Thalaivasal Vijay skips shooting to support daughter at Games
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Thiruvananthapuram: A popular character-actor in this part of the country, Thalaivasal Vijay is being seen more at the ongoing National Games swimming venue instead of a movie set -- reason being his teenage daughter, who is representing Tamil Nadu here.
Vijay is here to support his 15-year-old daughter A V Jayaveena, the teenage swimmer from Tamil Nadu who created quite a flutter in the Ranchi National Games by becoming the youngest medal winner.
The state swimming champion of Tamil Nadu for the last five years, Jayaveena is participating in five individual events and two relays in the 35th edition of the Games.
Vijay said he enjoys the real-life role of a loving and caring father more than anything he has played on screen. "I do not mind changing my shooting schedules for her," Vijay, who has acted in Malayalam, Tamil and Telegu movies, told media in an interview here.
Vijay said he was not particular about his daughter winning medals in the competitions but participating in major events was more important.
Jayaveena, who won one silver and five bronze in her first National Games in Ranchi at the age of 12, is participating in 50, 100 and 200 M breaststroke, 200 M individual medley, 100 M freestyle besides two relay events.
Her actor-father said he had no expectations of medals from her in her first National Games at Ranchi in 2011. "It was a real surprise. I took her there to get her more exposure and experience. But she gave me a shock by winning a handful of medals at that young age," he said.
After Ranchi Games, Jayaveena participated in a number of major events including in the World Swimming Championship in Istanbul, Vijay said adding that his daughter admires legendary swimmer Michael Phelps as her idol.
