Quotes from Vijay Sethupathi

Politicians are dividing us based on caste lines.

If I am ever forced to choose between my identity as a Tamilian and an award from the central government, I will choose the former.

When I did 'Naanum Rowdy Thaan' with Nayanthara, she was in the peak of her career - I was apprehensive about her willingness to act with me.

When I listen to a script, it has to be entertaining. People who come to theatre should be happy and entertained.

If you go to a theme park, there will be so many rides. You will get an exciting experience in each of them. Like that, every film is an experience that entertains you. Some films will touch your heart. Some will touch you emotionally. There is nothing more than that.

I don't choose my directors, but I choose my scripts wisely.

Caste has divided us. I wish it should be completely abolished from our society.

Director Jai Krishna is an optimist who has a never-say-die attitude. He has impressed me thoroughly with his faith in the industry. Not many are aware of the fact that this man had to wait for almost 30 years in this industry to direct 'Vanmam,' his first film.

'Purampokku' was one of those rare films made just like it was narrated.

Acting and directing are two separate disciplines that rarely mix.

I was always under the impression that acting is an innate gift. One of the first things I heard them say at Koothu-P-Pattarai was that actors should realise the art of acting through their training.

The day I became a hero, my dream was realised. Everything else is a bonus.

I am an artist who is ready to grab interesting roles that comes my way.

If I spend 10 days at home, I'll be dying to get back to the set. I love the thrill of a good dialogue, the buzz of shooting.

I believe life is an 'experience ball.' You throw it at someone, it picks up their response... it grows. You play with that ball, learning what it teaches you.

Once, when I was driving my bike with my helmet on, two girls recognized me by just looking at my eyes.

I don't differentiate a film as off-beat or commercial, because I just don't understand the difference. 'Naanum Rowdy Thaan,' for example, wasn't written for me. It came to me by chance after two or three other heroes turned it down. I agreed to do the role, as I liked the script immensely.

I worked as an accountant in an auditor's office, at a textile showroom, a telephone booth, and a fast-food joint while studying. My dad found it odd, but he never interfered in any of my decisions.

To be honest, many of my well-wishers want me to play the solo lead in films. Maybe, it's time to think about it. In fact, I have cut down on signing up multi-starrer films.

In feature films, I used to be the hero's friend, a regular character. In short films, I played the hero; I got roles where I could work on my character and performance. They made me aware of myself as an actor.

I'm excited and nervous about every film; once I understand the medium fully, I'll relax.

A new character is like bringing a new human being into your life.

If you start worrying about risks, you might as well stay inside the womb.

I prepare my style of biriyani by sauting sliced onion, tomato, green chilli, ginger garlic and add required water and rice. If I end up adding a tad too much of salt, I used to add curd to balance it.