Vadivelu

:: Star Talk : Vadivelu
"I have no political coloring" Vadivelu declares
I am not interested in politics, says actor Vadivel. After 'Imsai Arasan 23rd Pulikesi', he has become very, very busy. We hear that even Rajinikanth said, "Book Vadivel first and then book me." Here's the comedy superstar's take on 'Imsai Arasan' and other matters..
‘Imsai Arasan’ seems to have caused a lot of trouble literally?
I took great pains with the acting. Director Shankar called me India's Charlie Chaplin after watching the movie. I was very proud to see the impact the movie had made on him. Shankar is no ordinary director. He knows how to finely judge the taste of the people and deliver accordingly. I was very happy to hear from him that I was a good actor and not just a comedian. An association preventing cruelty to animals had to give a clearance certificate for the film. Dogs and eagles wander around without anyone to care for them. We don't understand how getting on to well fed horses cruelty becomes.
How was the problem solved?
Director Shankar, producer Simbudevan and I went to see the Chief Minister. Kalaignar's witty conversation stretched the 3 minutes that he had set aside for us to 22. He called Delhi and asked if it was feasible for a king to go on foot instead of horseback. The problem was solved. Today Pulikesi is having a hard time measuring the laughter of the people of Tamil Nadu. All thanks to Kalaignar.
We heard you refused to act in Vijayakanth's Dharmapuri…
Sir, I have no political coloring. I require everybody's blessing to do well. Now, Captain has become the leader of a political party. In the film I would be required to mouth the dialogues of a sidekick. They say Dharmapuri is going to be a political film. I don't want to be smeared with some political leanings, when I have none. That is why I refused the opportunity. That does not mean that my respect for Vijayakanth has gone down. I am sure he would understand.
There is no news of your family at all?
They are at present free to wander around as they please. Shopping or the beach or wherever they want to go. If it became known that they are Vadivel's wife and children, it would become difficult. People will point them out as Vadivel's family. I have come to cinema because I haven't studied much. My son wants to become an auditor, though. I have told him he can study as much as he wants. Somehow, let them all come up and do well.
They say that 'Thalainagaram' owes its success to you..
Sundar. C has said in an interview that I carried the cast on my shoulders. That is his generous nature. But I cannot accept the statement. I first and foremost act to survive. The rest just happens. I am not responsible for it. 'Thalainagaram' was no different. All credit goes to Sundar. C.
Did you visit your hometown?
Madurai is home of mother goddess Meenatchi. Also a home city to my own mother. I ask her how long she will sit with watering eyes in front of her old-fashioned stove. She refuses saying that it is the place she lived with my father. In our times, it is difficult to understand such statements. I had gone recently to Madurai. "Why is 'Imsai Arasan' in so much trouble?" I asked mother Meenatchi. When I went home, my mother reassured me that there would be no trouble, Meenatchi's blessings were with me. I fell at her feet and came away recharged. That should last me for another six months I think