it was offered to me. It’s not about looks. You can play any role. But I loved the characterisation arc written by Kumararaja and the arresting dialogues. Shilpa is a pure soul and natural. The story happens in a day’s time. It talks about the lives of five people. Everyone travels in their own plane and when something happens on a particular day that turns their lives topsy-turvy what takes place forms the crux of the plot. And eventually how Shilpa gets wise about her life is touched upon.
Madhi, a unit girl, taught me nuances:
I don’t believe in doing homework. I am not a method actor. You have to feel the character you play and portray it. It is my thinking, which dictates what I should do. Moreover, how transgender people are treated in real life and the feeling of rejection in society is a very cruel thing. I respect them in life. Like us they are also human beings. They are selfless and always bless others. Giving them due respect itself is the biggest help that we do for them.
After shooting started, I took 50 takes for a scene and still it was not coming along properly. That feminine touch was missing. Then it was Madhi who literally helped me about the way transgender people sit, their body language etc. that gave me relief. It was a different experience dubbing for Shilpa.
Womanhood is beautiful:
After I played the role of Shilpa, I realised that being a woman is wonderful. Every woman beautifies herself from head to toe and they are to be celebrated.
My daughter Sreeja cried:
My makeup for Shilpa took about one and a half hours. I would leave home as early as 4.30 a.m. and everyone at home would watch me prepare for the role. My sister would sit next to me wearing a similar saree. However, my daughter Sreeja wouldn’t want to see me as a woman and she cried every day (smiles).
Self-realisation is the only means to bring about change:
In today’s scenario, no one listens to anyone. Even, my children are not listening to me. Just because an actor says something, nothing will change. I do agree it would reach them, but for them to change they should feel from inside, respect transgender and women.
Stringent punishment for criminals in Pollachi rape case:
It’s painful to see young girls fighting for justice in the Pollachi case. Even a child knows what has happened was sinful. I could not listen to the alleged victim’s voice even for ten seconds. Those who committed the heinous crimes should have been punished severely by now (shrugs).
On foraying into telly:
These days there’s more negativity around us. More than cinema heroes, there are more real life unsung heroes, whom I wanted to bring to the forefront. The Namma Ooru Hero show was the outcome of this thought. We have fabulous response for the show. Each day, I learnt a lot from the ‘real heroes’ who came for the show. There are many ordinary people who within their means do a lot of honourable deeds. And these people are being identified and highlighted in the show.
No competition to anyone:
I don’t want to compete with anyone in the industry. I just wanted to be part of a field (acting) I am passionate about and do my job responsibly. Neither I am interested in number games or box office results. I am still a learner and it never ends. You get wisdom out of hits and misses.
Other language films:
The Telugu movie Sye Raa is a mammoth project where I play a Tamil speaking guy. And Malayalam, since a senior like Jayaram sir requested I agreed to do Marconi Mathai. But, I am particular that my other language films should not get dubbed into Tamil, which will in a way mess up my career and business in K’town.
Exercise your vote even if you dislike someone:
While in a recent interview about elections, I just made a statement to franchise everyone’s vote, which is our right. People even politicise such things. Similarly, I adopted tigers from Vandalur Zoo on their request for their publicity. This was also criticised in a negative manner.
All said and done, politics is not a gutter and don’t just stop expressing your thoughts on social media platforms. With elections around the corner, do exercise your duty by voting. Even if you dislike someone please show that in the election by voting.
