As both a dubbing artist and an actress, she is one of the few women in the industry who has collaborated with the iconic Kamal Haasan many times during her career. In 2014, Abhirami made her debut in Virumaandi, and she is currently back on screen in 2025 alongside the Ulaganayagan in director Mani Ratnam's masterpiece, Thug Life. Abhirami, who changed her name from Divya after being influenced by Kamal Haasan's Guna, spoke exclusively to the Hindustan Times about her experience collaborating with the Nayakan director and the legend she regards as her mentor in film.

After 37 years, Kamal Haasan and Mani Ratnam are working together, and you are a member of the team. What were your emotions when you received the call for Thug Life?

The world is aware of my admiration for Kamal Haasan, and I believe he is someone I look up to. I have the impression that you share your sensibilities with very few individuals. Furthermore, it's fantastic when you deal with individuals who have an open-door policy that allows you to express your thoughts and ideas. They want you to be yourself and use your imagination. That environment is really favorable for development. I never had any official training as an actor. I've learned everything at work, so I'm quite selfishly seeking for instructors who are willing to teach, and I've found the best of the bunch. Regardless of whether I'm working with him as a co-actor or a dubbing artist, I always learn a lot from him.

What drew you to Thug Life?

In addition to the fact that it's a great honor to simply be a part of such a large canvas—a coming together of two titans after 37 years and the addition of AR Rahman for the first time, making it the holy trifecta—it's a huge honor in itself. The icing on the cake is the role that Mani sir has given me, which is a really powerful, self-assured, gorgeous, and nice persona. I found it simple to say yes.

The kissing sequence in the trailer for Thug Life sparked a dispute. Given that this is now prevalent in Indian movies, should it have even been a topic of debate?

These days, it seems that everything will become a controversy, and I don't believe there is any way to avoid it. Regarding casting me in a particular part and Mani sir's reasoning, I am in no position to offer an opinion. I agree with his reasoning, whatever it may be. Furthermore, the kiss lasts just three seconds! The trailer's sole focus on that is somewhat deceptive. The movie and the scenario leading up to the kiss are so well-integrated that you won't even flinch as you watch them. I think there's too much discussion about it. Whatever helps the movie is what the marketing staff will do. I know that aspect as well. As the saying goes, all publicity is good publicity. Before drawing any conclusions, however, I would encourage viewers to see the movie.

However, what do you believe caused such a negative reaction to Kamal Haasan kissing a younger woman?

To be honest, I'm not sure. It's possible that Kamal sir has dared to enter those areas in the past because he has a history of doing so. As in Hey Ram, the way he captured the closeness between Rani Mukherjee and Vasudhara Das, both of his partners, was stunning. He's been a very daring storyteller, and whenever he explores that area, folks always have an opinion. Other actors and actresses do not kiss on camera. People discuss it when someone at the top does it since it also benefits them. As you correctly observed, it is now so prevalent, and I believe the audience will eventually grow in maturity..

Did you see any changes in the way he treated you throughout your ten years working with him? How does Kamal Haasan approach filmmaking?

In my opinion, Kamal sir has continued to use the same procedure, but the weapons at his disposal have evolved. When he approaches a scenario or discusses it with Mani sir, those discussions have evolved because you can now think bigger, utilize more technology, and explore new methods of narrative. Therefore, in my opinion, his acting technique and his adherence to the fundamental emotion of it have remained constant, but the way the story is told has altered.

In a recent interview, Mani Ratnam discussed how he threatened to toss performers off the set. Was that the case for you?

(Laughs) Fortunately, he didn't threaten to throw me off the set. If he said something like that, I don't know what I would do. I would likely cry in a corner. Fortunately, however, he has always approached me and told me what he is seeking. He does become rage if you don't give him what he wants. However, the brunt of it is borne by the ADs. However, he doesn't speak much and doesn't stay angry for long. His happiness outweighs the rage you witnessed three minutes ago when he achieves his goals. On set, it's really cute to see how enthusiastic he can be about a single shot. Over the years, I believe he has also become more laid back.

In Thug Life, what do you consider to be the key lesson?

I'm at a loss for words on that. I simply want to live in the now and make the most of it. We'll deal with the takeaway later. Furthermore, I have little doubt that those lessons will be more apparent when I work with another director in the future. When you work with individuals of this caliber, these seeds are planted in your brain, and you can never predict when those seeds will germinate.