Y. G. Mahendran

My first wife is always the stage.

Even when I have a vintage play, I draw in elements from current scenarios, so that modern audiences can empathize with the characters.

The plays that I performed in the '70s are not the same plays that I perform today. However, what they have in common is a solid foundation of a story, and good, healthy comedy.

My mom was a pillar of support to my father in his theatre endeavors.

Even when I was working in 30 films a year I was doing 20 plays a month.

During dad's time, we didn't have many sabhas to nurture plays. Later soaps threatened to subdue theatre.

One day, I came to perform after a film shoot, and I was told that the regular actress couldn't come, and that my wife will be playing the character of my sister-in-law!

I believe that actors should get into the soul of the characters, even if it is just for one scene.

I acted in 'Oomakkuyil' under Balu Mahendra's baton.

I always was a great fan of Malayalam cinema, Sathyan in particular. I loved their understated acting.

Expressing my adoration for 'Chitralaya' Gopu, the living legend of unadulterated humor, has been in my mind for a while now. What better way to do it than bringing back his hit on stage.

It is impossible to forget a great actor like Sivaji Ganesan.

I have spent more time on stage than at home.

A stage play is beautiful only when it is seen as a stage play, just like you cannot get the same effect of a live Bharatanatyam performance in a recording.

Maybe Carnatic music will become more digital, because it is an audio form. But even then, why do people flock to the December season in Madras? Because they want to see the artiste face-to-face.

My father used to say that even in comedies, you should have a little 'carry-home message.' Don't make it an experience where you forget play as you walk out.

I've been a part of Margazhi festival even as a little boy. I used to accompany my mom to concerts held by the Music Academy.

My mother made me listen to Carnatic music saying that only then I will be able to appreciate any good music. But what this has also done for me is that I'm unable to accept modern-day cinema songs.

Every musician should announce the raga and the sahityam before performing.

You cannot stage plays to make money. That's quite impossible until our people start spending more on tickets.

When it comes to Vijay Antony, he's very calculative and is ready to go to any extent for the success of the movie.

'Kadamban' is a movie with a social message on deforestation. Along with my daughter Madhuvanthi, I am playing a significant role.

I play important roles in Vijay Antony's 'Saithaan,' 'Kadamban' and 'Vijay 60.'

I too once thought of producing a musical play on Tyagaraja. People fell at my feet, saying please don't commit such a folly.

I've admired Sivaji Ganesan ever since he staged 'Veerapandiya Kattabomman.'