Simbu Gets Emotional At Thug Life Event, Opens Up About Controversies

News18

25-05-2025

The actor, who has faced many controversies, began his speech by expressing his thanks to Madras Talkies, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, and Raaj Kamal International's Mahendran. He went on to praise his co-stars and concluded with heartfelt words for AR Rahman, Mani Ratnam, and Kamal Haasan.
Thanking Rahman, Simbu 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."
The Chekka Chivantha Vaanam star got emotional as he spoke about his early days in music. He fondly recalled how A.R. Rahman was the first to give him a chance to sing outside of his father T. Rajendar's projects. 'Apart from my father, it was Rahman sir who called me to sing. He gave me my first break as a singer. Since then, I've sung over 150 songs in multiple languages," STR shared.
Sharing an anecdote about Mani Ratnam, Simbu said, '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 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."
Recalling Kamal Haasan's statement about how he calls himself a student of cinema, he said, '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."
Simbu 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."
Simbu then got emotional while talking about his parents that. '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.
Quoting the much-talked-about line from Thug Life — 'Inimel inga naan dan Rangaraya Sakthivel (I am Rangaraya Sakthivel from now on)" — STR addressed the rumours about him stepping into Kamal Haasan's shoes. He clarified that he isn't replacing anyone, but simply carving out his own path as Rangaraya Sakthivel in the film.
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'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.
Simbu concluded saying, '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."
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Thug Life will release on June 5.