Many, many times. The subtlety he showed was simply amazing. There is a moment in the film when a character tries to commit suicide, and Kamal intervenes and stops him. He looks at the character and asks, why would you want to end your life? The expression on his face amazed everyone on the sets.

How obedient was he as an actor?

He was a director's actor in my film. He would listen to the scene, the dialogues and do what we wanted him to. He would also give a lot of constructive suggestions.

How different was directing a senior person like Kamal Haasan from directing young actors like Surya and Madhavan?

I will not say it was very different. Of course, with Surya and Maddy, it was more friendly, but with Kamal, there was more respect than camaraderie and friendship. I can't be friends with him! He is a legend, and I am fortunate to have made a film with a legend.