'Dad and I don't Talk About Films at Home'

An interview with Dulquer Salmaan

They say films come on a platter for star kids. Not Dulquer Salmaan, who has been quite choosy with his roles. Hits or misses don’t rattle the actor, who’s busy with Mani Ratnam’s bilingual romantic drama Ok Kanmani, which is expected to release this April. I speak with the Vaayai Moodi Pesavum actor, who was in the city recently for the Ritz Awards. 

Excerpts from the interview:

You have been here for quite some time now. What have you learnt?

Learning what not to do! Every challenge has been a new one. I don’t do too many films. I just want to do good work and I never use the yardstick of success to analyse myself.

Not every actor get the opportunity of being a part of a Mani Ratnam project through their career.

I consider myself lucky. Working with Mani has been wonderful. In fact, it’s a dream come true. He knows what works for me and believes in his actors so much. I feel complete now, literally!

We heard that Ok Kanmani has been Mani Ratnam’s quickest project

A Mani film will always be a Mani film. I can’t tell you what it is all about. For that you must watch it. (Smiles)

Being a star kid must be tough. Any thoughts?

It is not easy as it sounds and to be honest, I haven’t been raised like one. In fact, I never thought I would become an actor. Dad and I never discuss our projects at home. (Believe it or not) We watch films together, yes. But again, he doesn’t interfere much in what I do. I always look up to my dad and what I admire about him is his professionalism and integrity. He lets me do whatever I believe is right.  I don’t put myself in his shoes whenever I see his movies. I can’t even think of doing the characters he did.

Future plans?

I haven’t signed any film as of now. I have been fortunate to have played some of the roles that I have, and worked with the best people in the industry. I am open to any film. But I need people to recognise me for myself, not just as Mammootty’s son.

(The piece was originally written for The New Indian Express)