What’s your main argument about education?
“Teachers are often experts in one subject but expect students to master everything. A student should have the option to focus on what they’re passionate about, apart from the basics like language and mathematics. This focus would make their life richer, as they’d be learning what truly interests them instead of struggling through subjects that hold no appeal. From my experience, a solid foundation in language, basic mathematics, geography, and science is more than enough for anyone to thrive. Education should not be about memorizing what’s in the textbook. Students should read, interpret, and simplify the content in ways that make sense to them. Exams shouldn’t demand textbook-perfect answers but should allow for personal expression, even if that means answering in one-liners. The key is understanding, not rote learning.”
“Back when I was in school, students were often too scared to raise their hands and ask questions. Today, students have the freedom to ask, and it’s a teacher’s job to appreciate and encourage them. Otherwise, they’ll turn to Google, which can sometimes lead to more confusion than clarity.”
“When it comes to the entertainment industry—acting, singing, directing, editing, screenplay writing, photography—all these talents are often inborn. Many people don’t develop them due to family pressures or other restrictions. But the media world is just like any other industry, and it offers recognition on a global scale. Young people should feel free to share their ideas and talents with their families and elders, so they can be guided towards the right opportunities and skills. There are countless workshops and hands-on learning opportunities in entertainment. You don’t need a theoretical education; you can learn by doing and by observing others.”
“Take it from me. I dropped out of school after the 5th grade. I lost interest, especially due to the symbols and the new math concepts I couldn’t relate to. Yet, here I am today, fluent in multiple languages—English, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and a bit of Hindi. I found confidence in what I wanted to do and pursued it relentlessly.
I had passions for flying, music, and writing. I started my career as a pilot, actor Ajith and I were trained by an Indian aviation industry-honored pilot Captain Ganesan. Back in the days, when air traffic was less, training was primarily done on Single Jet Propulsions. As I continued to train in those my interest leaned towards twin jet propulsion aircrafts. Flying planes was my first and has been my passion ever since. Captain Ganesan gave me the first air simulator. I completed 18 hours of flight training and now teach student pilots using simulators. I became a sound engineer by listening to music from different languages and working for Gramophone Co of India (His Master’s Voice). Soon after this, I got introduced to Director K.Balachandar and had my movie debut in the Tamil movie “Manadhil Urudhi Vendum”. I have completed 54 films across 4 South Indian languages. I’m also an active character performer in TV soaps. Now I also write screenplays and direct. I even run a business manufacturing signboards that meet international standards for industries like education, healthcare, and construction. Everything I’ve achieved has come from my natural talents, not from formal education.”
“The entertainment industry, in particular, doesn’t require traditional education. It requires talent—something already within you. Open yourself up to learning, get involved in workshops, connect with industry professionals, and amplify your presence. Meet experienced artists, casting directors, and others who can guide you, but be prepared for rejection—it’s part of the process. Rejections don’t reflect on your abilities; sometimes, the people you approach just don’t have the answers. What you do need is general knowledge about the industry and a positive mindset. Stay motivated, learn from your experiences, and never give up on your goals. Life is a continuous learning process, and you’ll be shaped by expert guidance at every step of your journey. My 36-year journey in entertainment has been challenging, but I’ve succeeded because of my confidence, dedication, and hard work. I owe much to the support I received from Charuhassan (Kamal Haasan’s elder brother), who believed in me from the start. Trust me when I say, the future of entertainment begins with you. Be open, explore, and engage with the world around you, and your journey will unfold in ways you never imagined.”
