It was quite interesting. When I started the film itself, I knew it would take a long time and many people discouraged me. But it never bothered me. I knew what this movie could give me as an actor what no other movie could, not even five or six movies. It was a once in a lifetime role for me.

I can't do a Naan Kadavul again. It happens to some actors at some point of time and you have to grab it with both hands. I took these two years (of working in this film) in a positive way.

You mean the last two years have not been difficult for you at all?

The only difficulty I faced was I had this long beard and moustache. In the last two years, I went to a restaurant only twice. Even to drink a cup of coffee or tea was an ordeal. I had to keep the moustache away with one hand and then drink. Sometimes, I got so tired of this that I drank very little coffee. But at the same time I was feeling good and enjoying all of this.

How much do you think you have grown as an actor after portraying this character?

I don't believe in being a character. Only when the camera rolls that I become the character. After that, I am not Rudran; I am Arya. Because of the looks, it looked as if I was living the character but I was not. I was just a normal person.

But when we were in Kasi, I was really influenced by the character. There were thousands of sadhus there, many foreigners visiting the place. As I sat on the road as one of them, many foreigners came and asked me, 'swamiji, can I have one picture?' I obliged them and didn't say I was an actor. Many gave me alms too. Some gave me Rs 10 and some, a dollar.

When I walked on the streets, people would come and fall at my feet, and ask for my blessings. If I told them I was an actor, they could have been offended. So, I blessed all those who sought my blessings. Many gave me food and ganja too. I have met many foreigners with long hair having lived there for decades as sadhus.

Also Read: Helming Meghave Meghave

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