Suriya turns 50: When Jyotika interviewed the actor for The Hindu in 2004

Tamil famous person Suriya, who’s celebrating his fiftieth birthday on Wednesday (July 23), and his spouse, actor-producer Jyotika, have for lengthy reigned as Tamil cinema’s most-adored superstar couple. The actors, who first met on units of 1999’s Poovellam Kettuppar, fell in love whereas engaged on Gautham Menon’s acclaimed cop drama Kaakha Kaakha (2003) and married one another in 2006.

On Suriya’s fiftieth birthday on July 23, 2025, The Hindu brings to you an unique blast from the previous — from greater than 20 years in the past — when Jyotika interviewed Suriya about working with one another, the qualities they like in one another and, after all, why gossipmongers wouldn’t allow them to be. This article appeared completely on The Hindu on May 11, 2004. S.R. Ashok Kumar recorded the superstar chat.

Jyotika chats with Suriya: Should gossip disturb our peace?’

Jyotika: When you began out as an actor, you have been noticeably low on confidence. But it took only some movies so that you can purchase the panache of a seasoned actor. Can you set your finger on ‘that one movie’ which marked the transition from a tentative to a confident performer?

Suriya: Nandhaa (2001). The movie made me realise you will be heading in the right direction, provided that you retain your self away from the crushed observe. In offbeat roles, there’s super scope for performing. Director Bala has additionally performed an important position in my transformation. As good friend and information, he has effected salutary adjustments in my ‘actual’ life as nicely.

Jyotika: Can we do a flashback and see Suriya the college boy?

Suriya: (With a resigned well-if-you-want-to smile) In college, I most popular the shadows to the limelight. Even throughout college festivals and occasions, I would like to work behind the scenes. I was reserved, typically to the purpose of being thought-about a recluse (laughs). When I reached school, I began to open up. Even so, I used to be removed from being the cool dude. I might put on solely chappals, drawing taunts from my mates. If I wore footwear, my mates would ask me if it was my birthday (laughs). Then slowly I got here out of my cocoon. I used to be a part of the NSS and the school union as nicely. I might assist organise features.

Jyotika: As you had a liking for offbeat roles, I’m certain you’ll’ve grabbed the provide to behave in AVM’s Perazhagan .

Suriya: You mentioned it! Pithamagan (2003)was an eye-opener. It confirmed me that the grotesque will be enticing. As Perazhagan has enabled me to painting an offbeat character, it’s a movie after my coronary heart. When I noticed the unique Malayalam model, I advised myself that I might improvise on what Dilip had completed. Perazhagan can be particular to me for one more purpose as nicely – I play a double position for the primary time. The ‘camouflage’ has been so full that after watching the movie, many discovered it tough to persuade themselves that it was Suriya who had performed the hunchback. Well, you’ve got additionally performed a double position within the movie. And one of many characters you essay is offbeat as nicely. Your ideas on the movie? (smiles)

Jyotika: The movie is after my coronary heart too. And for a similar causes. I play a double position. One of them is that of a blind lady. Both the roles have a whole lot of depth. Having completed this movie, I really feel extra of an actress than I ever did. When you see that the majority movies are hero-dominated, I can solely thank my stars for touchdown this one. Hey, do you keep in mind that when it was formally introduced that I might be pairing up with you within the movie, the gossip mills have been grinding additional time? There have been disagreeable accusations that you just have been recommending me to play the heroine.

Suriya: Ah! Let tongues wag! Why ought to we let gossip disturb our peace? The complete world is aware of that you just have been chosen because the heroine for Poovellam Kettupar a lot earlier than the hero was named. Actually Abbas was to have performed the hero, however, because it labored out, the mantle fell on me. As for Uyirile Kalanthathu (2000), the producer got here to the situation and requested you to behave as heroine. With Perazhagan too, you have been the producer’s alternative. So impressed was Guhan together with your efficiency in Priyamana Thozhi (2003) that he would have no one else taking part in the blind lady.

Jyotika: You have acted with ‘n’ variety of heroines. So, you have to be able to evaluate my efficiency as a heroine…

Suriya: (With a well-this-is-an-unenviable-task look) It is the prolonged shot that separates good actors from the mediocre. Only a very good actor or actress can pull off a prolonged shot efficiently. I’ve observed you achieve this many a time. Another high quality that singles you out is your dedication. During the making of Poovellam Kettupar (1999), you burnt the midnight oil and memorised the dialogue as when you needed to sit for an examination the following morning. That you’re taking meticulous care within the collection of costumes and make-up highlights your professionalism. You are the primary alternative of many administrators and actors since you are prepared to contribute to a movie greater than you must. They discover your ideas and feedback invaluable. Here is my verdict: you’re the greatest within the trade now!

Jyotika: (With a you-have-made-my-day-week-month smile) Thanks 1,000,000! What do you want in me as an individual?

Suriya: You have many nice qualities, however your sense of humour beats the whole lot else by a mile. Your skill to maintain the chortle strains flowing is a giant assist on the units. I’ve by no means seen you shouting at anyone. You respect the opposite individual’s area as a lot as you worth yours. You preserve miles away from carrying a foul costume or performing in a scene that’s not first rate. For these causes, I depend you as somebody particular.