Sivakarthikeyan, one of Tamil cinema's beloved stars, has recently opened up about his personal challenges following the death of his father, sharing how he navigated through depression during these tough times. At the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa, Sivakarthikeyan recounted the moment when he almost succumbed to despair after losing his father, who passed away when he was just 17 years old.
His father, who served as a jail superintendent, tragically died on duty, casting a long shadow over Sivakarthikeyan's teenage years. Recalling this dark chapter of his life, he stated, "After my father passed away, I almost fell into depression. But work saved me. The applause and cheers from my audience became my therapy." For Sivakarthikeyan, cinema wasn't just his career; it became his refuge.
During his college years, Sivakarthikeyan began performing on stage, initially receiving encouragement from friends who urged him to embrace his passion for entertainment. "My first stage was in college when I was doing my engineering. My friends pushed me onto the stage and said, ‘Do whatever you feel like; the audience should enjoy,’" he reminisced.
Interestingly, this support network proved instrumental during his darker times. Although he was deeply affected by his father's death and faced the trials of grief and depression, he found solace and healing within the art of performance. The laughter and cheers from audiences helped lift his spirits, reminding him of the joy he could share with others.
At the recent success meet of his film Amaran, Sivakarthikeyan paid tribute to his father, underscoring the deep bond they shared. He referred to his father as his 'first hero' and spoke fondly of memories, such as polishing his father's shoes and preparing his uniform before he went to work. He expressed hope, stating, "I know he will be happy now, hearing all the applause and cheers," emphasizing the lasting impact of his father's influence on both his personal and professional life.
His new film, Amaran, which has been well-received at the box office, tells the story of Major Mukund Varadarajan, who was honored posthumously with the Ashoka Chakra for his bravery. The film is not only Sivakarthikeyan's highest-grossing endeavor, having already grossed over ₹300 crore, but it also serves as his homage to those who have sacrificed their lives for the country. This backdrop resonates with Sivakarthikeyan's own experiences of loss and resilience.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of Amaran, Sivakarthikeyan shared, "Cinema has always been my passion. From the start, I wanted to entertain people." His dedication to not just his craft but to the legacy of his father demonstrates the intertwining of personal grief with artistic expression.
Even as Sivakarthikeyan celebrates his accomplishments, he remains conscious of the challenges he faced, including moments when he considered stepping back from the industry altogether. "I almost thought of quitting, but my wife, Aarthi, motivated me to keep pushing forward," he confided, illustrating the importance of support systems during difficult phases.
Despite his success, Sivakarthikeyan is cautious about the impact of fame on his mental health. He has intentionally limited his social media presence, emphasizing the need for boundaries. "For the last two years, I've been using social media very little. If you want to use it, you use the internet. This is my kind advice, but don't use much of social media, especially Twitter," he remarked, highlighting the need to protect one's mental well-being amid the pressures of public life.
Through sharing his story, Sivakarthikeyan hopes to inspire others battling similar struggles. His narrative shifts from personal loss to professional triumphs, illustrating how art can serve as therapy for many. He has proven to be not just a figure on screen but also someone who connects deeply with his audience, emphasizing the healing power of storytelling.
With his film Amaran still running strong at the box office, Sivakarthikeyan looks forward to continuing his career, motivated by the joy his performances bring to audiences. His resilience serves as a reminder of the strength we can find within ourselves, even during the darkest of times.
