One could sense the annoyance at the press meet venue, as we waited for actor Vishal to arrive. The journalists could hardly be blamed as they had to put off relishing kozhukattai and sundal, because Vishal had something to say on Vinayagar Chathurthi (August 29). Incidentally, it was his birthday too. So, we waited and made small talk with children who had accompanied their journalist-parents. Holiday, you see!
Vishal sashayed in soon after, clad in a black shirt and blue denims. He had flown in from Hyderabad directly, just to meet us, we were told. Vishal cut the cake (that simply read ‘Happy Birthday Vishal’) and fed the first piece to himself. The audience were visibly amused. “I’m doing all that I like doing. My parents don’t like me wearing black shirts. But see what I’m wearing today,” he gestured. “I’m meeting everyone I love. And that’s why I’m here,” he added in a serious tone. “I’ve always been scared of my school principal and parents. And now I’m scared of media. I’ve told you about everything that goes on my life. But I have had to hide a few things,” he continued, “apart from my girlfriend’s name, I have told you everything else,” he declared, as the hall echoed with peals of laughter.
Vishal announced his new venture, a music label called ‘V music’ to encourage new talent, The venture would be helmed by his sister, Aiswarya, he filled in. Elaborating on the decision, Vishal revealed that he had set up his production house, Vishal Film Factory, out of anger. “I’ve always been angry about a lot of things in our industry. So I often take a few steps to change things.” Vishal got himself into news recently, after he took a local cable operator in Karaikkal to task for screening pirated versions of recent releases like Un Samayal Arayil and Vadacurry. “That was just a small move to curb piracy. I really wish the Superstar, Vijay and all other artistes raise their voices against the menace.” he said.
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On his contribution in constructing a building for the Nadigar Sangham, Vishal reiterated that the initiative was not aimed at bagging a position in the union, but to ensure that there was no “nalindha nadigargal (out of work artistes).”
Defending his impulsive behavior, he explained, “Any form of unfairness in our industry irks me. But I have been working hard on managing my anger now.” Then came the cliched query, “Sir, eppo kalyanam?” Vishal answered trying hard not to blush, “I think I’m still not ready for marriage. I’m not going to get married till the end of next year.”
Vishal’s next film Poojai, directed by Hari, releases on Deepavali after which he will move on to Sundar C’s Ambala. A film with director Suseethiran and a Telugu film are also in the pipeline.