Kamal Haasan's praise is my Oscar, Mollywood co-workers hurt me: Actor Joju George

India Today

26-05-2025

Actor Joju George broke down when his idol, Kamal Haasan, appreciated his performance in 'Iratta' at the audio launch of their upcoming film, 'Thug Life' in Chennai on May 24. Hours later, the actor shared the clip and wrote a heartfelt note stating that Haasan's appreciation is his Oscar. Calling him a universal role model, Joju also spoke about about always being misunderstood even among his co-workers in Malayalam cinema.advertisementAt the audio launch of 'Thug Life', Kamal Haasan recalled the time he watched 'Iratta'. "I didn't know who Joju was. Then suddenly, I found myself watching all his films. There's a film called 'Iratta'," he began his speech.Describing the time he played multiple roles in 'Michael Madana Kama Rajan', he said, "I must have done nearly thirty double roles in my career. In 'Michael Madana Kama Rajan', I didn't show much of a difference between my four characters in terms of makeup. But Joju, right from the early days, managed double roles with subtlety. In the film, he is in the same police station playing different brothers. But, you could immediately differentiate both characters."
He said, "Joju, you're one of the actors I envy." Joju stood up, folded his hands and started tearing up.advertisementHere's the video:Ivara paathu kathukodaa @rajinikanth pic.twitter.com/uejWvXtwid— M.Ex (@Jana_Naayagan) May 25, 2025Sharing the clip on his Instagram, he talked about how his co-workers in the Malayalam film industry misunderstood him. However, he was satisfied and fulfilled hearing Kamal Haasan's appreciation.In his caption, Joju claimed that he always dreamt of getting big awards, but it felt like he's won Oscar when Kamal Haasan showered him with praise."This is my dream come true. I dreamt of getting big awards, but for me, your wonderful words and appreciation of my acting really made me feel like I've won my Oscar. You are such a big superstar and our universal role model. I'm a huge fan and a good disciple of yours; we always look forward to all your minute moments in acting. So, getting such appreciation from you is my real Oscar (sic)," he explained.
In his note, he claimed that he always looked for validation from his Malayalam industry. "However, from my own field, very few appreciated my roles and word - I mean, from my coworkers. I struggled to share my movie posters with celebrities; mostly, I was always misunderstood without understanding what I was really doing. Many media people, co-workers hurt me badly," he explained.advertisementIt was Kamal Haasan's appreciation that made his day. He said that his film 'Joseph' made him happy and anything that happened after that was just a bonus in his life. "As a human, I'm so satisfied and fulfilled through his words. I was on the epitome of happiness. Like Mani sir and Simbu sir said, all these made my happy. 'Thug Life' is a memorable experience for me and working with the was all was remarkable," he wrote.He ended his note by calling 'Thug Life' an 'art' and 'emotional masterpiece', which gave him the courage to move forward in life. "From a desperate situation where I was figured out with all negatives without considering my positives, I'm now overwhelmed with happiness. I dedicate this appreciation to all the people who supported me," he wrote.He also thanked Mani Ratnam for giving him the opportunity to work with him.'Thug Life' will release in theatres on June 5.