Lal's commitment forces him to say no to Mani Ratnam

The next time you meet Lal, it's possible that you won't even be able to recognise him. The actor, who is apparently experimenting with four different looks in his forthcoming film 'Ozhimuri', has been enjoying the very idea of not being recognised by people around him. Only recently, he was spotted at a filmi do in a clean shaven, bald look. This apparently makes it easier for him to get into each of the four getups - with wigs, fake facial hair et al.
The actor is so committed to the role that he even passed up an opportunity to work with Mani Ratnam in 'Kadal'. 'I have always wanted to work with Mani Ratnam but they wanted to cast me in my usual look. I had given priority to 'Ozhimuri' so I had to opt out of 'Kadal',' says Lal.
Sporting one of those many new looks, on location, Lal seemed upbeat. After having proved his mettle in various departments like direction, scriptwriting and even producing, the 53-year-old filmmaker, says he's most comfortable acting. 'If you are acting, then your only worry would be the initial few days where you try to gel in with the team. After that, it's the most comfortable job, especially since you get pampered by everyone on the sets,' says Lal.
However, the actor-director insists that such courtesy is necessary to ensure that an actor's performance is not affected. 'Actors need to be pampered because if they are demoralised even in the smallest way, it will show through their performance onscreen. Ultimately, acting is all about confidence,' he says.
On the other hand, this co-director of blockbusters, such as 'Godfather' and 'In Harihar Nagar', says that wielding the proverbial megaphone is 'a job where you hardly have the time to breathe.' 'Because I also script my films, the tension begins the moment an idea is born and that lasts till the film hits the theatres and I know the audiences' response,' he says.