Suriya gets ‘anti-social’

At a time when celebrities and most movie stars are smitten by social networking websites and are incessantly promoting their films and personal details on the likes of Twitter and Facebook, this hot and happening star, Suriya, dares differ.

Though the 7 Aum Arivu actor is present on these sites, albeit through a ghost account, he did candidly admit to this newspaper that he will never be a part of social networking sites openly. He confirms that he is present on the sites but just to check what’s happening.

Expressing amazement about the love and affection of his fans he says, “Yes, there are lots of well wishers who shower me with love and support. They blindly admire whatever I do. Their updates on the sites really amaze me. They respect my work and their comments are heart-warming,” he observes.

However, he cannot bear the negativity. “It’s sad. The kind of filth and venom you find on social networking sites. I have seen people writing graffiti in school and theatre toilets, but they have no qualms about posting similar stuff on these sites. In fact, they seem to get a big kick out of it.”

With the kind of fan following he has, can he not influence a change?

He says skeptically, “I don’t see anything changing. It’s very sad. I faithfully follow A.R. Rahman in this respect. He used to say, ‘Even if there is negativity, I follow only the path of love’.” Suriya is aware of the temporary nature of his profession.

“I am not saying I am a perfect actor and that I will always be successful. I know it’s not permanent. So far, so good, you never know what tomorrow has in store for you.”

Attributing his success to hard work he says, “Whatever I am today did not come easy or by luck. I have had to endure my share of brickbats for 6 to 7 years to reach this position. The same goes with my brother, Karthi, who did just 2 films in 5 years. He worked hard. Everybody gets an opportunity sooner or later and I think we have made the best of what we got and have risen to this level.”

He suddenly goes back to his pet peeve about people spewing nastiness on social networking sites. “They are misusing a public forum. By abusing others, their success is not going to come to you. You can watch films and comment on them instead of getting too personal. To comment personally on an actor or their family, is inhuman.”

Ending his tirade against social networking sites and people who misuse it he says, “I don’t mean any actor per se. I am referring to their fans too. They should really grow. As far as I am concerned these insults will not affect any committed actor’s success or performance in any way and those who indulge in such demeaning activity should realise that.”