S. Ve. Shekhar is no stranger to the people of this city. Ten or fifteen years ago, he was a rage in Tamilnadu and elsewhere in the Tamil-speaking world with his witty and on-the-spot humorous jokes.

He was something close to a stand-up comedian and was very successful on stage and to some extent in films too. He is known for his timely jokes and cheeky humor.

But today he is recognized more, for his political front - a member of the AIADMK party, he has helped to build up this city. Here is Mr. S.Ve. Shekhar on the film industry, his passions, dreams, values and fears.

Why did you join the films?

It was by accident, I actually wanted to be a cinematographer. I had been acting in a lot of stage plays and producing radio jingles for director, K. Balachander. After continuously winning “the best radio programmer award” for 4 consecutive years, I suddenly received a call from K.B Sir for Varumaiyin Niram Sivappu, and I have been in Tamil cinema ever since.

Three things you like about yourself as an actor?

(i) Punctuality (ii) My Dedication towards work (iii) Sense of timing

Have you ever regretted you decision to join the industry?

Not at all. Everywhere I go, I am recognized, and I get privileges. For anything, you need to pay a price. Mine has been my privacy.

Have you ever wished you had a normal life?

I do lead a very normal life - I am an artist only in front of the camera, a politician in my party, a son to my parents, a father to my children and a husband to my wife. Everybody has different faces. Cinema is not a very great thing it is just another profession.

How different is stage acting from screen acting?

Stage acting is tougher. In cinema you can afford a lot of takes but on stage it is not possible the audience will tear you apart if you are not good on stage.

What satisfies you most?

Stage acting. Basically I am a stage actor. It has been 32 years and 5300 shows.

Some thing you would like to change about the industry?

Punctuality, Honor.

Something you'd like to change about yourself?

My Short temper

Do you think remaking is a good idea?

Definitely, I am remaking Manal Kayiru in 2008. With the same cast, except this time in the film, my daughter is the one who gives in her conditions for choosing her groom-to-be.

One movie in the recent past which you think is a breakthrough in Tamil Cinema?

I feel there are quite a few that have made their mark in today’s cinema like Autograph, Pandavar Bhoomi, all the Kamal movies, Kaaka Kaaka, Ram, Paruthiveeran, Director Bala's movies.

Do you think we have improved to international standards?

Of course! We have improved a lot. Our cinematographers have improved and technology has improved multifold.

Do you think cinema has a social cause?

Everybody has a social responsibility, even Cinema. But Cinema is also an entertaining media. It is, therefore, pointless to wait for cinema to bring a social change.

Are you religious?

Yes, very. To me, Hinduism is not a religion; it is a way of life.

Do you think actor's have a minimum shelf life?

No, But actresses do. That is only because of the glamour.

Something you'll never part with for anyone?

My country, my religion.

Something you'll die for?

I don't crave for anything; therefore, I don't think I'll die for anything.

Will you endorse a brand that you do not like?

Never, that is why I don't do a lot of commercials. Even during elections, I never gave false promises, I only spoke about the goodness of the party Puratchi Thalaivi Amma has done a lot of good. She has worked hard to solve several water problems. As a MLA, I am just a representative of the public, I am not a magician.

For the sake of publicity young actors are using negative approaches what do you think?

It will work for a short term only. Once your personal image is gone. Everything is gone. There is a difference between being famous and being notorious.

Why did you choose AIADMK, when there are other parties?

I wanted to be in AIADMK, because it supports my religious and spiritual ideologies. It supports my national cause. As well as the fact that Puratchi Thalaivi Amma is one of the boldest women in India.

What would you like to tell your people in the constituency?

There is a rule that you must wear a helmet, please wear it, do not question it. It is for your safety. Scooters are only for two people, it is not for an entire family. This is not a circus. Please don't misuse and abuse technology and resources.