WATCH: ‘My daily wage was just Rs 20’, says Maaman actor Soori as he remembers early struggles and skipping meals to save money

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As an ardent admirer of Tamil cinematic star Soori, I can’t help but reflect on his inspiring journey. In a recent promotional gathering for his film “Maaman,” he candidly shared tales of the hurdles he faced before and beyond his entry into the movie industry. He reminisced about the tough times, the early struggles that tested his resolve. And yet, even in those hardships, he never lost sight of his dream – acting. Remarkably, he once toiled as a daily wage laborer, but his passion for performance ultimately led him here. His story serves as a beacon of resilience and determination for every aspiring artist out there, including yours truly!

Back in 1993, I was working alongside some friends in Tiruppur. By the close of each workweek, I’d find myself with just Rs 140. Of that, I kept Rs 70 for personal expenses and sent the rest back home. There was a bakery nearby that sold delicious coconut buns for one rupee and two paise. Unfortunately, adding tea to my bill made it more than I could afford, so I often chose to enjoy just a cup of tea instead.

Beyond recalling the kindness shown by hotel proprietors, Soori admitted that his experience in Tiruppur was a crucible of hard-earned life lessons. In retrospect, he considers the admiration and affection bestowed upon him now as life’s most significant accolades. They fill him with a sense of backing and pride.

In his own account, he started working in Tiruppur with a group of friends back in 1993. Each day, our earnings amounted to only Rs 20. After six days, we would take home Rs 140, with me keeping Rs 70 for myself and sending the remaining Rs 70 back home. There was a bakery close by where I could buy a coconut bun for one and a quarter rupees. Given that the cost of both tea and a bun would deplete my earnings, I often chose to only drink tea.

Take a look at the video below:

In terms of his professional life, Soori’s movie titled “Maaman” hit theaters on May 16th. The initial screenings have garnered positive feedback from viewers, and even last night’s premiere reviews were mostly favorable. Aishwarya Lekshmi portrays the female lead in this film.

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2025-05-16 08:37