National award winner Vijayaraghavan visits Suresh Gopi in New Delhi, reveals why this win is extra sweet

Actor Vijayaraghavan has expressed joy at receiving the National Film Award, noting it was all the more special as it came while his longtime friend, Suresh Gopi, serves as Union Minister. The actor was on a visit to Suresh Gopi’s residence in New Delhi after receiving the award for Best Supporting Actor (Male).

Speaking to Manorama News, Vijayaraghavan recalled their four-decade-long friendship, which still continues to flourish. He also reminisced about their shared journey in cinema, especially the scenes from the film New Delhi, where he chased Suresh Gopi across the city. "Suresh Gopi and I entered the cinema industry almost together. In New Delhi, there’s a scene where we chase him all over Delhi. We ran across the city for that shot. These memories keep coming back to me now. I had acted with Suresh even before that film. It’s a privilege to receive this award while Suresh is serving as a Union Minister."

I never imagined that Suresh would become a minister one day or that I would receive an award like this. These are unexpected blessings in my life. Now Lal has also received the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and he is perhaps the first person to win that award at such a young age. That I was able to receive my National Award alongside him is indeed a blessing."

Speaking of Malayalam cinema, he said that Malayalam cinema has earned many awards this time. "Urvashi is also here with me to receive her award. To be honest, I never thought I would get a National Award. I didn’t even think about acting in movies. Theatre was my forte, and I sincerely regarded it as my profession too. Somehow, I came into the movies and now it’s been 50 years since I began acting in movies. For the past 43 years, I have acted continuously, playing different roles. And now, I have won a National Award too."

Vijayaraghavan also spoke about his continuing bond with Suresh Gopi: "I am now acting with Suresh Gopi in the movie ‘Otta Komban.’ We meet often, renew our friendship, and also stay in touch by phone. Our friendship remains as strong as ever. Suresh has even said that I am his closest friend. We became friends when we were nobody, and that friendship has remained intact all these years."