Whenever offers come my way, if I connect with it, then I am completely open to it.
— Dulquer Salmaan
I don't know what draws me to my films. In hindsight, my choices turn out OK.
The debut film came much easier to me than it would have if I was an outsider.
I have always believed if the intention is right, it'll be a good film.
I have the luxury of balancing and juggling films in different languages.
When I was growing up, I wasn't particularly great at anything. I was in my own world, and my teachers felt I'd never reach my potential. Even in sports, I'd only play team games because I felt I was not good enough to outshine anyone.
I can't come to terms with stardom or see myself as a star.
Being a part of memorable movies has always been the goal.
There is nothing like a 'born actor.' It's all about honing the skills.
I've always been a fan of my father's films. I'm crazy about my father and his movies. If I promote his movies, it's because of this.
I've done all my schooling at Chennai - it's always home for me. All my growing up years have been spent here, and I have really fond memories associated with the city.
You can't learn acting through any classes.
In films, you will be judged by your last hit or, let's say, your last film.
I don't want to get into a comfort zone. I am getting characters of varying shades, which I believe will help me grow as an actor.
I feel lucky that I always have a number of films to choose from. I would like to come out of my comfort zone while doing various roles, and I don't want to keep repeating my characters.
I enjoy working in movies that appeal to and will be seen by many people.
For any actor, being part of a Mani Ratnam film is a great experience. I grew up watching his films.
My primary focus will be Malayalam films. I will choose from what comes my way and take a call irrespective of the language.
If someone asked me if I would be interested in doing a Hindi film, I would not say no. There were offers in the past, but something about 'Karwaan' just called out to me. The storyline of three unique characters in a van with a coffin seemed fresh, and I got a good vibe from the team.
I would be very uncomfortable doing a safe part. It would make me think something is wrong.
If we're discussing women's empowerment and equal rights, then yes, I support it.
While I am fluent in Hindi, I was a little worried about my accent. So when I was approached for 'Karwaan,' I told them they need to first listen to me speak in Hindi, in case it sounds off.
I need to rely on the director's confidence and what he sees in me.
I don't want to do acting as a chore or a job.
I chose my own path because that was the only way.
One has to move from one's comfort zone to challenge oneself.
'Parava,' in my head, was always a film about children. And I was like, 'If I can be part of the film and help promote it in some way or the other, I'd be very happy.' I also did 'Ann Maria' because it was a story about kids.
Somehow, I'm in denial about being desirable. But every time my wife tells me to shave or cut my hair or clean up my look, I playfully boast to her that I'm the most desirable man!
I didn't want to use my father's name. I don't think I will ever want to use his influence... Never have I gone around asking people, 'Do you know who I am...' Even if it's to cut a line at the airport.
I don't want to commit to too many films, as it would result in getting out of touch with what is happening in the industry.
I enjoy clothes. My mother tells me how, even as a kid, I used to choose my own clothes. I have a feel for it, and I do the costume coordination for my photo shoots as well. Many a time, even my characters wear the clothes I choose.
I might play characters that are loud in the movies, but in real life, I'm not loud in terms of personality.
I can make chicken curry, rice, kheema... I am a foodie and enjoy varied cuisines. My favourites are Korean and Japanese.
I am very instinctive. When I read a script, I think, 'Is this something I would want to watch?'
It might be easy to identify me as so-and-so's son, especially to begin with, but you only get that one first film, after which you have to prove yourself and keep improving.
I've been dubbing my own lines in Tamil for some time now.
I don't think anything should limit me. I don't think any industry should be disrespected or looked down upon.
People from my father's generation didn't have the luxury to be unhappy in their job.
I studied business in the U.S. and later worked in Dubai.
When you just coast through work and don't feel inspired, I feel you are lying to yourself.
Duplication never works for anybody.
I used to make short films even as a kid. I used to have a camera and play around with it. So, I was always interested in the process and telling stories. I've always wanted to direct.
Honestly, I don't think we see ourselves as stars. That's what the media tags us as. I personally don't think too much about it.
My mum is slightly biased and feels everything I do is wonderful, but Dad was like, 'You should go ahead boldly, and I think you should do more films.' To me, that was some kind of acceptance.
I was shying away from acting for the longest time - because of having such big shoes to fill.
People think that I have some idea about how I choose my films. I make sure that I am doing the kind of films that I want to watch. You hear so many stories, and one of them will stand out and connect to you somewhere.
It is when I am convinced about my character that I can do justice to that role.
For me, style is all about confidence. What you wear, both in terms of clothing and jewellery, should add to your confidence.
People working in films are somewhat like gypsies: we move from set to set and spent weeks, sometimes even longer working while shooting a film. Right from the spot boys to the make-up guys and cast and crew, we become a kind of family.
