Q&A WITH DHANUSH

HAVING CROSSED OVER FROM SOUTH TO NORTH, TAMIL ACTOR DHANUSH RECENTLY BRIDGED THE EAST-WEST DIVIDE

Q. How did The Extraordinary Journey of the Fakir come to you?

I didn’t have any plans to do an international project. I don’t even have an international agent. I am just fortunate that I stumbled upon it. I feel if you do your job sincerely, wherever and whatever it may be, the universe sends the right things your way.

Q. What can your Tamil fans expect from this film?

They will see a side that they are very used to. Aja is a happy soul, full of life. I don’t think they will be surprised or say that he has done something new. They will be proud to see me in an international film.

Q. Having done an international project, what’s the one thing you think Indian cinema should imbibe?

There was a lot to learn in this film. The way they plan things much before the shoot commences, you can save a lot of money. It’s the only film where I have worked only during the week. I’d love for weekends to be off here too.

Q. Asuran is your fourth film with director Vetrimaaran. Is it hard to say no to him?

I never say no to him. I don’t even ask him what we are doing next. The trust he has in me and the trust I have in him works brilliantly.

Q. You act, produce and have also written and directed a film. Don’t you tire?

I started when I was 16. What I could do when I was 16, I couldn’t do when I was 26. Now I am 35, and I have been thinking ‘If not now, then when?’ Do as much as you can and eventually your body will say “Shut up!”. When that time comes, you heed. I am writing my next film now, which I will direct next year.