I just stopped and watched him dance: Silambarasan on Kamal Haasan in ‘Jinguchaa’

 Actor Silambarasan, who shares screen space with Kamal Haasan in a song from Mani Ratnam’s much-anticipated film 'Thug Life', recently opened up about his awe-inspiring experience of dancing alongside the legendary actor.

Speaking at the grand launch event of 'Jinguchaa', the film’s first single, Silambarasan revealed how stunned he was by Kamal Haasan’s grace and energy during the shoot. Known for his own dancing skills, Silambarasan said,

'Sir (Kamal Haasan) is a big dancer and I got inspired in dancing only by watching him. He has already showcased his dancing skills long ago. But even today, that grace with which he dances hasn’t reduced one bit.'

He recalled their rehearsals, noting that Kamal merely observed the steps.
'However, when we went in for the actual take, he was terrific! We did not expect him to deliver such an outstanding performance so suddenly,' he said.
Silambarasan also spoke about the difficulties of filming in Delhi during summer.

'It was hot and tough to shoot. We were all sweating profusely. I was wearing a costume made of a thin material but even I was finding it difficult. Kamal sir's costume was heavy. So, I thought, how will he be able to dance in this heat with such a heavy costume? I decided to dance in a slow and casual manner. However, when we went for the take, he suddenly danced with so much energy that I just stopped and stood to admire him.'

Responding to Silambarasan’s comments at the event, Kamal Haasan shared his side of the story.
'Only director Mani Ratnam knows what really happened. They called me to the place where they were filming the song. I turned to Mani Ratnam and told him, "It is nice. Keep shooting." To this Mani Ratnam said, "You too are there in this shot."'

Kamal added, 'I was surprised. I told him, "Me? Let’s not do that. I did not dance even in 'Nayagan'." However, Mani Ratnam insisted and therefore I danced. I had no intention of dancing. So, during rehearsals, I just kept looking. But when Mani wanted me to, I danced.'

The song 'Jinguchaa' is a high-energy wedding number with lyrics penned by Kamal Haasan himself and music composed by Oscar-winner A. R. Rahman. It has been sung by Vaishali Samant, Shakthisree Gopalan, and Adithya RK.

In 'Thug Life', Kamal Haasan plays Rangaraya Sakthivel Naickan, a role that has stirred massive excitement among fans. This marks only the second collaboration between Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan after 'Nayagan', reuniting the duo after a gap of 36 years.

The film has been described by Madras Talkies as 'an epic tale of power, rebellion, and triumph'. It features music by A. R. Rahman, cinematography by Ravi K. Chandran, editing by Sreekar Prasad, and stunts choreographed by Anbariv. 'Thug Life' is scheduled to hit theatres on June 5.