Simbu recalls childhood heartbreak and Mani Ratnam’s life-changing call while promoting Thug Life, says "At a time when everyone was scared to work with me..."

Simbu talks about Kamal Haasan A R Rahman Mani Ratnam and more at a Thug Life event

Actor Silambarasan, also known as Simbu or STR, gave a powerful speech at the grand audio launch of Thug Life, which took place at Sai Ram Engineering College in Chennai.

The speech touched the audience and even brought him to tears. In this Mani Ratnam-directed film, the actor, who co-stars with the renowned Kamal Haasan, talked candidly about his journey, his hardships, and the people who supported him when others did not.

Simbu began by thanking Mahendran of Raaj Kamal Films International, Suhasini Mani Ratnam, and Madras Talkies. Fans cheered loudly throughout the evening, and Simbu had to repeatedly ask them to quiet down so he could talk. Known for his controversial past, the actor used the occasion to reflect on his transformation and pay tribute to those who guided him through challenging phases.

He spoke highly of A.R. Rahman, recalling a difficult moment during the controversy surrounding his 'Beep' song. “Sir, I have troubled you from my childhood. I still do,” he admitted, revealing how Rahman had cancelled a trip to create the now-celebrated song Thalli Pogathey for Simbu during a tough time.

"Apart from my father [T Rajendar], if there was anyone who called me to sing, it was him. He gave me my first chance as a singer and till now I have sung 150 songs in many languages." He continued.

Reminiscing about his childhood, Simbu shared a touching anecdote about watching Mani Ratnam’s Anjali and feeling heartbroken for not being a part of it. Years later, despite the industry turning away from him, Ratnam chose to work with him on Chekka Chivantha Vaanam. "He took a film titled 'Anjali', and it starred children. A Telugu child artist played the lead. I started crying after watching the film. I felt sad that I wasn't a part of the film despite being a child artiste here. At that time, I thought he wouldn't call me ever. When I grew up, I only did mass masala films. There was a time when there were talks about [producers] giving me a red card. Many producers were sceptical of approaching me. At that time, I received a call from Mani Ratnam's Madras Talkies. I didn't believe it at first. When I met him, I asked him if it was truly him who called me for a film. At a time when everyone was scared to work with me, he took that chance. I will never forget that," Simbu said.

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His admiration for Kamal Haasan was palpable. Recalling a scene from Thug Life where he had to mimic Haasan in front of him, Simbu admitted he struggled, but Kamal’s encouragement helped him through. “I see you as a guiding light for all future endeavours,” he told the veteran actor, while clarifying that he does not aspire to replace him, just as Kamal did not replace Sivaji Ganesan.

He ended his heartfelt speech by thanking his parents for shaping his career and fans for their unwavering loyalty. With Thug Life set to release on 5 June, Simbu declared it a fresh beginning — a promise to make his fans proud.