You once said, “As an actor, I like to touch the entire spectrum of entertainment.” What did you mean, and how much have you covered?

I like to be versatile. I have been blessed with a face and body that can fit in any role – South Indian, North Indian, Urban or Rural. It won half the battle. I want to pursue boundaries, whether it is opposed, hero, or nothing in the middle. In the last 20 years, I have done this, and I hope to search more.

How do you choose roles? Who took you Vidamuirchi,

I always have the luxury to choose what I want. I have never contacted filmmakers for roles – I am quite shy about it. My roles come to me because someone thought of me for me. For VidamuirchiMagiz Thirumani initially told me a different character. A week later, they called me back for another statement – this time for the role I am playing now. This change in casting was unexpected but exciting. In such moments it is confirmed that I am doing something right.

What normal parameters do you consider when selecting a role?

Rest. Not in the sense of ease, but how a role makes me feel. As an actor, I need to be comfortable in my skin to dive deep into a character. If I cannot do this, I will not play the role. If I am playing a weak character, I need to trust the team around me. I gauge it during statements. I ask the question – not only about my character but also about the director’s approach. If the director is open to discussion … all these factors are important to me.

How was this Maggies working with Thirumani?

fantastic. He is patient, understands, and knows how to bring the best in his actors. Even during dubbing, he sat with me, making sure I gave my best without pressure.

What about working with Ajit? Any memorable off-screen interaction?

Every day was memorable. He is inclusive, aware, and understands his influence on people. Despite being a superstar, he does not take things. He has no entry, no one fuss on it. It probably comes from his background as a rider – when you are on the road you have to do things yourself. He carries that attitude on the set.

What unique challenges and opportunities come with being a part of star-centered films?

There is a lot of love with the entire Tamil migrant. Due to Ajit Kumar, this film is showing so much light, and we all join it. I am hoping that the opportunities coming after this are equally good. Honestly, I did not face any challenge. The only thing was that I was the first person of actors to interview the film. It was a bit difficult. But I went there, talked, and said what I had to say, and I did not get any backlash (laughing).

Can you tell us about your role Vidamuirchi,

It is an attractive role with many layers. Once you watch the film, you will understand why I can’t say too much! I prepared a lot – writing notes, discussing with my director, and even sat with a writer friend to analyze my character.

You have a background in psychology. Does it help you understand your characters?

I studied psychology because I was curious about behavior. This helps me in real life and acting. I often have interactions with psychology professionals to understand various personality types and subjects such as socopathy or psychopathy.

Can you give an example where psychology has helped you in one role?

When i did Nenjam MarapathilaiI personally passed through the symptoms of depression. Understanding this helped me work on myself and my character Maryam. I also had to have a relationship with the child actor in the film. I had to make the child comfortable with me so that it translates to the screen. By the end of shooting, we were so close that we would eat with the same plate. It was important to understand the psychology of the child.

You have taken on unconventional roles – playing in a gay Dekha toh Aisa Aisa And in a drug-aidi waitress FearWhat does you attract for such roles?

I think filmmakers see me as someone who can do different work. Some of them are reliable characters, others are not. When i played in Meera FearI had a cornero, a septum piercing, tattoo and a undercut. I also shaved part of my head. It was not just exciting; It was a life of life!

You have also made an impression in the web series like Rocket boys And Janmabaz HindustanHow is the acting in a web series different from films?

The biggest difference is time; The show takes longer to shoot. Janmabaz Hindustan It took three months in many places. This is a bigger time commitment than a film. The shows reach more people than films. But in the context of the process, there is not much difference.

You are an actor for 20 years. Now what kind of roles do you encourage?

Anything that challenges me. I do not want to fit into a mold. Demand for role, it is equally thrilling. But I also need a supporting team because a challenging role is never a problem – this happens when everything around it becomes difficult that it becomes difficult.