Quotes from Y. G. Mahendran

Many for whom the stage has been the launch pad to cinema have forgotten their roots. I don't intend to, ever.

I acted in 'Oomakkuyil' under Balu Mahendra's baton.

My father used to say that even in comedies, you should have a little 'carry-home message.' Don't make it an experience where you forget play as you walk out.

If I'm to have another birth I wish to be born to the same parents and also have the same supportive wife, Sudha.

I would like to do one of Ilaiyaraaja's songs. After all, I did play drums for him and have watched him closely while composing, recording and performing. I would like to do an album of Mohammed Rafi's Hindi songs, too.

'Kadamban' is a movie with a social message on deforestation. Along with my daughter Madhuvanthi, I am playing a significant role.

Generally, I travel with my own cast to stage plays in different countries.

It is well-known that whistling is a great pick-me-up and promotes a feeling of happiness.

I have been whistling songs from childhood. I suppose it compensated for a lack of singing voice and satisfied my musical appetite.

It is impossible to be miserable and depressed whilst whistling.

I too once thought of producing a musical play on Tyagaraja. People fell at my feet, saying please don't commit such a folly.

Of course, I have not just been a Sivaji Ganesan fan but a fanatic.

I've been a part of Margazhi festival even as a little boy. I used to accompany my mom to concerts held by the Music Academy.

There was a time when people were afraid that film music would totally displace classical music.

Rhythm was a very strong element in KVM's music. He used to be called Udukkadi Mannan, because of his wide use of percussion instruments, which included ghata sanjari.

Maybe Carnatic music will become more digital, because it is an audio form. But even then, why do people flock to the December season in Madras? Because they want to see the artiste face-to-face.

The applause from the audience gives me a high. Probably that's what has kept my love for theatre intact.

My mom was a pillar of support to my father in his theatre endeavors.

It feels nice to get back to television after a long gap.

During dad's time, we didn't have many sabhas to nurture plays. Later soaps threatened to subdue theatre.

You cannot stage plays to make money. That's quite impossible until our people start spending more on tickets.

A stage play is beautiful only when it is seen as a stage play, just like you cannot get the same effect of a live Bharatanatyam performance in a recording.

I might have had my highs and lows in cinema and television but in theatre the response has always been positive.

The plays that I performed in the '70s are not the same plays that I perform today. However, what they have in common is a solid foundation of a story, and good, healthy comedy.