Superstar has great respect towards senior actors of the industry and has the habit of giving roles to them in each of his movie. Similarly he has the policy of christening beautiful Tamil names to the characters of his films. Many senior artistes have benefitted because of this, over the years. Because senior artistes would be ridden either by money or decline in films they act. There are many artistes who once had a very prosperous lifestyle but a struggling one now. Similarly one they would have been acting round the clock but have to stay at home now. This is very ridiculous.
Superstar knows their problem very well and so he tries to give opportunity to them in his each films as much as possible.
Similarly Superstar gave opportunity to veteran actor MN Nambiar and actress Sujatha in his own production Baba. But in Baba there’s another actor who also benefitted in Baba. He is none other than Calcutta Viswanathan who came in a very small role as Superstar’s father in the film. One of the finest actors of Kollywood. He was the one who came as father to Superstar in Moondru Mudichu too. The role of Viswanathan in Baba is a meagre one which lasted only for a few seconds and that too in titles alone. But the price he got for that is unimaginable.
Calcutta Viswanathan explains on his own words: “Superstar called me one day and said that he has a small role of his father character in Baba and
whether i would be able to do that with just a few days callsheet. Would anybody hesitate? I agreed happily and gave dates instantly as i was free that time.”
Baba shooting - a wonderful experience
“During the shooting he treated me with great respect and passion and it was a wonderful experience for me. I was floored by his dedication towards his profession. Success has not gone to his head. It would be a tough thing for others if they are in his place. He treats everybody in the unit with the same respect and equality. Though i acted in the film for a few days it was an unforgettable experience for me.”
Later the film got released and unwanted happenings spoilt the film and its run. I heard the film didn’t meet the expectations of the people and buyers incurred heavy loss. I felt very sad. It shouldn’t happen for a good soul like Rajini.
What about my salary?
In this situation, i was yet to receive my salary for the film. I was expecting it for sometime but it didn’t come. I don’t want to ask Rajini the same as he was already under several problems that time. I decided to keep mum and discard my salary as there was a heavy talk about the film’s loss to buyers. One day, Rajini himself called me over phone and asked me to whether i would be able to meet him.
That evening i was at his home. He received me warmly and quarrelled with me in a friendly tone. “Sir, won’t you remind me about your salary? I forgot that because of these tension and hiccups. Very sorry.”
“No..sir. I didn’t want to claim my salary at this irrelevant situation. Moreover they say that film incurred loss to buyers and distributors. How can I ask my salary at this juncture and embarrass you…”
Wow…an unimaginable salary
“No…no..we shouldn’t discard or sacrifice our salary which get by acting. Getting paid for work is our right. Leave the problems. I will take care of them. You just keep this amount. Sorry for the dela,” by saying this, he handed over me a lumpsum amount. I couldn’t beleive my eyes. You know what the amount? Five lakh rupees.
Rs.5 lakhs just for a few scenes comprising a few minutes. I didn’t expect this much amount for that small role.
In the times where we are deprived of our actual salary even when the film turns superhit, it is heartening to see persons like Rajini who pays the salary promptly and that too more than the actual - even amidst LOSS.
That money was a treasure for me and it was very useful for me that time. Rajni sir is one of the golden souls in the industry and I pray ALMIGHTY to keep him always happy without any troubles.
A pleased Viswanathan concluded.
Source - onlyrajini
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