Ever since Ghajini released to a thunderous public response, Asin has become the toast of Tamil cinema.
Your mother is a doctor. Generally, we see children trying to emulate their parents but you chose a different career. Were you a starry eyed youngster?
No, not at all. Both my parents are well educated; my father worked for the CBI before becoming a businessman, and my mother was a civil surgeon. But I did not want to be a doctor.
I started learning Bharatnatyam from the age of three. I have also learnt folk dance. In school, I was good in academics and extra curricular activities. I even topped the state in French in my Std 12 exams.
Did you expect Ghajini to be such a huge hit?
When I listened to the script, I knew it would be successful. I am very selective about my projects. I have a few criteria that I look into when I accept films. First, I look at the story, then my character, the director and the banner. The last criterion is the hero.
You seem multi-talented. Do you sing as well?
I am not formally trained but yes, I do sing. In fact, Vijay has asked me to sing for a film.
I used to hum on the sets and hearing me hum, he asked to me sing in a film. I had joked, 'if you sing, I will sing with you,' not knowing he has sung for films.
Your father always accompanies you for shoots. Is the industry a bad place for a young girl to be all by herself?
It depends on how you are. I don't feel scared being alone. I am very independent. But my father wants to be with me because he feels that he should be there for me in case I need him. I am very happy that he's with me because I don't need a manager to look after my career. My dad does everything for me. It is so much easier to manage things when it is your father who is taking care of things for you.
Do you miss having fun with friends like other college girls?
I still have my old friends. Whenever I go home, they meet me, and we have a blast. But I enjoy what I am doing. Only when you are not enjoying what you are doing, you miss something else. I will quit whenever I find that I am not enjoying my career. I take a break on very special days like Onam or my birthday.
What do you do when you have free time?
I read a lot. I spend a lot of money on books. My flat is on the tenth floor overlooking the Arabian Sea. You can see the sunset from my window and balcony. The perfect day for me would be snuggling in the favourite corner in my room near the window on a rainy day. That's bliss!
What next?
A Walt Disney production titled 19th Step with Mr. Kamal Hassan and the Japanese actor Asanu. It is based on Indian martial arts.
