‘My heartbeat still races when Ravi sir calls’: Pradeep Ranganathan turns emotional after Best Actor win

Actor-director Pradeep Ranganathan had an emotional moment at a recent awards ceremony after winning the Best Actor award, using the stage to express heartfelt gratitude towards actor Ravi Mohan, whom he credits as one of the biggest influences in his career.

Known for blockbuster films like ‘Love Today’ and ‘Dragon’, Pradeep revealed how Ravi Mohan’s support during the making of ‘Comali’ helped him discover his own potential—not just as a filmmaker, but also as an actor.

‘Ravi sir saw the actor in me before I did’

Speaking on stage, Pradeep admitted that while he rarely gets nervous at public events, this occasion felt deeply personal because the award was handed to him by Ravi Mohan himself.

“I usually don’t get nervous on stage. But today is different because I’m receiving this award from Ravi sir,” Pradeep said.

Drawing an emotional comparison, he added, “No matter how old we become, we are always children in front of our mother. That’s exactly how I feel standing here.”

Recalling the bond they built during ‘Comali’, he said even after seven years, a call from Ravi Mohan still makes his heart race.

“If people appreciate the good qualities they see in me on a film set, Ravi sir deserves the credit. If I have any bad habits, that’s only because of me,” he said, earning applause from the audience.

From commercial filmmaker to award-winning actor

Pradeep also reflected on his early ambitions in cinema, saying he never imagined he would one day win a Best Actor award.

“When I entered cinema, I thought I would only make commercial entertainers. I hoped for a Best Debut award during ‘Love Today’, but that didn’t happen,” he shared.

He added that winning the Best Actor honour for two films in the same year felt like life rewarding him in unexpected ways.

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“Life has its own plans. If things don’t happen when you expect them to, don’t lose hope,” he said.

Pradeep revealed that during the shooting of ‘Comali’, Ravi Mohan would often tell him that he had strong acting abilities—a belief that eventually pushed him to take acting seriously.

“His encouragement and permission to chase that dream are the reasons I’m standing here today,” Pradeep said.

A fun on-stage promise

The emotional speech was followed by a lighter moment when Ravi Mohan joked about wanting to direct Pradeep in a future project.

“You directed me in ‘Comali’. Now I have become a director, and I want to direct you,” Ravi said.

Pradeep instantly agreed, saying he would make time after completing his current commitments.

The fun banter continued when Ravi posed a tricky question: if filmmakers like Vetrimaaran, Mani Ratnam, Ashwath Marimuthu, and Ravi himself all approached him at the same time, who would get priority?

Without hesitation, Pradeep replied, “Of course, you will always be my first choice.”

The candid exchange drew loud cheers and highlighted the deep respect and friendship the two have shared ever since ‘Comali’ changed both their careers.