Sharanya Cr (BOMBAY TIMES; June 19, 2018)

The energy is quite palpable as we walk into the set of one of the most awaited TV reality shows, Bigg Boss Tamil 2. Young men are rushing from one set to another, getting things organised for the show. They are shooting the launch episode with Kamal Haasan, who’s hosting the show this time around, too. The actor-turned-politico is sharp on time to give interviews and shoot his portions. We settle down for an interview with Kamal in a new avatar, one who is unabashed about speaking his mind on everything from films to politics to this TV show he’s hosting. Excerpts:

There was so much enthusiasm when Bigg Boss Tamil was launched as audience were curious about the show and how things would work. But now that people are aware of it, how are you planning to up season 2?
I have seen various other Bigg Boss formats, unlike the audience of the first season. I not just wanted to educate myself on the modus operandi, but also learn the rules of the game. What is interesting is that even in the English and Hindi versions, they change the rules every season. But here, it is reflective of life, unlike the American game, Monopoly, which is all about making money. This is something else and that is what I first gathered from the concept. This is a great tool to gently jog their minds about themselves. I just don’t mean the housemates. For instance, it is like the lessons an elder brother will learn as soon as a younger brother is born. New lessons are being taught because the mistakes the younger brother makes someday become a lesson for the elder brother. He takes the parental role and imitates his parents. And that’s what I became when I saw these people. I was not going through the same claustrophobia that they were, but I could understand it. I’ve had a view, which I was also trying to go back to, and reflect when back in my home. I could help them and understand them. And while I was doing all that, I analysed myself. When it can happen to me as an anchor, I am very sure it can happen to the audience, too. That’s why I am here again.

So, will the tasks be tougher this time?
I think so… from what they have told me. And there is no need for anyone to take offense as it is still a game.

Some of the contestants who appeared on the show last year have alleged that they were projected in a certain manner...
The cameras didn’t show them that way (laughs!). Will you ask a mirror why are you showing me ugly? The mirror doesn’t mess up your hair; you messed it up and stood in front of the mirror. It is not the fault of the mirror. Here, the camera is just a mirror. You can’t blame it saying, ‘You have shown me like this.’ They have put a mirror inside you, too. It is a great opportunity to correct yourself. How many people get a mirror for their mind? This is a mirror that they can use to see their real selves.

When news of you hosting the second season of the show was announced, there was immediate criticism asking why you were taking this up after making your political announcement…
People think a politician should get money from the people to make his living. I don’t think so. A politician should find a job and make his own living so that he doesn’t touch people’s money. That is who I want to be. I am making money out of this show and I want to spend it on myself; and if there is something left, I want to spend it for my party. Most of my party members are not giving away all their money. Now, when the election commission says that everything is fine, we will ask the people... we will openly ask people for money.

Some even ask why you and Rajinikanth, who has also announced his entry into politics, are still signing films...
Supposing if I was a provision store owner or running a company, should I shut it down to become a politician? When someone comes without anything, what will happen when he wants to save himself ? Is he going to live off the people? That is why it is important to have an earning or a living. But yes, if I take up a position, then I should stop doing films at once.

You made several political statements through this show last year. Can we expect you to announce your political ideals in this season, especially since the show reaches every household.
I did it only a little. Because, it is not my show… in the sense that it is not my television channel. And they have rules and parameters to adhere to. So, I can’t make it my podium entirely. Yes, I will use this platform to lift the weight gently off my shoulders.

There is always some amount of scrutiny that happens when actors speak. But now that you have announced your political entry, it’s more than usual. For instance, Rajinikanth’s statements on the Thoothukudi massacre have not gone down well with people. How do you plan to handle such things?
I think my strength would be honesty. When I indulge in doublespeak, people will catch on to it. And you will then have to explain why you said two different things. If you can’t explain, people will know that you are talking with a forked tongue. And this is something any politician will have to be careful about. Any politician who speaks his mind will get into trouble, but will also get out of trouble. Because you are speaking your mind, it is not going to please everybody. There is going to be a percentage of the population who will disagree with it. But that is the idea of democracy — agree to disagree. I have no paper in my hand, except for facts, as I can’t misrepresent them. I can’t say the names wrongly and that is why I have a paper. I don’t like to pretend that I have everything in mind... my acting is not coming into play in this.

How are Shruti and Akshara taking to your new role of a politician?
Oh, they are worried. They understand the purpose as to why I am here, but they don’t understand how it works. All they hear is through the media and there’s nothing nice for them to listen to. I tell them not to generalise — that sensationalised news is the only way politicians operate. They say that they know that there are good politicians, but according to them, they are all dead. Civilisation will be dead and will be born again. I am one of the newborns. I ask them not to worry. But that kind of scepticism, fear and concern for me is there among all the youth. Some say, so far so good. But finally, they say, ‘Do something.’ That’s when I tell them that they are all looking for leaders. I tell them that they are the leaders and I am an appointed person who will be put in office. They must lead... which means they must be in continuous vigil. You can’t appoint a watchman and go to sleep. Democracy doesn’t operate like that. You can sleep when the police take the rounds, but you must check during the day if the police are doing their job.

Moving on to your films, the teaser of Vishwaroopam II has been received warmly. The film seems to have a lot of action sequences and CGI. Is that the reason why the film took this long?
No, once again, politics was involved. Even the first time, it was only politics. On the finance part, most people in the film business find it difficult to complete a project. It’s become a very common thing, with only the very big companies managing to complete a project. Smaller productions are finding it hard to make ends meet. So that aspect was one of the reasons for the delay — a maximum of one year. But the rest of it was because politicians were stepping on our toes.

When will you begin shooting for Indian 2?
I will have to finish Sabash Naidu first. That is almost half complete. I will wind that up before I shoot for Indian 2.

Is this look of yours for Indian 2?
No, this look is part of Kamal Haasan (smiles).

Lastly, if you were a contestant in Bigg Boss Tamil, what is the one thing you will do and one that you will not do?
I will be myself and I will never cease to be me because it is about winning. That is what I will do anywhere in life, not just inside the Bigg Boss Tamil house.