He came from Bangalore to carve a niche for himself in K Town. After a debut as villain in Kaalai, several films like Kunguma Poovum Konjum Pooravum, Aanmai Thavarel, Nagaram, and Markandeyan followed. In Padam Parthu Kadhai Sollu, he turned hero. In the yet to be released Kandupidi Kandupidi, he plays the lead, as a schizophrenic character. So far, he’s been known by his screen name Tharun Kshatriya. But now, Tharun, has reverted to his original name of Sulile Kumar from his next movie, Thagaraaru. In a chat with CE, he reveals how positive he feels after the move.
“My original name is Sulile Kumar. When I debuted with Kaalai, director Tarun Gopi suggested the screen name Tharun Kshatriya. But all along, my mother, who lives in Bangalore, was not happy with my move. She felt that she couldn’t relate to the name. Further, she felt that having come to Chennai to find a niche in Kollywood, I should make a name for myself and my family, under my original identity. I respect my mom a lot since she has brought us up single-handedly. Hence, I decided to comply with her wishes,” he says.
And it seems the actor hasn’t regretted the decision at all.
From Cloud Nine Movies’ Thagaraaru, he’ll be known as Sulile Kumar in the credits. “I too feel a positive vibe using my own name. I think it’s brought me good luck. I have signed my next film as hero. Talks are on for another film as well,” says Sulile. Talking about his role in Thagaraaru, he says, “I play one of the four friends in this Madurai-based story. I underwent a makeover to get the local look and observed many local people to get the lingo right. I got tanned completely and have tried to look as different as possible.”
Sulile’s next will be a film with debut director M S Bharani who has assisted Sigaram Thodu director Gaurav and Tarun Gopi among others. “We could start shooting soon. I’m cast opposite a new heroine from Kerala. I play the boy next door with a stylish and smart makeover for the handsome lover boy image.”
Having played a variety of characters, both negative and positive in his films so far, Sulile says, “As long as my role has an impact, I’m open to play both hero and villain roles.”