What was meant to be a simple promotional event slowly turned into something far more meaningful. As Soori stood on stage, his words carried the weight of a life once lived in quiet struggle, far removed from the spotlight he stands in today.

He spoke of a time in Tiruppur, back in 1993, when life was defined by survival. Earning just Rs 20 a day, he learned early on the value of sacrifice, keeping a small portion for himself while sending the rest home. There were days when even the simplest comforts felt out of reach. A coconut bun priced at Rs 1.25 remained a luxury he could not afford. Instead, he would sit with a cup of tea, letting its warmth replace hunger, while the aroma of freshly baked buns lingered just beyond his reach.

Yet, in those difficult moments, it wasn’t hardship alone that shaped him, it was humanity. He remembered, with visible emotion, the kindness of people who stepped in when he had little. Names like Govindannan, Selvannan, and Balu Anna were not just individuals, but pillars of support who treated him like family when he needed it most. Their compassion became a quiet strength he carried forward.

Before the applause and recognition, there were years of unnoticed effort. He worked as a painter and cleaner, holding on to a dream that seemed distant at the time. Reflecting on that journey, he shared a line that resonated deeply with everyone present that once he painted walls to earn a living, and today, he paints emotions on screen.

In that moment, the stage was no longer about cinema. It became a reminder that behind every success story lies a chapter of struggle, and behind every rise, there are hands that helped lift along the way.

Source / Image Credit : EconomicTimes , Filmibeat