Is it true that you originally wanted Shah Rukh for "Guru"?

Not at all! Abhishek was the first choice. Would love to do another film with Shah Rukh when I have a subject for him. He is fantastic to work with. He will do anything for a film. A terrific guy.

How do you assess your journey from "Mouna Ragam" to "Guru"?

It feels like yesterday and then again it feels like a long long journey. One thing has not changed. I still struggle and plod through each film.

Are bio-pics like "Nayakan", "Iruvar" and "Guru" harder to do than fictional films?

All three are fictional. They might have some connections with real life characters but otherwise they are all 'novelisation'. In fact, if you look at other scripts like "Mouna Ragam" - they are also based on real-life characters. You may not know their names and who they are. But they are as true as the guy in "Guru".

You've done acutely romantic films like "Alai Payuthe" and "Dil Se". You've also done political parables like "Kannathil Muthamittal" and "Iruvar". Where does "Guru" figure in your repertoire?

Right in the centre. It is the life-story of a man, his romance with his life with his ambition in the times of political changes.

How difficult is it to mould huge commercial stars from iconic emblems to into characters?

Star or no star they are all actors. And if they are right for your role then they should be able to slip into the character quite well. The fact that they are stars is something that you take into consideration when you cast them. We just make sure that there is enough in the character to be able to take the burden of the star's popularity.