Blowing kisses at fans, clicking selfies not my idea of birthday: Vishal

Taking a dig at stars who do “charity” and “social work” with a troupe of media representatives to record the historic moment, Vishal says the day acquires a special hue only when the fans are included in the celebration.

“It was the best way I could think of to celebrate my birthday. Akshaya is my biggest fan. She cannot see. But she recognises me on screen through my voice. She knows each and every dialogue of mine. Some of these, I've forgotten. But she has all my lines on her fingertips. I wanted Akshaya to give me the trophy for the 100-day run of my film on my birthday. I couldn't think of a better gift. Blowing kisses and taking selfies is not my idea of a birthday well spent,” says Vishal emotionally.

For an actor like Vishal his celebrity status is a tool for social improvement. “I see no point in being popular if you don't use your voice to bring political change. There are lots of positive changes happening in Tamil Nadu politics. I am part of that change. I don't believe in standing in a corner and clapping. I will always be a player not a spectator.”

Vishal’s next release Sandakozhi in October has strong social message on social equality. “And my film after to be released in January 2018 is about capital punishment for child rapists. Like I said, an actor is useful to society only when he uses his voice to create awareness,” says Vishal.