Shiva Rajkumar: 'If there's even been a perfect hero in cinema, it is Kamal Haasan'

Actor Shiva Rajkumar might be 60 years old today but his creative zest and energy are yet to be abated. Despite being one of the most sought-after actors in the industry today, one often spots Shiva Rajkumar, or Shivanna, at various events extending his support to filmmakers, producers, and actors of all stature. He made one such gesture toward the team of Raymo and graced the trailer launch event held recently in Bengaluru, wherein he wished success to director Pavan Wadeyar and his young team (actors Ishan, Ashika Rangnath, and producer CV Manohar) and in his usual candour, said a few endearing things about each one of them.

Interestingly, Shivanna would bring up Tamil superstar Kamal Haasan during his speech at the Raymo event and hail him as the model on-screen hero. While speaking about Raymo's leading man Ishan, the Century Star said that he was mighty charmed by the young actor's looks and physical personality and that he boasts of everything a film hero requires.

"Usually, one refers to Kamal Haasan while talking about a model on-screen actor. Of course, I do love and look up to Appaji (Dr. Rajkumar) like many others but I was super inspired by Kamal Haasan sir in the initial years. I have always adored him and still do, and I could pledge my life for him - that's the kind of love I have towards him. Because many of us felt that if there's a most charming hero in cinema, it is Kamal Haasan. He has the most expressive eyes, a great personality. And similarly, I came across many handsome actors over the years and Hrithik Roshan is another such example. And now, we have someone like Ishan who belongs to that same category. He is well built, good looking, and I have seen his previous work so I can vouch for his talent also," said Shiva Rajkumar.

Though Kamal Haasan and Shiva Rajkumar have never collaborated on a film to date, the two are known to share mutual respect and have been spotted interacting many times at social events. Haasan, incidentally, celebrates his 68th birthday today, November 7.

Coming to Ishan, the young actor will be seen on the big screen after a gap of close to 5 years with Raymo. He began his acting career with Puri Jagannadh's Telugu-Kannada bilingual Rogue and has been signed on to play one of the lead roles in the sci-fi action thriller Tatvamasi, co-starring Varalakshmi Sarathkumar and Prakash Raj.