There is something about strong villainous characters that entice talented actors in Bollywood to do it. Many popular actors including Shah Rukh Khan have played anti-hero roles at the start of their careers. And joining the bandwagon now is South superstar Dhanush. 

The actor who will soon be seen in Shamitabh said that gangster based characters attract him as an actor. "I want to a part of a gangster based film. Something similar to what Vivek Oberoi did in Company."

Dhanush who has marked a distinct space for himself with just a single movie Raanjhaana is seen as South's biggest export to Bollywood. Talking about the film in which Dhanush plays a mute character, the actor said, "This is a very fresh film and has a new story and concept. I'm quite confident that the film will do well."

Shamitabh has also provided Dhanush the opportunity to collaborate with his father-in-law, Rajinikanth's close friend, Bollywood superstar, Amitabh Bachchan.  Dhanush whose name was recommended by Amitabh himself spoke in glowing terms about the big man.

"Working with Big B was a great experience. I observed and learnt a lot. He treats every film as his first. He puts in some much effort in every shot of his. It inspired me to follow him as well," shared Dhanush.

While on hand, he has Bollywood's senior most superstar Amitabh as his co-star, on the other, there is debutant Akshara Haasan, Kamal Haasan's youngest daughter as Dhanush's leading lady.

Said Dhanush, “Akshara is much like a kid. She has a very difficult role and I think she has done a convincing job. You will never notice that it's her first film."

The mention of his famous father-in-law Rajinikanth brings a smile on Dhanush's face. Recalling an incident from his childhood, Dhanush revealed, "There was a time when I remember standing in queue for seven long hours to get the ticket of Baashha."

How times have changed now, we say.