Air travel experiences with Tamil movie star Suriya

Tamil movie star Suriya has co-produced and headlined the Tamil film Soorarai Pottru (Hail, the valorous), a biopic on Captain G R Gopinath, the maverick aviation entrepreneur of India.
Here are Suriya’s most cherished air travel memories that he shared with us in his own words:

Coimbatore Calling

The movie Soorarai Pottru is based on the real-life visionary who wanted the poor and working class to avail of air travel in India. One of my indelible memory is my father’s first ever flight. Today, that recollection seems poignant during the time of this pandemic when in many cases loved ones are scattered across destinations away from their families. It was the time when my father could not afford air travel and it was prohibitively expensive for common people more than 40 years ago. My father’s beloved aunt was on her last breath and my father’s first ever flight was to rush to be with her during her dying moments from Chennai to Coimbatore. It’s an image that made more sense to me as I was working on this film.

Dateline London

One of my romantic air travel memories was on a trip to London. A group of Tamil film actors were travelling for a cultural programme that would be held in London. I had not yet begun to seriously date my now wife, the actress Jothika, and I recall one of my fellow actors nudging me to sit beside her during the long flight. It was truly special to spend time chatting with her and getting to know her better. It was a date of sorts up in the skies.

Travelling with Kids

It’s a totally different experience flying with family and kids today. The first ever trip of me as a dad taking my kids along to the San Jose gave me a different perspective on air travel. Adults travelling with kids are often harried and it is equally exhausting for little children while older ones are excited. Eighteen hours of flying time was quite testing.

Southern Tryst

During the pandemic I have had to travel to Hyderabad, Madurai and other locations while filming Soorarai Pottru. Air travel has changed irrevocably for the world and we all have to make a habit of wearing protective masks, sanitised suits if need be to make it safe for us and our fellow passengers.

Bucket List

I do love travelling and my next air travel plans, once the fear of the pandemic climbs down, is to fly to the Maldives for a family holiday.