Balancing Acting and Education: Overcoming Childhood Challenges

At the audio launch event of the film “Thug Life”, directed by Mani Ratnam and starring Kamal Haasan and Silambarasan (Simbu), Simbu shared an emotional moment reflecting on his early struggles. Speaking at the event, Simbu said, “While other kids enjoyed a carefree life, I was caught between film shoots and studies. Since childhood, I faced many hardships. Others would go out to the beach or get treats, but I was being trained to act from a very young age. It used to feel really difficult back then.”

Fighting back tears, he added, “Today, 40 years later, I am standing next to Kamal Haasan on the same stage – a dream come true. For that, I owe everything to my parents. I didn’t want my father to attend today because he would get too emotional, but I ended up getting emotional myself.”

Simbu also addressed social media talks comparing him to Kamal Haasan based on a dialogue from the film. He clarified, “Just like when ‘Thevar Magan’ featured both Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan, it didn’t mean Kamal took Sivaji’s place. Sivaji’s legacy is unmatched. Kamal sir earned his place with hard work and unique performances, no one gave it to him. That’s why he is called ‘Ulaganayagan’ (World Star).”

“I see Kamal sir as a stairway to climb higher, not as someone to be stepped over. He once said young actors should rise on his shoulders, and that’s how I view him — with respect,” Simbu concluded.