It’s been 27 years since he began his film career as a hero in En Rasavin Manasile — he has also directed some of the critically-acclaimed films in Tamil cinema — but it comes as a surprise when he reveals that he has done only 23 movies during his career! After a long hiatus, he now returns as a hero with Dhanush’s directorial venture, Pa Paandi.
He is none other than Rajkiran, known for his emotional and poignant performances. “It’s not that people weren’t approaching me, but I was very particular in choosing films. I want my characters to be significant and they should impart something good to the society. So, I have turned down several scripts,” Rajkiran starts off his conversation with DC.
He says he accepted Pa Paandi for the sole reason that the movie imparts a bigger message that is relevant to the current society — “Dhanush could have opted for Superstar Rajinikanth and the latter might have even agreed. But he was keen on cast ing me and the reason for that was heartening. He still says that his family’s journey in films is because of me agreeing to work in his dad’s directorial debut venture 25 years ago. All said and done, the theme which Dhanush has conceived in PP is amazing — and something which needs to be told. So, I was convinced.”
Talking about Dhanush’s specialty, he says, “He narrates a scene candidly. Just because I was there in the film, he never had those highly emotional scenes which make people cry. He wanted me to bring out subtle expressions.” On his new modern avatar, he quips, “When I came to the industry wearing pants, his dad Kasthuri Raja made me wear traditional veshti. Now, it is just the reversal of that with Dhanush! He gave me a makeover with jeans and colourful shirts. I am a happy-go-lucky guy who is a stunt master in the film. The director has also made me dance for a song.” (laughs)
He also reveals that Dhanush plays Rajkiran’s teenage version in the film— “When I was 19, I almost looked like Dhanush. Don’t go by what I look now — I used to be thin those days!” Divulging his reasons on why direction took a backseat in his career, he elaborates, “Acting is easier than direction. When I was directing, I used to smoke 160 cigarettes — and now, after restricting myself to acting, it has come down to 16 (smiles). Jokes apart, a few scripts are there including En Rasavin Manasile part 2. Let’s see.”
