Dr Abdul Kalam vs sivakumar Interview at Gandhi Jayanthi. It was a poignant and well-researched interview with rocket scientist Dr Abdul Kalam, who turns 80 today. What struck a chord with the viewers was the humble nature of the ex-Indian President, and the way he answered the well-framed questions of Sivakumar. Several blogs devoted to Tamil literature showered accolades on this one-hour interview. A popular blogger wrote, "The interview with Dr Abdul Kalam by Sivakumar was brilliant and a welcome relief from the normal film-based shows and serials. It clicked as the former president, who rarely watches films, seemed to know all about the actor who was interviewing him." In an exclusive to CT, Sivakumar said, "It was a great experience to do a television interview with Dr Abdul Kalam in his house in New Delhi. I had e-mailed him a questionnaire on his life and times, but when I met him, I was surprised that he knew more about me and my writings in Tamil. I was stumped!" Sivakumar had done his homework well, and Dr Kalam rose to the occasion. When asked about his happiest moments in life, Kalam said it was his days as a rocket scientist with his dream children — the missiles! Sivakumar, who has been writing for a popular Tamil magazine, has given up acting on the big screen and the small screen. He once again took the mike to interview Dr Abdul Kalam, as he explained, "I would put Dr Abdul Kalam in the same pedestal as my heroes and mentors — Gandhi, Kamaraj, Periyar and Jeevanandam. I did this particular interview because I believe Dr Abdul Kalam should be a role model for today's youth." Sivakumar has made it clear that he will never venture into politics. When asked whether he will do another film playing dad to his superstar children Suriya or Karthi, Sivakumar said, "No such ideas. I'm happy popularising Tamil literature and at the moment, I'm researching on the Mahabharatha. However, every morning, I make it a point to interact with my grandchildren. I drop Diya in school and am experiencing the small joys of being a grandfather."

• published: 05 Oct 2010
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