Simplicity is his watchword and you will never see him flaunting his money, wealth or status.

"It's a habit inculcated in me since my childhood," says studio owner and producer AVM Saravanan, as he talks about how he learnt to realise the value of money. Over to him.

"In our school days, we had an accountant who used to give us 4 annas every day. We had to manage our day's expenses with that. And whenever we wanted something more expensive, like shoes or bags, he used to buy it for us. If I felt like eating out any day, he would give me 8 annas that day. And I had my favourite masala dosa. So though it was not a very lavish childhood, it was quite a comfortable one. 

'Katradhu Tamizh' Ram's next Diwali in Suburbs Rajini Still In A Dilemma! அஜீத் பேட்டி? ராம் இயக்கத்தில் சேரன்? கமல் பாராட்டிய டைட்டில்்

"When i first came to work for my father at the studio, I was given a monthly salary of Rs 750. I used to give it to my mother and she used to give me Rs 50 from it for my expenses. And I used to spend it on my favourite Jaffers ice cream (Rs 2.50) and watch a film at some theatre. Since conveyance and petrol was taken care of, there was no big expense and I even managed to save some amount. At times on Sunday afternoons, me and a couple of friends used to go to the races for fun and bet a small amount on the horses. But after my father's death I stopped that.

"By God's grace there is no need of any big investment to run the studio today. I've only to maintain the legacy left by my dad. What I would like to say is 'You can take risks in your life. But don't risk life for money'!"

Malini Mannath