Velmurugan: I wanted to show that I can do diverse roles

Singer Velmurugan is known for his foot-tapping numbers, but now, he is trying his hand at acting as well. While he has acted in films like Goundamani’s Enakku Veru Engum Kilaigal Kidayathu and appeared in song sequences, now, he is part of over half-a-dozen films as an actor.

“I am acting in films like Sankaralingathin Cycle Vandi , Padaippalan , Saloon , and four other films which haven't been titled yet,” starts off the singer, who adds that his roles in these films will also be substantial.

“I play the heroine’s thaai mama in Sankaralingathin Cycle Vandi, which has Prajin as the hero, while I am the hero’s mama in another film. In Saloon, I share screen space with Yogi Babu and Mirchi Shiva. And I will be seen as an advocate in Padaippalan,” he reveals.

Velmurugan says that acting comes naturally to him as he has acted and sung on stage since childhood. “In fact, many tell me that I should have started acting much earlier, saying that I have the face cut of a character artiste and my humour sense would work well in films,” he says.

Quiz him what made him want to pursue acting and he says, “Ippo makkal kitta video mogam adhigama irukku. It has become essential for your face to be known to them. I had sung over 500 songs before participating in Bigg Boss Tamil . From Subramaniapuram to Nadodigal, Aadukalam, Oru Kal Oru Kannadi, Aranmanai and Asuran, I’ve sung hit songs in so many successful films, but I realised that people used to forget me once the song’s popularity waned. But after my stint in the show, people have started recognising me by my face. Many who meet me exclaim in surprise that they did not know I am the voice behind chartbusters like Venaam Machaan and Oththa Sollaala. It made me realise that a presence in the visual medium is important.”

The singer recently did a photo shoot in which he has got a makeover. He says he did it to show his versatality. “Even with songs, I have tried to give variations. A Karuppu Nirathazhagi will be different from a Konjum Kili Paada Vechaan and a Sandaali. So, just like how I show my versatility in vocals, I wanted to show that I can do diverse roles as an actor as well,” he signs off.