I have learnt to say "No": Dhanush

What are the two things that you learnt in the last five years?
Actually there are three things-- (smiles)

That I have learned a lot through my mistakes
I have learnt to say “No”
There’s nothing beyond that one brilliant shot you’ve given.

You have zoomed past all your contemporaries to be one the most saleable heroes in tamil cinema?
Good to hear that from you. But I know that success is not permanent. I work hard for every film but ultimately the verdict is in the hands of the audiences with a dash of God’s grace and luck thrown in.

What according to you, is your biggest asset?
My biggest asset is my ordinary, guy-next-door looks. I don’t put make-up and try to look good, as my audiences like me the way I am. I come from a poor background and hence had this fire and determination to taste success. Ultimately, my only aim is to make my parents proud of me.

So do you mean to say that you have reached your goal?
No, I will take me another 10 more years to reach there (smiles).

Do you interfere with the making of your films?
The toughest thing in the industry is to say “No” and I have learned to say that now to people who come to me with a script that is not convincing. When the script is told to me, I put in my suggestions. I don’t tell them to increase the fight scenes and make me look like a larger-than-life hero. Once the shoot starts, I am a director’s actor. My ordinary guy image has worked wonders. Then why should I play with a success formula that has worked for me?

When will you start experimenting with your looks?
I am too young for that. Maybe after a couple of years.

You are teaming up with Shriya after that superhit Thiruvilayadal Aarambham. Please comment?
She is a good friend. Kutty is a breezy love story and she has shed her glam look and has a homely, girl-next-door look in the film. The only problem with her is that she asks you a thousand questions before a shot. She is also my wife Aishu’s friend.

How is Aadukalam shaping out?
If Vetrimaran’s Pollathavan got 100 percent marks, then Aadukalam will be 1000. It has a dream script and I don’t think, I will get such a script in the next few years. I am all excited about the film and let me confess that I’ve not worked or done homework for a film like this ever before. The highlight of the film are the performances of all artists, the script of Vetri, music of GV Prakash and camera of Vel Raj.

After Aadukalam what next?
It is a film for Hitesh Jabak, which will be a remake of Rajinikanth’s Mappillai. It has a great title value as I am doing the film. The cast and crew are being worked out and I will start the film only after I complete Aadukalam.

So you have a right mix of films lined up?
(Smiles).. Yes, by God’s grace I am very contended and happy. I don’t have any friends and I love to spend time with my family or play with my little son Yatra.