Actor Santhanam on Sunday had to use all his wit and presence of mind to negotiate tough questions posed to him at a recent event. Excerpts follow…
What do you have to say to reports that have been claiming that you have now decided to act only as a hero in all your forthcoming films?
I consider acting my profession. I made my mark as a comedian through TV shows. From being a comedian, I started a production house. I then turned hero as an opportunity presented itself. Tomorrow, I might even direct a film. Cinema is my profession and I want to do whatever it is I do to my utmost satisfaction. That is all. I have not confined myself to just one area of it.

Between Goundamani, Vadivelu and you, who do you think is the better comedian?
You must answer that question. How can I comment on it?

Who do you think is your biggest competitor?
I don’t consider anybody else but myself as my competition. As long as I work sincerely, I will be Number One. The day I slacken and adopt a lethargic attitude, people will send me home. This is true for everybody. Nobody can consider anyone else their competition.

You haven’t turned up for the promotional events of other films in which you have acted. But you have turned up for the promotion of Vallavanukku Pullum Aayudham. Is this because you have played the role of the hero in this film?
Yes, that is one of the reasons. But there is also another reason. If I keep meeting you at all the press conferences organized as part of the promotions of all the films, then you will feel bored talking to me. I will feel bored answering you and the public who read this interview too will feel bored.

Does that mean other actors who turn up for the promotions of all their movies are boring?
I didn’t mean to say that. Heroes act in one or two films a year and so, don’t meet you often. I, as a comedian, work in a film week after week. So, if I keep talking to you week after week, you will naturally be bored.

If you were asked to pick one as your best friend among actors Vijay, Ajith, Vikram and Suriya, who would you pick?
I can’t call them friends as they are all slightly elder to me. I lovingly call them anna.

There are rumours that the other heroes are not happy about your decision to turn hero…
There is no truth in such rumours. All the heroes are constantly in touch with me and are helping me. Arya called me up and suggested that now that I have turned hero, I must also focus on dancing. Jiiva spoke to me and gave me tips on ways to style my hair. Udhayanidhi told me ways to promote my film while Simbu listened to all the songs and gave me feedback on them. All of them are helping me in any manner they can.