Before becoming one of the biggest stars in South Indian cinema, Surya had a humble beginning, working in a garment factory to gain business experience. His original plan was to start a factory of his own, but financial challenges forced him to take a different path. Despite being the son of popular actor Sivakumar, Surya’s family went through tough times, leading him to step into the film industry out of necessity rather than passion.
Surya’s Early Life and Job at a Garment Factory
In a recent interview with Pinkvilla, Surya shared his story of struggle and determination. He revealed that at the age of 25, he worked in a garment factory to gain experience, aiming to eventually set up his own business. His salary at the time was Rs 1,200 per month, and he worked there for three years.
“I started as a trainee, earning Rs 750 for 15 days. For six months, no one at the factory even knew I was an actor’s son,” Surya recalled. Over time, his salary increased to Rs 8,000, but things took a turn when financial trouble hit his family.
Financial Troubles at Home and a Life-Changing Conversation
Surya shared how his mother once admitted to borrowing Rs 25,000 without his father’s knowledge. This news surprised him because he had never imagined that his family, despite his father’s fame, could be in such financial difficulty. “I asked my mother, ‘How can you borrow Rs 25,000? What happened to our savings?’ She told me we never had more than Rs 1 lakh in the bank,” Surya said.
Surya further explained that his father, actor Sivakumar, never demanded his salary from producers and often waited months for payments to clear. “There was a 10-month gap when Dad wasn’t doing any projects, and it was heartbreaking to see my mother struggling to repay Rs 25,000,” he recalled.
This moment changed Surya’s outlook on life. He had initially planned to open his own factory with a Rs 1 crore investment from his father. But after that conversation with his mother, Surya realized he needed to act quickly to support his family.
Surya’s Unplanned Entry into Films
Though he had no interest in acting, Surya had received several film offers because of his family background. “I never wanted to act. Until five days before my first shoot, I was sure I wouldn’t face the camera,” he said. However, the need to support his family made him reconsider.
“When I gave my first shot, there were thousands of people on the set. They didn’t know who I was, but after the shot, they started cheering. That moment gave me the motivation to continue acting,” he added.
A Career Driven by Family and Fans
Surya admits that he entered the film industry solely to repay his mother’s debt and support his family, but he stayed because of the love and support he received from fans. “I came for the money, but I stayed for the people,” he shared.
Surya has now spent decades in the industry, delivering memorable performances. At the age of 49, he continues to challenge himself. His dedication is evident in his upcoming film Kanguva, where he worked hard to maintain a six-pack physique for the role. The movie also features Bobby Deol and Disha Patani and is one of the most awaited films of the year.
Surya’s journey from working in a garment factory to becoming a South Indian superstar is a testament to his determination and love for his family. His story shows that with hard work and dedication, challenges can be overcome, and dreams can change along the way.
