About not being image conscious
It's not a deliberate attempt not having an image. It's just I pursuit good script. . And so, if it happens to be a different character every film I do it becomes my challenge that I have to carry it convincingly. I am a cook in Nala Dhamayanthi and then yanky fellow in some other film. I don't think I have consciously tried to avoid an image being an actor. It is just that my perseverance of excellence in exciting scripts, I seemed to find different character. I don't think I have the liberty to choose from three good stories. It's very difficult to come across one good story. And if you find one you put your heart and soul into it. I am also on the opinion its good not o have an image; it keeps people guessing what you are up to next. Its wonderful to be a versatile actor not stuck in image so that you have six or seven avenues to keep experimenting in what you do in terms of films.

On Manirathnam
It's only fair to say that I am as good an actor as my dad permits me I don't think I have contributed single handedly to a film. I just do what the direction expects me to do. In some films the contribution is larger than the others. I think in Mani's film the contribution is maximum. I have the liberty to what I want and how I want to do it. And interacting with Mani in over the 3 and half years and continuously acting in three of his films and most importantly completely in three different characters has been a lifetime challenge for me. It is certainly a great award for an actor like me; he is the best director the country has seen for a long time. And to continuously act in three of his films at a stretch, it is a big compliment for me. And I am aware of the responsibility as well. When he cast me he expects a certain level of performance and certain level of commitment. I know that I am right up there in terms of commitment. I do my lines and do what ever is required for the role. For me its very relaxed at the same time taxing experience - relaxed - I don't have to worry about any other aspects like music, production cost, timing - nothing. Taxing because I have to act. And to act in Mani's film is a demanding job.

Whether given up Bollywood ?
I have not given up Bollywood. The offers are coming in everyday. I just look in for exciting scripts. I am not in favour of doing films like Jism and the likes because those kinds of films are not up my ally. I am not dependent on Hindi for my bread and butter. That is coming from Tamil. Secondly, Tamil has been giving variety of roles. So I am just concentrating on doing good stories, which happened to be from south right now. There are 3 good scripts, which have come from Bollywood. Let's see how it works out.

On competition from youngsters
I think they are all doing great job. Especially the younger breeds are doing well for themselves like Jeyam Ravi, Dhanush. They are doing different types of movies of late all their successes speak volumes for the talents that is coming in to the industry which is very good.
YaYa. They are much better than me(laughs). Because their films are doing well. They take more sensible decisions than I do. Fear is not a part of my personality. I have no regrets what ever I have done so far. I am very proud that every film of mine has stood out till date and will continue to do so. I will be here in the industry as long as I want and enjoying myself. I don't think it will dictated by people coming in and people going out. You got great examples in the industry like Mr. Amitabh Bacchan , Mr. Kamal Hasaan , Mr.Rajinikanth lot of people came in and went out. But they continue to have a stand in the market. They seem to be enjoying themselves. So I hope to do that all the time.