I come from a very humble background. My father had to work really hard to become an assistant director. For a large part of his youth, he worked in a mill and took up odd jobs to make ends meet. We lived in a small room and could only afford a meal a day.

I idolize my father. I mean, he has worked so hard in his life.

I come from a very rough background, and I'm saying that if you work hard and dedicate yourself that you can make it, too.

You can't always expect to work with a director who guarantees success.

It's worked out well. It took a lot of hard work and determination to get where I am.

Ilaiyaraaja is my most favourite music director. His music was my lullaby, his music was my food, his music was my childhood, his music was my first love, his music was my failure, his music was my first kiss, my first love failure, my success... he is in my blood.