I'd love to do 'Dostana' with Santhanam in Tamil, says actor Sethu

It’s been two months since actor Sethu Raman got married and his life is buzzing. As he embarks on a new journey with his wife Uma, Sethu has also set up his state-of-the-art cosmetology clinic and signed on a new film. Sethu says his clinic ‘Zi’ has been set up with the best equipment and facilities. His passion for the field comes through as he takes you through the sophisticated clinic in Alwarpet.

In an exclusive chat with dna, Sethu talks about his medical profession, cosmetology, his acting career and more. 

Tell us about the new film Aalukku Paathi 50-50. 

It’s a horror-comedy by debutant director Krishna Sai and the heroine is Shruti Ramakrishnan. Bala Saravanan is acting with me in the movie. It’s about three IT guys who have lost their jobs and they resort to petty thefts. The movie is being shot in Chennai and Kumbakonam.

Uma and Sethu at their wedding reception.

How is married life treating you?

After marriage, my life is really good because Valeba Raja released. Secondly, my third film started and my clinic has opened too. I also bought myself a new car. So it looks like it’s a good time for me. I think things were meant to happen after the wedding and I am very happy. My wife Uma is very caring and affectionate. I am able to focus more on my work now.

Has your wife Uma seen your films?

No, she hasn’t seen them. She is not from the cinema background. She has come to the shooting spot once to give me lunch. She should be comfortable coming to the sets. (Laughs) Uma feels that I am improving as an actor based on what people around her tell her. But she definitely wants me to focus on dermatology which is my real profession, my life. I can do films which I feel are really worth it, not for the sake of money. 

Are you both movie buffs?

We are not big movie buffs. But I do watch Tamil films to keep myself updated. And I definitely watch Santhanam’s films. (Laughs) I like to watch films when I read a good review or people tell me this is a must-watch. Recently, I saw Thozha and I thought Karthi did a fantastic job in the film.

Who are your favourite actors in Kollywood?

In terms of talent, I like Silambarasan (STR). He is a born actor. I have seen him in Kanna Laddu Thinna Aasaiya (KLTA)— he can act in no time. Simbu doesn’t have to ‘act’, it just flows. Many actors struggle in that area. I also like Vijay Sethupathi, he’s also a natural actor. And of course, I love Santhanam’s acting— his timing is excellent. 

Watch the KLTA trailer:

What do you think about your good friend Santhanam as a hero?

Santhanam loves what he does. Now, he looks like a hero and he also has all the capabilities of being a hero. He has got the makeover and if he chooses the right kind of scripts, he’ll go places. I would love to do a film like Dostana with Santhanam. If it works in Tamil and if he is OK with it, it’ll be nice. May be one day.

Tell us about your real profession— dermatology.

I have stepped into fields where there’s heavy competition— the aesthetic industry and films. I don’t have too many choices in cinema. I take up the best and what I like from what is offered to me. With regard to dermatology, I want Chennai to have one of the best aesthetic clinics with international standards. That’s my aim. However long it takes and however much it takes from me, this is my dream. I started ‘Zi’ with this dream. Chennai is a hub for medical tourism in India. What is available in New York and LA in terms of aesthetic medical treatments is available here in Chennai. Aesthetic dermatology is a rapidly growing field in India. 

You’re an actor and a cosmetologist. So celebs will also be your clients. 

It’s an advantage and disadvantage. It’s a disadvantage because they may think he’s an actor, we should not go to him as he might reveal it. (Laughs) But this is my medical profession. Patients who come to me sometimes first might think— is he really a doctor? But once they see me in my space, their perception completely changes. There’s a doctor in Thailand who is a cosmetologist and an actor! 

What did Santhanam say when you said you were going to practice cosmetology?

He was shocked! I think he didn’t expect me to do both professions. Everyone thought I will do films full-time when KLTA became a big hit. But I wanted to give films a conscious break because that is not reality. 

Did you ever think you won’t fit into the film industry?

That thought occurred to me after the second film. After the first film, I was in a happy space because KLTA was a hit and I was seeing success. After the second film, I went through an emotional upheaval and that’s when I got clarity. I learnt my lesson after the second film’s break. I could have done so much but I didn’t. The movie finally released but there is a downside to working in films as well. I think every actor goes through the highs and the lows. At my clinic, I get an emotional high every day when I speak to patients and see their happiness.

What are you looking for in scripts?

I really want to do a beautiful, young love story. Even if the director is new or young or it’s a low budget, it doesn’t matter. The story should be intense. I’d also like to play a doctor in a film, like a medical college student. I would love to do such a role as I think it’ll be easy for me. I can relate to a lot of things. (Laughs)

How do you plan to balance your acting and medical profession?

On days that I am not available in the clinic, appointments will be scheduled accordingly. I am available otherwise at the clinic by appointment. I am not taking up too many films. 

So 2016 is looking good.

​I am doing one film now. I have listened to two more scripts but I haven’t finalised anything yet. I want to do roles which I am capable of. I will be launching my clinic ‘Zi’ soon and that is something I am really excited about.