Rise and shine

When Saravanan received Rs 750 as his first month salary from a garment firm, his joy knew no bounds. For, it was his own hard-earned money. His biggest ambition then was to touch upon a four-digit salary. But destiny had other plans. Following the footsteps of his father, he made a debut in cinema as actor Surya. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Even after entering the cinema industry, his father’s fame did not help him much. Being the son of Sivakumar might have helped him bag his first offer, but after that, it was Surya’s hard work and dedication that took him to where he is now. The biggest turning point came in the form of Bala. When the filmmaker picked Surya to play the lead role in Nandha, not just Surya, but others too were doubtful as to whether he would fit the bill.

But the actor made a strong resolve to prove himself at any cost. And when the film hit the screens, Surya’s name was on everyone’s lips, as his stunning performance took the film to a new level. “I can never forget Bala and his Nandha. It is an important film in my career,” he says.

If the biggest turning point in Surya’s professional life was Nandha, the sweetest moment in his personal life was entering into wedlock with Jyothika. The hit-pair tied the knot with the blessings of both families in 2006. “Jyothika’s entry into my life changed many things. And the arrival of Diya and Dev made me a complete man,” says this loving husband and doting father.

As an ‘A-list’ actor in Tamil cinema, Surya has competition from within the family as well — in the form of Karthi Sivakumar, his younger brother. “Cinema has always been Karthi’s passion. He started his career as Mani Ratnam’s assistant director. But he too became an actor like me and our father,” says Surya.

Surya has another side too. His philanthropic activities, though not known to many, has acted as a catalyst in changing many lives. The Agaram Foundation he floated a few years back now provides education to hundreds, if not thousands. “Every individual has a responsibility to do something for society. Agaram Foundation is a small contribution from my side,” Surya says.

At present, Surya is busy giving finishing touches to Maatraan, a project where he teams up with director K V Anand once again, after the super hit Ayan. “Maatraan is a story with a difference. It will have all the commercial elements, but at the same time, things will be told from a different perspective. I love working with Anand.”

The movie is getting dubbed and released simultaneously in Telugu, under the title Duplicate. Interestingly, Surya himself will dub for the Telugu version. “Karthi dubs for his Telugu films and I would like to give him tough competition,” the elder brother says in a lighter vein.

This year also has Surya taking on another role as the host of Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi, the Tamil version of Kaun Banega Crorepati. “When I was approached by the producers of the show with the idea, I was little unsure about committing to it. Then I thought, why not to give it a shot? I am happy that things are going on the right track now, thanks to everyone’s support,” he says.

To get his act right in Neengalum Vellallam Oru Kodi, Surya had been to Mumbai and visited the sets of Kaun Banega Crorepati. He even watched the way the show was being conducted there. And what’s more, the Big B, Amitabh Bachchan, also gave his blessing.

“Anyone can shine in life if they chase their dreams with passion,” says Surya. And, with a name like Surya, he can’t help but do so.