Actor Bharath is awaiting the release of his upcoming film Kaalidas 2, which will reunite him with the franchise's first film's director Sri Senthil. In one of the promotional interviews for the film, the actor reminisced about the early days of his career.

Speaking to Galatta Plus, Bharath said that director Balaji Sakthivel was in two minds about casting him in the 2004 film Kaadhal, produced by Shankar and co-starring Sandhya. "He just explained me my character. But until the commencement of shoot, he was hesitant about me because of my colour. I am a proper, urban-looking personality," the actor said. He added that Kaadhal director Balaji wondered how to turn him into a mechanic with an accent rooted in the film's Madurai setting.

Despite Balaji Sakthivel's hesitance, it was producer Shankar's conviction in Bharath's talent that ultimately landed him the role.

Notably, Balaji Sakthivel served as Shankar's assistant director, and Bharath starred in the legendary filmmaker's 2003 film Boys. Interestingly, the actor also revealed that he purchased a house on the same street where he had screen tests for the role in the 2004 film. "The screen test happened Shankar sir's old office. I bought a new house six years after completing the film. That is something which I am proud of," the actor shared.

Recalling his audition for the movie, the actor said that he applied grease to his face to make it look authentic on his own volition. The actor added that he did his own homework for the audition, drawing from his experience living in Choolaimedu around friends who represented the working class, including an auto driver and a welder. "I knew what the lifestyle of the lower middle class was like," the actor said before adding that it was his preparation that eventually led to Shankar okaying his casting.