I want people to appreciate my efforts in creating different genres of music and also the fact that I am now taking to acting in my own production.
— Vijay Antony
Once a composition is complete I sing the track and send it to the director. He sometimes suggests I record them in my voice, and I go ahead.
There is a need for new talent in the industry but newcomers don't know whom to approach and how. Social media has become a bridge.
I'm indeed excited to be termed as a hero who can command commercial respect in two languages at the same time.
Even if I was running an idli shop for a living, I know that my idlis will taste good because that's how highly I rate my work ethic.
Actually, my career as a music director turned out to be a disappointment. I believed I gave good songs but the response and recognition from the industry was not great.
Music is always my first priority.
I know Anbu Chezhiyan for 6 years. When I wanted to produce, I went and asked him for money. He was the one who gave money for Naan.
I have always aimed for versatility.
I promise that I will continue to do different films and if I feel that the film has not come out well, I will even stop the release. That's the reason I produce all my films.
I became a producer because nobody was ready to finance my films.
India Pakistan' will be on the lines of 'Oru Kal Oru Kannadi' and 'Kalakalappu.'
Naan' performed admirably, and the people have since associated me with that character. I am in no hurry to change that image.
As an actor, I give 60 days to act in a film, but the writer takes nearly two to three years to create a story.
There was nothing extraordinary about the work I was doing as a composer though I had delivered hits.
These days, I pay attention to my eating habits and avoid junk food, but looks are not that important to be a good actor.
On days when I wrap up my shooting by around 5 P. M., I binge on medu vada, bajji, bonda in streetside stalls on the way back home.
Sometimes when it comes to music, effects or sound engineering, it is difficult to achieve what you want within a fixed time frame.
As a composer, I only give directors tunes I'm happy with.
Prabhu Deva has written the opening lines for a couple of songs in 'Vedi.' He's a great lyricist too and not many people know that.
I will always endeavour to bring out the best films.
I was always ranked last in my class. My problem was that I would obtain a just pass and move on to the next class!
One day, I got a call from Mani Ratnam sir's assistant, who said that the ace director was impressed after watching 'Naan' trailer and wanted me to do a cameo in 'Kadal.' I was on cloud nine and my joy knew no bounds. However, I had no other option than to say no since the date required by Mani Ratnam was exactly the release date of 'Naan.'
Politicians are the same everywhere.
Ilaiyaraaja sir is a legend and his films like 'Udhiripookkal' has inspired me to a great extent. In fact, that was the spark behind 'Naan.'
There are no heroes and heroines in 'Naan.' All of us play different characters, and have equally important roles.
No film survives because of a big name. If a film has to survive generations, it will survive on its content and craft.
Kolaigaran' is not a typical hero-villain subject. We explored the other side of human nature, which is grey.
If composing music is like going to the gym in the morning, acting is like an additional session of yoga. They don't need to be mutually exclusive.
I don't act. I am the way I am, and choose roles that I think suit my body language.
I still can't believe that I was accepted by Telugu audiences because I don't know Telugu. Without knowing me, the Telugu people gave me their unconditional love.
I knew my limitations even when I was a music director.
I am wary of unknown street food, available in plenty in places such as Singapore and Malaysia.
Many directors are approaching me with good scripts. I will concentrate on production and music.
Of course, social networking is essential. The feedback helps me grow. And it's a real stress buster.
I work for every film with the same amount of diligence.
I have composed music for many city-based movies.
Compared to my previous films, 'Kaasi' is special. All credit goes to the director.
If my film fails, I never think it was because the script was weak.
Though I have started pursuing acting, there is no stopping for me from scoring music because music has always been my passion, though acting is my interest.
Just as Yama is a villain for evil forces, my character in 'Yaman' is also a villain against those who don't follow dharma.
I will be seen as a software engineer in 'Betaludu.' My character is totally different from what I have played in the past.
I am very happy that all my films are getting positive reports in both Telugu and Tamil.
I get commercial acclaim because of critical acclaim and it is a chain reaction.
I always wanted to give opportunities to young talents. And Deena Devarajan is one.
I don't believe films should have a message, but 'Saleem' does.
I always believe that it is his hard work that pays for a film's success.
Intelligent decisions may fail you but one's instincts cannot.
Anybody can act. Correction. Anybody can act if they know their own weaknesses.
Once a week, I used to treat myself to three parottas with the pocket money I saved. It tasted so good, and I loved eating it soaked in salna.
