Suriya is gearing up for the release of his much-anticipated film Kanguva on November 14. Directed by Siva, the movie features Disha Patani and Bobby Deol in pivotal roles. In a recent interview, Suriya opened up about his acting career and shared his humble beginnings, starting as an intern at a garment factory before achieving fame in the entertainment industry.
Early Career in the Garment Industry
Suriya began his professional journey as a trainee intern, earning Rs 750 for 15 days, which later transitioned into a monthly salary of Rs 1,200. He worked in the garment sector for nearly three years, eventually increasing his earnings to Rs 8,000. “I started off with that,” he recalled in a conversation with Pinkvilla.
Family Struggles and Financial Insights
During the interview, Suriya shared a poignant story about his family’s financial hardships. He recalled the moment when his mother disclosed that she had taken a loan of Rs 25,000 without informing his father. His father’s intermittent unemployment created a challenging financial environment, and Suriya was surprised to learn that their bank balance rarely exceeded Rs 1.5 lakh. Despite the difficulties, his father never pressured him for his salary, waiting patiently for it to come in.
Unexpected Turn to Acting
Suriya initially dreamed of starting his own business and hoped his father would invest one crore after he gained some experience. However, life took an unexpected turn when he received a chance to act. Despite being the son of a prominent actor, he had never considered a film career or desired to be in the spotlight. His entry into acting was largely influenced by persistent producers, especially Mani Ratnam, who showed interest in casting him.
Motivation Behind His Acting Career
Suriya admitted he entered the film industry primarily to help his mother repay her loan. “I came into the industry for Rs 25,000 to give back to my mom,” he stated, expressing a desire to alleviate her financial concerns without adding to his father’s burdens. This defining moment set him on the path to becoming the celebrated actor he is today.
