Suriya-Karthi's father, Sivakumar, is known for his gentlemanly behaviour and as a role model in the film industry for his disciplined lifestyle. Most recently, though, he made news for the wrong reason. A controversy arose as the veteran actor, participating in an event, angrily smacked the cell phone off the hands of a fan who was trying to take a selfie with him.

Sivakumar explained the reason for his behaviour yesterday. "Taking selfies on family tours is the personal right of an individual. However, at a public function attended by hundreds, it is highly inconvenient when fans try to take selfies relentlessly from the time the celebrity gets out of the car," Sivakumar reasoned.

He asked if a VIP is someone who has to do the bidding of fans, sharing that he had posed for cell phone photographs at airports and other places. He mentioned that he does not claim to be a Buddha but lives life on his own terms and the way he likes it and has not asked anyone to accept him as their leader or follow his lifestyle. He pointed out that everyone is a hero in his life but has to spare a thought for others.