Suriya worked in garment factory for Rs 1,200, became actor to pay off mother’s loan

In his inspiring narrative, Suriya, the actor, recounts his transformation from a garment worker to a prominent figure in the film industry. His decision to pursue acting stemmed from a heartfelt desire to settle his mother’s debt. Fans can anticipate his upcoming appearance in “Kanguva,” set to premiere on November 14th.

In Short

• Commencing his career as a textile worker, actor Suriya initially earned a monthly salary of Rs 1,200.
• Caused by his family’s financial struggles, he ventured into the world of cinema.
• Despite his anonymity, his initial shot received applause.

Suriya, the actor, didn’t plan on entering the world of acting; it was more of a twist of fate for him. In contrast to numerous celebrities who come from a family background in the industry, Suriya initially pursued a career as a factory worker, making a modest income of Rs 1,200 per month. Nonetheless, due to his family’s financial circumstances, he eventually found himself drawn towards the silver screen.

Suriya shared with Pinkvilla that he aims to convey his emotions and the significance of his journey to his fans through a detailed narrative. Reflecting on his beginnings in the garment sector, he recalled starting as a trainee and making only Rs 750 in the initial 15 days. Over time, his perseverance paid off, leading to a substantial increase in his monthly income to Rs 8,000 after close to three years.

He observed that they didn’t know he was the child of an actor, sharing that during the initial period, he earned Rs 1,200 per month. Over the course of almost three years, his salary gradually increased to Rs 8,000.

Suriya reflected on a crucial moment from his past when his mother confided in him about the family’s financial hardships: “I’ve taken a loan of Rs 25,000 without your father’s knowledge.” Taken aback, he inquired about their savings, only to discover that their bank account had never crossed a hundred thousand. His father, Sivakumar, was also experiencing a slowdown in his film projects. “Witnessing my mother’s challenges in settling that debt deeply impacted me. It made me question my own actions.

The actor from Kanguva revealed that his father had a unique approach towards payment from the producers, stating: “He refrains from requesting his wages upfront and prefers to receive them only after the producers settle the payment.

Suriya’s original ambition was to establish his own factory, counting on his father’s potential investment of a crore. However, a single discussion with his mother completely altered his plans. Despite being approached with various film opportunities due to his family background, he never had any intention of entering the entertainment industry. Reflecting on his journey, he confessed, “It never crossed my mind that I would end up here, until just five days before my first time in front of a camera.

Speaking to his supporters, Suriya admitted, “My initial motivation for joining the entertainment field was purely financial. I ventured into this industry with a sole purpose of settling my mother’s debt. This marked the beginning of my journey, leading to the creation of the persona known as Suriya.

From the moment he took his first shot on set, he found himself amidst a sea of strangers oblivious to his identity. The resounding cheers and applause that followed his performance lingered in his memory. Despite evolving eras and shifting audiences, the unwavering affection he receives remains a constant source of inspiration.

Suriya revealed that his main priority currently lies in producing films that strike a chord with his audience. Joining him in his upcoming pan-India film Kanguva are Bobby Deol and Disha Patani.

Spearheaded by Siva and backed by Studio Green and UV Creations, Kanguva stands out as one of the highest-budgeted Indian cinematic endeavors, boasting a lavish investment exceeding Rs 350 crore. Scheduled for a grand unveiling on November 14, 2024, the film will hit screens in various versions, encompassing 3D and IMAX formats.