Actor Simbu breaks down thanking parents, addresses controversies at Thug Life event

India Today

24-05-2025

Actor Silambarasan aka Simbu (also popularly known as STR) delivered an emotional speech at the 'Thug Life' audio launch held on Saturday in Chennai. For the unaware, he will share the screen with Kamal Haasan in the Mani Ratnam-directorial, which will release in theatres on June 5. He was moved to tears while thanking his parents and also expressed his gratitude to Kamal Haasan for being a guiding light for him and many other talents in the film industry.advertisementSimbu received the loudest cheers at the 'Thug Life' event at Sai Ram Engineering College. Even during his speech, he requested his fans multiple times to tone it down so he could continue his speech.The actor, who has been embroiled in many controversies, began his speech by thanking Madras Talkies, Suhasini Mani Ratnam and Raaj Kamal International's Mahendran. He further spoke about his co-stars and reserved his best speech for AR Rahman, Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan.
Thanking Rahman, he said, "Sir, I have troubled you from my childhood. I still do. When my Beep song came out, everyone knew that it was a harrowing time. At that time, he had to travel elsewhere. But, he cancelled it and worked on a song. He released Thalli Pogathey song (from Simbu's 'Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada). You've done a lot for me."advertisementHere's the video: The 'Chekka Chivantha Vaanam actor recalled the time when AR Rahman gave him a chance to sing in his film: "Apart from my father [T Rajendar], if there was anyone who called me to sing, it was him. He gave me my first chance as a singer and till now I have sung 150 songs in many languages."Simbu delighted everyone with an anecdote when he spoke about Mani Ratnam. "He took a film titled 'Anjali', and it starred children. A Telugu child artist played the lead. I started crying after watching the film. I felt sad that I wasn't a part of the film despite being a child artiste here. At that time, I thought he wouldn't call me ever. When I grew up, I only did mass masala films. There was a time when there were talks about [producers] giving me a red card. Many producers were sceptical of approaching me. At that time, I received a call from Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies. I didn't believe it at first. When I met him, I asked him if it was truly him who called me for a film. At a time when everyone was scared to work with me, he took that chance. I will never forget that," he explained.advertisementSimbu also revealed that Mani Ratnam narrated every story to him after 'Chekka Chivantha Vaanam'. He further added, "But I couldn't do PS [Ponniyin Selvan]. Even when he brought 'Thug Life' to me, I couldn't say yes because I was growing my hair. Later when it was once again offered to me and I knew it had Kamal Haasan sir, I did it. Mani sir is like my godfather and guru too. I am thankful to him for giving me this role."The 'Paththu Thala' actor recalled Kamal Haasan's statement about how he calls himself a student of cinema. "We keep saying we have so much to learn from him. But, he keeps calling himself a student. Even if he was a student, we'd still continue to learn from him. There's a scene [in 'Thug Life'] which required me to imitate Kamal sir in front of him. When the scene was rolling, I just mumbled. Mani sir noticed it, called it cut and asked me to do it properly. He even told Kamal sir about it. Later, Kamal sir came up to me, and encouraged me to talk like him. It will be a great moment in theatre," he stated.advertisementSimbu continued, "There's a shot where Kamal sir and I hold each other's throat. I went for multiple takes as I couldn't hold his throat thinking I might hurt him. Sorry Kamal sir, it's because of Mani sir. I could learn a lot from Kamal sir."It was while talking about his parents that Simbu got emotional. "I'd like to thank my father, T Rajendar, and mother, Usha Rajendar. I thank them for teaching me acting right from my childhood. I used to feel sad seeing other children leading a normal life going to school. I used to think why was my father doing this to me? 40 years later, I got an opportunity to act with Kamal Haasan sir. I thank my parents for giving me this life," he remarked.Reiterating the famous dialogue from 'Thug Life' - 'Inimel inga naan dan Ranagraya Sakthivel (I am Rangaraya Sakthivel from now on)' -, Simbu cleared the air about him taking Kamal Haasan's place in cinema."There's a lot of chatter that I will take his place especially after the trailer released. There's a film called 'Thevar Magan' starring Sivaji Ganesan and Kamal Haasan. Sivaji sir was a great man and since Kamal sir acted in it, he cannot replace Sivaji. His [Sivaji] place is not replaceable. Similarly, Kamal Haasan has created his place after so many sacrifices and hard work. I cannot take his place, I can work hard and make him and Mani Ratnam proud. Kamal Haasan sir recently said that he would lend his shoulder to the next generation to uplift him. Sir, I see you as a guiding light for all future endeavours," he said. advertisementFinally, Simbu concluded his speech by thanking his fans. "My fans, I've promised you that I will make you proud. 'Thug Life' is a beginning in that direction. I will make sure that my films don't get delayed. Many ask me how I have loyal fans. I am thankful to have some good hearts who are also my fans," he added.'Thug Life' is gearing up for a grand release on June 5.Must Watch