I was super excited when I got a call from Chennai asking whether I was interested to assist Mr. KH. But leaving my Husband back in Bangalore and taking up this project was a tough decision to make. But when my Husband said, “Hey it’s KH. How many people will be getting this opportunity?” I came to Chennai for an interview.
The first thing which I had to decide was what to wear and what not to wear for the interview! I didn't want to look 'cool' like a teenager neither I wanted to look like any other film enthusiast by wearing a long kurta. So I settled for one of my favorite salwaar kameez.
On my way to His office I felt like my Mother brought this project to me because she was one of the biggest KH fans. My eldest cousin has memories of her getting him ready for His movies. She used to ask him, “Do you know whose film we are going to watch today?” When he nods no, she used to say in full excitement “its KH’s film” She converted the entire family into KH fans. I was thinking all this on my way to His office.
Trust me when I say, I wasn’t nervous at all. But I was definitely anxious. The giant, black gate opened in front of me. Even before the interview, when the security asked who am I, I told him I was going to work here, as an Assistant Director. They showed me the way in. While I was waiting for Him, I got a call from one of the technicians. He said, “Sir is extremely busy today. He will meet you during His lunch break” I was happy at least I got a chance to meet Him that day. My resume was already with His personal assistant. So I sighed and waited for Him to call me upstairs to the dining room. Aptly the power went off! As I was climbing the stairs to the dining room, I was thinking I have seen so many of His films and always had been a big fan. I need to choke the fan inside me before I stand in front of Him. Otherwise whatever He utters will go over the top of my head.
When I entered the dining room, I could see a silhouette image of a man sitting in front of the dining table. As the power cut was not over, the French doors behind Him were wide open. With each step I took, I was getting a clearer image of Him. Who said Real life is less dramatic to Reel life! This was the best example of a filmy introduction of the much anticipated Hero. I was immediately humbled by His presence. With His big round eyes set on me, Mr. Kamal Hassan asked me just two questions. He just nodded His head as I replied. After a minute of suspense, I was approved by Him to be part of his Vishwaroopam crew.
