Teejay Arunasalam, who is all set to be seen in Usurae on Friday, has worked alongside Vijay for the first time in Jana Nayagan, the actor-turned-politician’s last film. In a recent exclusive interview with CE, the actor shared his experience working with the actor and narrated what happened on the first day of the film’s shoot.
Teejay said that he had to face Vijay and perform in front of him on the very first day of Jana Nayagan’s shoot. “On the very first day of Jana Nayagan's shoot itself, I had a scene with Vijay sir. Seven other senior actors were there on the set that day. As a beginner in the industry, I thought only I felt nervous to prove myself in front of all the seniors, but some of the seniors on set also had that pressure. I have this pressure while acting in all films, but the stress was immaculate, as I desired to impress Vijay sir. Until he came on set, I was calming my nerves, but the minute he walked in, I became extremely anxious,” he recalled.
He then narrated how his first interaction with Vijay transpired. “I first gave awkward glances at Vijay sir, as I was very nervous. Mamitha Baiju, who plays my pair, had the same stress, as both of us had to perform the scene directly facing Sir. After completing my shot, I was quite silent and leaned on a pillar for support to hide my anxiety. Vijay sir always finds his own personal space on any film set. When I saw all the actors, including Vijay sir, seated, I decided to sit too. As I almost sat, someone from the production came running to prevent me, as the chair was a set property.” It was at this moment that Teejay first heard from Vijay. “That was when I heard his voice. He said, "Bro, vaanga inga okkarunga" (Bro, come sit here). I didn't expect to sit next to Vijay on the very first day of the shoot.”
Further, Teejay elaborated on the conversations he has had with Vijay ever since. He then enquired about my previous work. He recollected my work when I told him about my stint in Asuran. We spoke for almost 20 minutes, and he asked me about my Sri Lankan roots. While I was quite shy on the first day, I eventually developed a great bond with Vijay Sir and even had one-hour conversations with him. I started talking a lot while he became a keen listener.”
Bobby Deol, Priyamani, Pooja Hegde, Prakash Raj, Gautham Vasudev Menon, and Narain round out the lead cast of Jana Nayagan. Directed by H Vinoth in his first collaboration with Vijay, the film is said to be a political action film. It went on floors in October 2024 and is slated to hit theatres on Pongal 2026.
