CHENNAI: Vignesh is not just an average kid in Chennai. At the age of 12, the Kaaka Muttai star has already won the National Award (2015). City Express caught up with him on the sidelines of an award function to know about his views on Chennai, which has given him the ‘star status’ at a young age.
What does Chennai mean to you?
This is a city that welcomes everyone and gives everyone a living (vantharai vazhavaikkum ooru). The city has a mix of different kinds of people from many diverse backgrounds. . It has the capability to bring people of all cultures together.
Which is your favourite hangout in the city and why?
I visit Marina beach often. The beach has a soothing effect. Whatever problems or worries one has, spending about five minutes there can make you forget them. It is a place I go to relax.
Where do you go if you are not attending school?
I’m not the kind of student who would bunk school. I make it a point to go to school regularly. I go around the city during weekends and inform my parents before going anywhere.
What is special about the locality you live in?
I live in Kasimedu. I’m extremely familiar and comfortable with its bylanes. The best part of the locality is that residents speak a completely different language (baashai) than what is spoken in the rest of the city. It’s a jolly version of Tamil.
Any particular favourite line or phrase in Madras baashai?
Machi!
Where will you take first-time visitors to city?
Nowadays, people are well-informed about what Chennai has to offer and so when they come here, they know where they would like to go. Also, while travelling from railway station or airport, they get to see a lot of places which might seem interesting to them. If they have no clue about the city, I would take them to Marina beach.
