Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Tamil actor Abbas on quitting films and driving taxis in New Zealand

He opened up about several issues, including his struggle with suicidal thoughts as a teenager and why he decided to quit the film industry.

Tamil actor Abbas on quitting films and driving taxis in New Zealand

Actor Abbas, who is known among Tamil audiences for playing a romantic hero in such films as Kadhal Desam, Padayappa, and Minnale, among others, has been missing from the scene for close to a decade now.

He appeared in an interaction with a YouTube channel recently and opened up about several issues, including his struggle with suicidal thoughts as a teenager and why he decided to quit the film industry.


The actor, who is not very fond of social media, said, "I made an exception during the Covid period. While residing in New Zealand, I utilised Zoom calls to connect with fans. My intention was to assist those in need, particularly those struggling with thoughts of suicide. I could empathise with those feelings because I, too, have experienced them firsthand. During my teenage years, I went through a tumultuous period where I contemplated taking my own life after failing the 10th grade. The departure of my girlfriend at the time intensified those thoughts. However, something profound occurred that transformed me. While standing by the roadside, contemplating stepping in front of a speeding vehicle, I noticed a passing motorist and had a realisation: if I were to act on my impulses, that person’s life would also be profoundly affected. Even in my darkest moment, I found myself considering the well-being of another individual.”

He continued, “During childhood, I never held much interest in academics. I strongly believe that it is unfair to judge or assess someone solely based on their academic achievements, as people may possess alternative talents and strengths. It is crucial for us to recognise and nurture those talents. In general, men often struggle to open up and tend to keep their emotions suppressed, enduring silent suffering. I desired to address these issues by establishing a connection with my fans, encouraging them to share their feelings and experiences,” he added.

Opening up about his decision to leave the film industry, he said, “Following my initial achievements, some of my movies faced failure, leaving me financially destitute and unable to afford even basic necessities like rent or cigarettes. Initially, my pride prevented me from seeking alternative employment. However, I soon approached producer RB Choudary, requesting work. He offered me the opportunity to be part of the film Pooveli. However, I eventually left films because I got bored. I wasn’t enjoying my work. I distinctly recall advising my friends, who came to watch my Bollywood debut film Ansh: The Deadly Part not to waste their time as I considered it to be bakavas. In order to provide for my family, I worked as a bike mechanic and drove taxis in New Zealand.”

Stay tuned to this space for more updates!

More For You

Travis Kelce engagement turns into £2m racehorse gamble as Swift Delivery chases glory for Taylor Swift

Travis Kelce engagement gift could include £2m racehorse win for Taylor Swift

Instagram/taylorswift/killatrav

Travis Kelce engagement turns into £2m racehorse gamble as Swift Delivery chases glory for Taylor Swift

Highlights:

  • NFL star Travis Kelce set to give Taylor Swift an unusual engagement present
  • His horse Swift Delivery lines up for a £2m (₹20.8 crore) race in Kentucky
  • The four-time winning horse is co-owned with Gary Barber and Team Valor International
  • Fans and racing circles are watching closely after the couple’s engagement announcement

American football star Travis Kelce's engagement news has sparked worldwide attention, but the Kansas City Chiefs tight end has another reason to celebrate. His racehorse, aptly named Swift Delivery, will run in the £2 million (₹20.8 crore) Mint Millions Invitational at Kentucky Downs next month. Coming just weeks after Kelce confirmed his engagement to pop superstar Taylor Swift, the timing has added to the buzz.

Travis Kelce engagement gift could include £2m racehorse win for Taylor Swift Instagram/taylorswift/killatrav

Keep ReadingShow less
Shah Rukh Khan &  Kinshuk Sen’s

Shah Rukh Khan surprised the cast in London with praise for Kinshuk Sen’s performance

Getty Images/ Instagram/kinshuksen

Kinshuk Sen says Shah Rukh Khan’s words on Palash Sen turned his DDLJ musical debut into a family full-circle moment

Highlights:

  • Palash Sen’s son Kinshuk Sen stars in Aditya Chopra’s Come Fall in Love – The DDLJ Musical
  • The UCLA graduate plays Kuljeet, originally portrayed by Parmeet Sethi in the 1995 classic
  • The stage show has travelled from the US to the UK, earning praise from diverse audiences
  • Shah Rukh Khan surprised the cast in London and shared a personal memory with Kinshuk

Kinshuk Sen, son of celebrated singer Palash Sen, has stepped into the spotlight with Aditya Chopra’s DDLJ musical, Come Fall in Love. The UCLA graduate, who once pursued cognitive science, now plays the role of Kuljeet in the global stage adaptation of Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. In a recent conversation, he shared how the journey from research labs to live theatre unfolded, and what it meant when Shah Rukh Khan recognised him with a message linking back to his father.

Shah Rukh Khan surprised the cast in London with praise for Kinshuk Sen’s performance Getty Images/ Instagram/kinshuksen

Keep ReadingShow less
JLR-Getty

A logo is pictured outside a Jaguar Land Rover new car show room in Tonbridge, south east England. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images

UK car exports to US rebound after trade deal

UK VEHICLE exports to the United States rose in July after a new trade deal between London and Washington reduced tariffs, industry data showed on Thursday.

According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), exports increased 6.8 per cent in July to nearly 10,000 units, following three consecutive months of decline.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Gukesh

Gukesh, as the reigning world champion, is not in the Candidates race, and his participation will be for prize money and rating points.

Getty Images

Chess World Cup 2025 to be held in Goa

GOA will host the Chess World Cup from October 30 to November 27. The FIDE World Cup 2025 carries a prize fund of USD 2 million and offers three qualifying spots for next year’s Candidates tournament.

The 206-player field includes world champion D Gukesh, Magnus Carlsen, Fabiano Caruana and R Praggnanandhaa. However, Gukesh, as the reigning world champion, is not in the Candidates race, and his participation will be for prize money and rating points.

Keep ReadingShow less
pashupatinath temple nepal

A general view of the Pashupatinath temple complex in Kathmandu on August 27, 2025.

Getty Images

Nepal court allows unclothed Hindu ascetics to enter Pashupatinath temple

NEPAL’s Supreme Court has ruled that Hindu holy men who follow the tradition of remaining unclothed cannot be barred from entering the Pashupatinath temple. The court said that nudity, when practised as a religious custom, is not the same as obscenity.

The ruling concerns the Naga sadhus, ascetics devoted to Lord Shiva who renounce family ties and worldly possessions, including clothing. Covered in ash and wearing dreadlocks, they are a familiar sight at the temple during major festivals.

Keep ReadingShow less