Yes, the Hindi dubbing was not a great idea. Then I did Manmadan Ambu which didn’t do too well for reasons I won’t go into. So many factors go into the making of a film, not just Kamal Haasan or Rajnikanth.
You are often forced to take over troubled projects. Wouldn’t you just like to focus on acting?
But I was always a reluctant actor! I continue to be that. I announce a project, the camera rolls and I’m happy. I’m fortunate to be doing leading parts even now. Except for my mentor K Balachander for whom I can do even a walk-on part. When he directed his 100th film I just walked in to do a small role. I just clowned around on camera. Balachander is my inspiration. He had a heart problem 40 years back. He has been making films for another 46 years. He can never grow old. My father used to be like that until he suffered a stroke. Then I suddenly realized he was an old man. That’s also true of my brothers Chandra Haasan and to an extent Charu Haasan. I can never imagine them being old.
Your brother-in-law Mani Ratnam too had a heart scare recently?
He is a cool cat. I was surprised when he had a heart problem. Yeah I heard he checked into the hospital on his own. He probably scripted a convenient time for his hospitalization. People think my film with Mani Nayakan is my best work. To an extent it’s true. But I’d like to think my best is yet to come.
Another film with Mani Ratnam?
We keep discussing ideas. But we never get down to it. I don’t know what we fear. We spoke again on my birthday when he came visiting. He wanted to know what it felt like acting producing and directing all at once.
What does it feel like?
It’s easier to move the table on the sets yourself than to ask someone else to do it. But seriously, direction is a lot of responsibility. But if you’ve been trained under Balachander as I have, it’s a lot easier. You have everything down on paper before you start shooting. Alfred Hitchcock used to say he had everything in his script and then he had to begin the boring process of directing it. By now while directing I am experienced enough to know my moves.
What next?
There was one character Balram Naidu in Dasavathaaram of a research analyst that became very popular. His speech and personality have become iconic. He was also played by Sanju Bhai (Dutt) in a Hindi film (Chatur Singh 2 Star). So yes, I am returning to comedy. Then someone also wants me to play Tipu Sultan. My hibernating historial Marudanayagam is still talked about. People ask, ‘When are we releasing it?’ They talk of it as their own.
Tipu Sultan was a very controversial figure?
We aren’t taking the political angle at all. Tipu Sultan is now being researched and written.
Are you enthused by Hindi cinema?
Yes, some of it. I am very happy Aamir Khan is now attempting films that should’ve been done ten years ago in Hindi. People attribute this new cinema to the entry of corporate houses in Hindi cinema. But where were these corporate houses when Hrishida (Hrishikesh Mukeherjee) made his films, and Gulzarbhai made Achanak? Brilliant films are possible in every corner of India and at any time.
Your elder daughter Shruti Haasan has made a career in both Tamil and Hindi?
I’m proud of her because she isn’t doing a product of our home banner Rajkamal Films. The only thing Rajkamal did for her was to give her a chance to do the background score in Unnaipol Oruvan. It wouldn’t matter to me if she failed as a movie actress. But right now it looks like a winning streak.
Do you advise her on her choice of films?
No. When we talk career we get into an argument. I know it sounds clichéd, but we talk as friends. Every father says that. This started 10-12 years back. In Hindi films she is facing the same problems I did. If a K. Balachander hadn’t come along to do Ek Duuje Ke Liye with me in Hindi I wonder what would’ve happened to me! I would have suffered much worse because Shruti is far more savvy than me.
