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This is an archive article published on January 24, 2024

‘In cinema, people are good to you as long as they think you are below them’: Singapore Saloon actor RJ Balaji

As an outsider with no prior connections to the cinema industry, Tamil actor Balaji emphasises a personal philosophy - considering his work as his visiting card.

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After winning hearts with his performance in Jiyen Krishnakumar’s action thriller Run Baby Run last year, Tamil actor Balaji Patturaj, popularly known as RJ Balaji, is set to return with his first release of 2024, titled Singapore Saloon. Helmed by Gokul, the coming-of-age film also stars Meenakshi Chaudhary, Sathyaraj and Lal in key roles.

The trailer of the movie, which the makers unveiled a few days ago, had revealed that the movie revolves around a young man aspiring to become an outstanding hairstylist, following in the footsteps of his grandfather. The film, described as “the untold story of a barber with perseverance, endurance and resilience,” also includes special appearances by director Lokesh Kanagaraj and actor Jiiva.

As an outsider with no prior connections to the cinema industry, Balaji emphasises a personal philosophy – considering his work as his visiting card.

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“If an outsider, who has struggled their way into the industry, gives two to three failures, there will be no other chances for them. Even if an insider delivers ten flops in ten years, they are still able to survive their eleventh year with two films in their hands,” he said during a chat with Film Companion.

“I watched Ananya Pandey’s Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (streaming on Netflix). I thought she had done a good job, but imagine someone from the outside getting a chance like this after not having worked on great films before. I have always been taught since my radio days that I need to treat every link (every portion he gets to speak in a show) I get as my last link. That’s the philosophy with which I work on my films and give it my all so that I get another opportunity to get the work that I do. I don’t want to ask for work from anyone too,” he pointed out.

“In cinema, like politics, they say that there are no permanent friends. They are good to you as long as they think you are below them. Once you treat them as an equal, they are not able to accept it. This is true everywhere. But I’m not blaming them when I say this. People enjoy being in certain spaces, so it’s difficult for them to accept things when equations change. But I’d rather take a step back from people who think this way.” Singapore Saloon will hit the screens on January 25.

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