Lyricists turning actors- Special

When Pa Vijay recently surprised the film frat and movie buffs alike, by doing a jig on a hill top with heroine Sridevika by his side, it raised the eyebrows of many. At a time when everybody is trying hard to be a hero, what compels a National Award-winning lyricist to also make the turn, many wondered.

Nyabagangal, directed by Jeeva, launched Pa Vijay as a hero, and its audio launch saw many celebrities pondering over his decision to don the greasepaint. But like how lyricist Vaali pointed out, this trend is neither new to lyricists nor the Tamil cinema.

Kambadasan was one of the earliest ports of our times who took to acting on screen as well, and he created a mark for himself by doing it. And then, there was Kannadasan, who did small roles in films, either in songs or in the talky portion of the movies, like he appeared in a song each in Server Sundaram, Rathathilagam and Suriyagandhi.

And then, there was Vaali, who was introduced to acting by Kamal Haasan, and has done memorable roles in films like Sathyaa, Hey Ram and Parthaale Paravasam. In fact, the lyricist also took to the small screen, by being part of one of K Balachandar’s serials, Kaiyalavu Manasu.

Kavipperarasu Vairamuthu also donned the greasepaint for a brief time, including acting as himself for a scene in Jodi. Lyricist Kapilan was one of the most recent to act in a film, that too as himself, in Dasavathaaram, along with Kamal Haasan.

And now, Pa Vijay, despite his first project ‘Thai Kaaviyam’ being junked, has also become an actor, writing, producing and acting in his own movie. Are the other lyricists listening?