Actor-turned-producer SP Charan is in all smiles on the response to Aaranya Kaandam which hit the screens recently. “I have to live up to the expectations of my initials,” says Charan. He’s elated that the film has won the Grand Jury Prize at the South Asian International Film Festival. “Every new film is special to me, as it builds a new set of challenges, etching the character permanently in the audience’s psyche,” he adds. Juggling between singing and producing, he finds the latter most gratifying. “I just love the stress. It was not risky when I ventured into this field but now it is the best business to be in. I produce good and credible movies, which are different from the stereotyped mainstream rots,” he explains. Commenting on the acceptance of his films, he says it is not right to shift the blame on the audience if the film fails commercially. Instead, he blames the time that is being put to test. “Sometimes, audiences remember even unsuccessful films and that itself is a half-success.” Interestingly, he had his share of failures. But, he says it motivates him to work harder for his next venture. He says his participation in Aaranya Kaandam was little when compared to that of his old films and quips that he didn’t have fun on the sets as the film is quite serious. Charan has become more fit and sports a leaner image now. So what led to this new avatar? “I was obese before and had a low self-esteem but now I look fit and chic; there are possibilities of me working as an actor in character roles in the future,”he laughs. Giving credit to his strict diet for more than a year, he adds, “Now, I’m the person I’ve always wanted to be.” He explains that there is no point in acting in his own films as he doesn’t want to promote himself. With all praise to his family, Charan beams that his father, SP Balasubramaniam, gives him unconditional support — both mentally and financially. “I’m happy with the opportunities that Tamil cinema has. It never leaves anyone bare-handed, especially if you’re equipped with skills.” He desires to bring about a change in Tamizh cinema and feels that the scripting must be rigid. Insisting on the variety and quality content, he exclaims that Chennaiites are intelligent and it is hard to cheat them. “Mass entertainers win the hearts of the audience easily and so the small budget films. So nothing can be underestimated in any way,” he says. Confident on the freedom he extends as a producer, Charan says he is present at the shooting location for the crisis management. “My entry into films is an unplanned one but I’m satisfied with whatever I’m doing now. I have no regrets,” says Charan.