Silambarasan, or better known as Shimbu, has come a long way. Better known as a child artiste, he acted almost in 19 films as a child artiste and graduated to hero with KADHAL AZHIVADILLAI last year. Even though his debut film was big disappointment, he is now high on with the success of DHUM. The film is the only one film, which is drawing good collections of all the films that were released on Tamil New year. Our correspondent met the enthusiastic Shimbu. Excerpts from the interview.

Are you happy with the outcome of DHUM? 
Llike in Telugu and Kannada, this film has become a big hit. I can't eveal business statistics but I can only say it is far bigger hit than most of the films. I am really happy with the outcome, particularly when Tamil film industry is going through a lean phase. 

Did you expect the result before the release of the film? 
I was really confidant of the film all the while, as the film was a big hit in Kannada and Telugu. And more than that I was confidant about it because it has interesting story line. I really liked the hero's rough character. You were better known as a successful child artist.

Despite publicity blitzkrieg your debut film couldn't become big hit. What went wrong? 
See, the film was not a flop. It ran for 100 days. But the film was released along with four other big films, RAMANA, BHAGAVATHY and VILLAIN. Interestingly all these films along with my film had done good business but collections were evenly spread. So people thought my film couldn't draw collections. But it was a hit.

Ok. With DHUM becoming hit, do you want to do more action films like Vikram? 
No. I liked the script of DHUM. So I did it. But I will not stick to action-oriented films only. 

But in Kollywood, only action heroes have edge over than others..
Yeah true. But I will select films, which have good and interesting subject. I don't mind if it is action movie, romantic movie or comedy movie. I select projects solely on good subjects.

Critics say that you are imitating Rajinikanth's style of acting. Don't you think imitation will hamper your career? 
Let me explain. I am a great fan of Rajinikath and Jackie Chan. I admire their style. Naturally I have been using ( inspired) their style but I am applying in my own style. 

There were also rumors that you are very close with Rajini's daughter Aishwarya? 
We are school mates at Ashram School. One day when I was having birthday bash with my friends at a restaurant, Aishwarya came to that restaurant. Seeing her there I invited her to join the party, as she is my friend. And she joined the party and had fun along with all of our friends. So, media took it differently and spread rumors of me having affair with her. Rajini uncle's family is close to us. There's nothing more than that. 

But both of you sung some songs together? 
It is for a film. What is wrong in that? I have been singing songs for Tamil films. I sang for Rehman sir, Dev sir, and may others. And she's also a trained singer. It's purely professional act. 

So you want to sing for all your films? 
No, It will depend on each project and director. 

What are your forthcoming films? 
I am presently doing ALAI. The film is being directed by debutant Vikram. And there are some other projects, which are on discussion stage.