Suriya turns 50: When Jyotika interviewed the actor for ‘The Hindu’ in 2004

Tamil superstar Suriya, who is celebrating his 50th birthday on Wednesday (July 23), and his wife, actor-producer Jyotika, have for long reigned as Tamil cinema’s most-adored celebrity couple. The actors, who first met on sets of 1999’s Poovellam Kettuppar, fell in love while working on Gautham Menon’s acclaimed cop drama Kaakha Kaakha (2003) and married each other in 2006.

On Suriya’s 50th birthday on July 23, 2025, The Hindu brings to you an exclusive blast from the past — from more than 20 years ago — when Jyotika interviewed Suriya about working with each other, the qualities they like in each other and, of course, why gossipmongers would not let them be. This article appeared exclusively on The Hindu on May 11, 2004. S.R. Ashok Kumar recorded the celebrity chat.

Jyotika chats with Suriya: Should gossip disturb our peace?’

Jyotika: When you started out as an actor, you were noticeably low on confidence. But it took only a few films for you to acquire the panache of a seasoned actor. Can you put your finger on ‘that one film’ which marked the transition from a tentative to a self-assured performer?

Suriya: Nandhaa (2001). The film made me realise you can be on the right track, only if you keep yourself away from the beaten track. In offbeat roles, there is tremendous scope for acting. Director Bala has also played a great role in my transformation. As friend and guide, he has effected salutary changes in my ‘real’ life as well.

Jyotika: Can we do a flashback and see Suriya the school boy?

Suriya: (With a resigned well-if-you-want-to smile) In school, I preferred the shadows to the limelight. Even during school festivals and events, I would prefer to work behind the scenes. I used to be reserved, sometimes to the point of being considered a recluse (laughs). When I reached college, I started to open up. Even so, I was far from being the cool dude. I would wear only chappals, drawing taunts from my friends. If I wore shoes, my friends would ask me if it was my birthday (laughs). Then slowly I came out of my cocoon. I was part of the NSS and the college union as well. I would help organise functions.

Jyotika: As you had a liking for offbeat roles, I am sure you would’ve grabbed the offer to act in AVM’s Perazhagan .

Suriya: You said it! Pithamagan (2003)was an eye-opener. It showed me that the grotesque can be attractive. As Perazhagan has enabled me to portray an offbeat character, it is a film after my heart. When I saw the original Malayalam version, I told myself that I could improvise on what Dilip had done. Perazhagan will be special to me for another reason as well – I play a double role for the first time. The ‘camouflage’ has been so complete that after watching the film, many found it difficult to convince themselves that it was Suriya who had played the hunchback. Well, you have also played a double role in the film. And one of the characters you essay is offbeat as well. Your thoughts on the film? (smiles)

Jyotika: The film is after my heart too. And for the same reasons. I play a double role. One of them is that of a blind girl. Both the roles have a lot of depth. Having done this film, I feel more of an actress than I ever did. When you see that most films are hero-dominated, I can only thank my stars for landing this one. Hey, do you remember that when it was officially announced that I would be pairing up with you in the film, the gossip mills were grinding overtime? There were unpleasant accusations that you were recommending me to play the heroine.

Suriya: Ah! Let tongues wag! Why should we let gossip disturb our peace? The whole world knows that you were chosen as the heroine for Poovellam Kettupar much before the hero was named. Actually Abbas was to have played the hero, but, as it worked out, the mantle fell on me. As for Uyirile Kalanthathu (2000), the producer came to the location and requested you to act as heroine. With Perazhagan too, you were the producer’s choice. So impressed was Guhan with your performance in Priyamana Thozhi (2003) that he would have nobody else playing the blind girl.

Jyotika: You have acted with ‘n’ number of heroines. So, you must be in a position to judge my performance as a heroine…

Suriya: (With a well-this-is-an-unenviable-task look) It is the lengthy shot that separates good actors from the mediocre. Only a good actor or actress can pull off a lengthy shot successfully. I have noticed you do so many a time. Another quality that singles you out is your commitment. During the making of Poovellam Kettupar (1999), you burnt the midnight oil and memorised the dialogue as if you had to sit for an examination the next morning. That you take meticulous care in the selection of costumes and make-up highlights your professionalism. You are the first choice of many directors and actors because you are willing to contribute to a film more than you have to. They find your suggestions and comments invaluable. Here is my verdict: you are the best in the industry now!

Jyotika: (With a you-have-made-my-day-week-month smile) Thanks a million! What do you like in me as a person?

Suriya: You have many great qualities, but your sense of humour beats everything else by a mile. Your ability to keep the laugh lines flowing is a big help at the sets. I have never seen you shouting at anybody. You respect the other person’s space as much as you value yours. You keep miles away from wearing a bad costume or acting in a scene that is not decent. For these reasons, I count you as someone special.