Suriya Encourages Students to Swap Reels for Podcasts

Veteran actor Sivakumar’s 47th anniversary celebration turned into a masterclass in modern mentorship when his son, superstar Suriya, stepped onto the stage. Addressing a packed auditorium of students, educators, and industry peers, Suriya highlighted the growing distraction of short‑form video reels and advocated for the richer, narrative‑driven world of podcasts.

Suriya explained that podcasts offer a unique blend of storytelling, expert insights, and focused listening—tools that can sharpen an actor’s craft, a director’s vision, and a writer’s imagination. He cited examples ranging from film‑making podcasts that dissect screenplay structures to interviews with seasoned cinematographers that reveal behind‑the‑scenes secrets.

The actor also shared personal anecdotes, recalling how he once turned to a storytelling podcast during a creative slump and emerged with fresh ideas for character development. He urged the audience to treat podcasts as a daily habit, much like rehearsals, to stay informed about evolving industry trends and to cultivate a disciplined mindset.

In a nod to the digital age, Suriya didn’t dismiss reels entirely; instead, he encouraged a balanced approach—using reels for quick inspiration while reserving podcasts for deep dives. He invited budding talent to explore platforms that host regional film discussions, thereby enriching their Telugu cinema vocabulary.

The session concluded with a lively Q&A, where students asked about recommended podcast series and how to integrate listening into hectic shooting schedules. Suriya’s practical tips left the crowd energized, reinforcing the idea that the next breakthrough performance might just begin with a simple play button on a podcast episode.