What is your idea of happiness?
Happiness is not an idea. It’s just of state of mind where everything looks beautiful.
What is your greatest fear?
That I can’t see my daughter anymore. This fear engulfs me every day. Even though I can’t see her she’s always in my thoughts. Through my thoughts I feel she’s listening to me.
What is your favourite virtue?
Whenever I speak the truth I feel liberated, I feel free. But that doesn’t mean I’m virtuous.
What is the principal aspect of your personality?
I don’t have an answer for that.
What is your main fault?
I’m made only of faults…the ones I’ve committed so far. But I have to live with it.
For what fault do you have the most tolerance?
It’s only at work that I lack tolerance. If I’ve conceived a shot, I want to get it exactly like I’ve perceived it. All my firmness has become work oriented. In reality, I don’t resist.
What do you hate the most?
Trying to please people.
What would be your greatest misfortune?
I don’t want anyone else to go through what I’ve seen in my life. So why think about a greater misfortune?
What is your most treasured possession?
My wife.
What is your favourite colour?
It used to be black but now I prefer white.
If not yourself, who would you be?
I’d like to be myself only…with a chance to correct a few things I’ve done wrong.
Who are your favourite poets?
I’m not much of a poetry guy. I read more fiction. I cannot name one but Jayakanthan, Jeyamohan, S. Ramakrishnan and Ashokamitran are some of my favourites.
What is the military event you admire the most?
No opinion.
What is the reform you admire the most?
I feel there are too many voices against the Censor Board. It’s just like a court verdict but people seem to be questioning it far too easily. Would you also question a judge or the judiciary? Every film wants to rake up an issue to gain instant media attention. But a lot of damage is being done in this process.
Which talent would you most like to have?
My stage fright has always kept me away from a lot of things. But I’ve begun to overcome it in the past one year or so.
Which character in world history do you most despise?
We all want to hate to someone so they all say Hitler. I don’t see things that way.
What is your favourite food and drink?
I prefer home food over anything else.
What is your present state of mind?
I’m happy that I’ve worked continuously. I don’t want my mind to be left alone. I just want to work, work, work… everything in between in not my cup of tea.
How would you like to die?
If I die, I can go meet her (my daughter).
What is your favourite motto?
When you want to say no, don’t ever say yes.
(P.C. Sreeram is a Tamil film cinematographer-director. He received National Award for Best Cinematography for his work in Nayagan in 1988. His directorial venture, Kuruthipunal was submitted as India’s official entry to the Oscars in 1996.)
