I don’t come with fancy price tag: Arya

His latest release, Naan Kadavul, is running to packed houses. Critics have also given his portrayal of an aghori sadhu a thumbs-up.
���But the best compliment of all was when Rajni sir called up to congratulate me on my performance,��� says an excited Arya. ���Rajni sir often goes to the Himalayas and has interacted with many aghoris during his stay there.But he told me that I beat them all ��� it seems I was that authentic!��� laughs Arya.
Naan Kadavul, a story that deals with the lives of aghoris, directed by Bala, has been in the making for two-and-a-half years. Which meant that Arya, who had to grow his hair and beard for the role, had to stick to the look for more than a year. ���It grew really long and got very irritating. I couldn���t go out much or eat outside. And every time I had to drink tea, I had to move my moustache aside . But I put up with it all for Bala; he had so much confidence in me,��� explains Arya.
Working with Bala was an enriching experience, he says. ���I knew he created superstars like Vikram and Surya. And I was sure it would happen to me too after Naan Kadavul���s release. Which is why I gave him three years without taking up any other film during that period. Bala has a tremendous vision. Nobody thought of sketching such a role in Indian cinema before,��� he says.
But why did the film take so long to complete? ���It featured physically handicapped people. Coordinating and getting them to act was tough because they worked for just three to four hours a day. So, these practical problems delayed the film. But it was such a great experience. Because Arya the star would never have been able to spend that kind of time with them. Being part of this movie has helped me gain so much insight into their lives,��� observes Arya.
The team also faced other setbacks. Three heroines turned down the role that finally went to Pooja. ���The role was very demanding and most heroines weren���t convincing. Bala also didn���t believe that they���d be able to carry off the role. Finally, when Pooja did some trial shoots, Bala felt he had found the right person,��� says Arya. And he���s full of praise for his co-star. ���This is my fourth film with Pooja and she���s just getting better with each film. Her role was a difficult one to essay; I���m so proud of her performance,��� says Arya.
So, now that Naan Kadavul has opened to such great reviews, will he, like all actors, also hike his price? ���I don���t come with a fancy price tag. My remuneration isn���t so exorbitant that people can���t afford me. It will fit into the film���s budget,��� says Arya.