I'm Peaceful Because I'm Honest

It is not easy being the daughter of the biggest Superstar India has ever had. For, every move you make and every step you take is watched, observed and scrutinised brutally. Soundarya Rajinikanth, however, has handled it all with so much class that it is hard not to admire this lady with the charm of a child and the heart of a lion. Bold, honest and hardworking, Soundarya Rajinikanth is one person who will not hesitate to speak her mind even during tumultuous times. After a stunning photoshoot with Haider Khan for RITZ, South India’s largest lifestyle magazine, Soundarya settles down for an exclusive interview during which she opens up on a number of issues from her upcoming film to her decision to part ways with her husband.

- Manigandan K R

Congratulations on being appointed an Ambassador of the Animal Welfare Board of India. Your thoughts on the honour...

It is a big responsibility and I think the reason they appointed me to take up this role is because I am well versed in animation and computer graphics and a lot of times, in films you see animals (that people claim have been recreated using CG). You need a professional to come in and say if it is CG that has been used. As a person, I am a big animal lover. There have been times when I've stopped my car and fought with bullock cart drivers hitting the animal. I can't take animals being treated badly. So, when this came my way and Chinni Krishnan sir, who is the Vice Chairman, spoke to me, it was a very natural decision for me to say 'Yes, I'll take it up.' That's because, one, it was my kind of work - animation and CG and secondly, my heart goes out to animals. So, it just fit. Moreover, I am from the film fraternity. Somebody who is internal will be able to understand how the industry functions. So, I think the gap will be bridged. I spoke to my parents about it and they felt that if this was something that I can take up and do, they were more than happy for me to accept the role.

You are directing a romantic comedy next. Tell us about it.

It's a live action film. I'm in the process of locking the script, pre-production and casting now. This has nothing to do with dad. I'm a visual person. So, my films will have a lot of visually exciting moments. I have a great cameraman on board. Jomon John, who did Charlie and who is doing Gautham's film, will be the cameraman for my film. Sean Roldan will be scoring the music. I will make the other announcements at the right time but what I can tell you now is that Dhanu sir is producing the film.