Kamal started his first venture as a director in ‘Hey Ram’ movie before 16 years. In this movie, kollywood and Bollywood actors contributed in almost equal ratio. Athul Gulkarni who acted in this movie in the role of SriRam Abayangar was honoured with national award (for best character artist). But, now, Kamal divulged the secret that why Gulkarni performed in this film?
“At first, to perform in the role of SriRam Abayangar, popular North Indian actor Mohan Gokale was selected. But, he suddenly died of heart attack after the completion of 90% shooting. Then, Gulkarni replaced Gokale. Despite, he entered late in the film, he earned national award also”, Kamal expressed. Through this,Gulkarni achieved two things; one was national award, another one was recognition in Tamil cinema.