Being Aishwarya Rai is difficult, says Vikram while promoting Ponniyin Selvan-1

At a recent Ponniyin Selvan event, Vikram was all praise for his co-star, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The Cobra actor continued by stating that being Aishwarya Rai was terrifying due to the constant scrutiny she gets. Aishwarya's dedication inspires Vikram, who remarked that she is a pro at balancing her personal and professional lives. The Bollywood actor will be featured as Nandini and her mute mother-queen Mandakini Devi, while Vikram will play Aditha Karikalan.

Aishwarya Rai, according to Vikram, has always managed to win everyone around. “There have been many women, who are queens, Aish (Aishwarya) has always been symbolic of that picture of perfection we look up to. I've watched her films. I believe it wasn't just about her appearance, but also about what she stood for.”

Vikram went on to say, “Being her is so incredibly difficult. She is constantly under pressure to perform well, and let me tell you, she has done so with style.”

Vikram recalled the first time he saw Aishwarya. “I was among the crowd when I saw her for the first time. She hadn't received the title yet. She stumbled when she entered, as something got stuck in her leg. I worried that she may fall on her face. She made mistakes but quickly regained her composure. Then, I thought this person would go places. I was right. You find her photos at popular jewellery and sari stores in Chennai even today.”

The actor discussed his equation with Aishwarya Rai, on the sets of films. “She's a thorough professional. We've collaborated on three movies, and I appreciate the effort she puts into all of her characters. I never see her (Aishwarya) in the movies, although all of our fans constantly repeat how lovely it is to see us (on screen).”

Vikram and Aishwarya Rai were seen in Raavanan, an epic action-adventure film written, produced, and directed by Mani Ratnam. The film was made simultaneously in Hindi as Raavan, with Abhishek Bachchan reprising Vikram's role and Vikram playing the antagonist, and Aishwarya reprising her role from the original. Raavanan was dubbed in Telugu as Villain. All three versions were released worldwide simultaneously in 2010.

Meanwhile, Ponniyin Selvan, the cinematic adaptation of Kalki Krishnamurthy's Tamil novel of the same name, will hit the big screens on September 30.