Here’s an old interview that appeared in Screen, done around the time of Chachi 420 (Hindi version of Avvai Shanmughi). So, among many other things, this interview also includes Kamal’s point of view on what went wrong with Shantanu Sheorey (who was the director of Chachi at the start). Excerpts:

I feel I am yet to discover the method of consistently doing things right. Again, it depends on what you mean by success…For me, work is an exercise. And you never stop exercising if you want to remain fit.

I am constantly trying to run away from monotony. Because I am scared of playing into the hands of mimicry artistes. Once a mimicry artiste takes you over, you are finished. I don’t mind their mimicking my vernacular accent, but not my style.

My hope is Marlon Brando. He took chances. And with great success. He played contrasting characters with ease. On the other hand, Dustin Hoffman, who has been doing different things, hasn’t become an icon.

I do make films to give full play to my talent.

We are in a money-driven system, a financial society. They will allow you to be a maverick at your own expense.

I should have taken to directing films long ago. I had come into the industry to be a director. I had started out as a choreographer, then I wrote a couple of screenplays. Direction should have been the next step.

When a film doesn’t need fine-tuning, like for instance Indian, I didn’t have much to do. Shanker was in full control…During Nayakan I used to help Mani’s assistants in working out the details.

I revel in recognition. I always refer to myself as a limelight moth. I like people to recognise what I recognise in myself. I get thrilled even when a poem of mine gets published in a local magazine.

Mumbai industry needs to rethink on the myths it has perpetuated. Stars are not permanent, the industry is….Why pamper the stars, boost them to the skies and then pull them down, make them a scapegoat for the ills of the industry?

My aim is to create a facility to produce films continuously and reach them to the people. on the lines of the studio system in Hollywood. It can only happen through individual enterprise…