Who can forget his impeccable performance in Nayagan, Aboorva Sagodharargal, Michael Madana Kama Rajan and Avvai Shanmughi? At 70, actor Delhi Ganesh is fit and active. CE catches up with the actor, who’s set to turn producer with his son’s entry in the tinsel town, besides being busy with Papanasam, Sandamarutham, and an untitled flick with director Pandiraj.
Looking back at the 38-year journey, how does it feel?
400 films isn’t a joke. I never went after opportunities. They came to me. But acting was totally unplanned. It was during a stint with the Indian Air Force, New Delhi, that my colleague Thayappan, spotted my acting skills. Then, I shifted base to Chennai and joined the Food Corporation of India. That’s when I got to spend quality time discussing cinema and theatre with Major Sundarrajan, Kathadi Ramamurthy and Cho Ramaswamy.
Your association with Kamal Haasan…
I have had the privilege of being associated with Kamal Haasan for a long time. I believe that Indian cinema has not seen one actor who has been experimenting as Kamal does. My best comes out when I work with him. I did Hey Ram with him in 2000 and after that, it’s Papanasam. I play his father-in-law in the film.
Cinema, soaps, ad films. Which comes first?
When I am not doing films, I act in serials. But, you got the order right. Cinema is my first love. It brought me more recognition.
How easy or tough is to work with youngsters?
You got to shut up and learn to appreciate the positives of people, in the first place. If you do that, the rest will fall in place. I prefer to work in an atmosphere of mutual respect.
The producer avatar?
I was happy when my son (Mahadevan) said he wanted to act in films. I can’t say much about the film. A L Vijay’s assistant will be directing it.
How do you see awards and recognition?
Any compliment motivates an artiste, regardless of the age, and I am no exception. I was not one of those who were rewarded with instant fame in cinema. Success took its sweet time. I have heard people saying I am a brilliant performer. Now, what more do I need? But frankly, I haven’t got my due recognition.