Popular actor Dulquer Salmaan is currently immersed in promoting his upcoming film 'Kaantha', but during a recent promotional interview, he revealed a deeply personal struggle with criticism and self-doubt that continues to affect him despite his successful career.
The Weight of Criticism
In a candid conversation with Gulte Pro, when asked about his biggest fear, Dulquer Salmaan didn't hesitate to share his vulnerabilities. The actor confessed that negative feedback about his acting abilities personally impacts him. "I don't believe I am a great actor," he stated honestly, revealing that there's always a segment of the audience who maintain he cannot act.
Dulquer admitted that he regularly reads criticism about his performances, which leads to self-questioning. "So in my head, am I not good? This fear is there," he revealed, showing a side of himself that fans rarely see behind his confident on-screen presence.
Turning Fear into Motivation
Rather than letting criticism defeat him, Dulquer explained how he channels these concerns into professional growth. He shared that this constant self-doubt actually drives him to improve continuously and "choose more challenging stuff" in his career selections.
The actor expressed his ongoing concern about meeting expectations, particularly when portraying complex characters. "To play someone who is known as a phenomenal actor - Can I pull it off? Nobody should watch the film and feel like somebody else should have done it," he emphasized, highlighting his commitment to delivering authentic performances that satisfy both critics and audiences.
Kaantha: The Controversial Project
While promoting 'Kaantha', Dulquer also touched upon the film's significance and the challenges it faces. Although not officially confirmed by the makers, the film is widely believed to be a biopic of MK Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, recognized as the first superstar of Tamil cinema.
However, the project has encountered legal obstacles that threaten its release. B Thiagarajan, grandson of the legendary actor-musician Thyagaraja Bhagavathar, has filed a complaint in a Chennai court seeking to halt the film's distribution. The family member alleges that the movie portrays Bhagavathar with "loose morals," claiming this depiction is false, defamatory, and damaging to the late legend's legacy.
Directed by Selvamanu Salvaraj, 'Kaantha' features an impressive ensemble cast including Samuthirakani, Bhagyashri Borse, and Rana Daggubati alongside Dulquer Salmaan. The film's first trailer has already generated significant positive response from viewers, building anticipation for its scheduled theatrical release on November 14.
Despite the legal controversies and his personal struggles with criticism, Dulquer continues to promote the film with dedication, demonstrating his professional commitment to the project and his growing resilience in the face of industry challenges.
