Actor-Director Samuthirakani has won his first National Award for his performance as the Assistant Commissioner Muthuvel in director Vetrimaran`s Visaranai`. In an exclusive interview with Indiaglitz, the much respected actor shared his thoughts about the award, his journey in the film industry and his well-wishers.

Excerpts:

You have won your first National award for Visaranai` and the film has bagged a few other awards. How does it feel?

I am very happy. Thanks to god, to my friend Vetrimaran and my Guru K.Balachander. He would always say I will get a national award. I am sad that he is not alive when it has happened. But I am sure he will bless me from wherever he lives. That is my driving factor.

I am also happy that my good friend Kishore has won a award. I am happy that Visaranai has got the award for Best Tamil film. I expected that Vetrimaran will get a national award for best director. I am a little disappointed about that.

Ilaiyaraja sir has got an award. He deserves an award for every film. I am working with him for my upcoming film Appa`. I am simply amazed and running short of words to describe the experience.

I congratulate all others who have won the National award.

Did you expect an award for this film?

Many people told that. Not just for me. People predicted that this film will bag many national awards in all departments. All of us worked with the same level of passion.

What will be your career after National award?

It will be as usual. I always work sincerely. I always strive to do everything with perfection, I have to keep running. It`s my desire to work in all departments of the realm of art. The National award has increased my responsibility and the passion to run faster

What made you chose the role offered in Visaranai`?

Vetrimaran chose me. It is his decision. I like him a lot. The journey started with that admiration. After getting into the film, I had a lot of psychological changes. All because of Vetri. It would be right to say that he went deep into me and brought out such a scale of performance.

To whom would you dedicate this award?

Of course to my Guru. To see me winning such recognition was one of his big desires. After watching Nadodigal` he said he wanted to stand on the chair and shout with cheer. He had been a teacher, father, brother and friend to me. After learning about the conferment of award, I started missing him every second. When I spoke with Thamira (director) and Vivekh sir they told the same.Only those who have personally moved with him will know how he would celebrate the victory of someone who has worked under him.

I am very happy and proud to dedicate this award to my director.

What was the reaction of you family members?

I called my mother to share this news. I actually had to explain to her that National award is the biggest recognition in film industry. She was very happy for that and I could hear her sharing it with my sister who was with her.

Next is my wife and children. They have lost many things for me. I have not had time to take them out. They won`t go anywhere without me. They compromised their wishes and gave me full liberty. These three have supported me as a huge driving force. I am obliged to Thank them.

What did Sasikumar say after the announcement?

He just called me and kept telling "Super Sago" (Super Brother). I could see his jubilant face though we were speaking over phone. I was moved to tears and I could sense the same emotion from him.

To me, Sasi is someone who has been sent by the God to hold my hands and bring out the actor in me. I had decided to stop trying for acting chance and concentrate on scriptwriting and direction. After 13-14 years, he made me don the greasepaint in his film knowing that I came here for acting. After the release Subramaniapuram` wherever I go people kept scolding me.

Even in Madurai, my hometown, Sasi and I were standing in front of a theater after watching the film. A person came and asked him to stay away from me. He decided to change that image and cast me in an entirely different character in Eesan`. If I have grown up this much as an actor and stand proudly as Muthuvel` (his character in Visaranai`), Sasi has immensely contributed for that.

Tell us about the general reaction for your achievement?

I am extremely happy. Everyone who called me told that they felt as if they have won the award. None of them are my relatives or friends. When I came to Chennai I did not have any acquaintance here. These are the people earned by me during my journey. I thank each and every heart that has wished me for this award.

Thank you Samuthirakani. Indiaglitz congratulates you for the National Award and wish you to win more and more awards and recognition in future.