At the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held recently in Goa, Tamil cinema star Sivakarthikeyan opened up about his tumultuous emotional voyage, sharing how he battled depression and found purpose through the world of entertainment. This heartwarming and candid reflection came during a discussion with fellow actor and politician Khushbu Sundar.
Sivakarthikeyan's stardom didn’t bloom overnight; it sprouted from humble beginnings during his engineering college days. “My first stage was during my 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 recounted. This wasn’t merely about entertainment for Sivakarthikeyan; it was the first step on his path to healing.
The actor’s life took a poignant turn when he lost his father. Grappling with grief, he felt as though he was engulfed by darkness and uncertainty. “I was depressed. I didn’t know what to do. To escape from the sadness, I got onto the stage where claps and appreciation were the therapy,” he shared, describing the applause as his lifeline—a way to channel his pain and begin healing through performance.
His foray onto television began strategically around 2007, marking another significant transition in his career. Sivakarthikeyan explained his methodical approach to maximizing his screen time. “Television hosts come for a full one-hour because they need to say the show’s name, so they can’t edit,” he pointed out, showcasing his cleverness and intent to leverage every opportunity.
Today, Sivakarthikeyan stands at the pinnacle of Tamil cinema, celebrating the success of his latest project, the military drama Amaran, where he portrays the true-life hero Major Mukund Varadarajan. This role pays tribute to Varadarajan's courage and sacrifice, encapsulating sentiments of heroism. “He was from Chennai, from the tip of India. He went to Kashmir to save all the people there. He didn’t think about his family at the time. His daughter was just three and a half years old,” Sivakarthikeyan narrated, emphasizing the selflessness of the soldier. Such moments resonate deeply with audiences, and Sivakarthikeyan believes the film's success reflects the essence of Varadarajan's heroism: “Sacrifice is the biggest, biggest, biggest heroism.”
Despite these accomplishments, the actor revealed he once considered stepping away from the industry altogether. It was the unwavering support from his wife, Aarthi, who inspired him to persevere. “I almost quit, but she stood by me,” he recounted, highlighting the considerable role personal relationships play during challenging times.
On the subject of social media, which often intertwines with the lives of celebrities today, Sivakarthikeyan has made it clear he prefers to tread carefully. “For the last two years, I’ve been using social media very less. If you want to use it, go for it, but don’t indulge too much. Especially Twitter,” he joked. “Maybe Elon Musk might block my account; and if he does, I’d call it my first success,” he quipped, using humor to express his preference to stay away from the noise of digital interactions.
Sivakarthikeyan's insights didn’t end there. He credited his mother—whose education only reached the eighth standard—for instilling life lessons along the way. “My mom did only eighth standard, but she knows life far more than I do,” he reflected, underscoring the importance of wisdom over formal schooling.
Through every twist and turn, Sivakarthikeyan’s story is not just one of personal triumph but serves as inspiration for many. He has become a voice for those wrestling with their challenges, reminding them of the power of perseverance, the importance of support systems, and the immense potential of the human spirit to overcome adversity through self-expression and community.
