Actor Dhyan Sreenivasan entertained the audience with a string of humorous remarks about his supposed "political ambitions" during the promotional event for his upcoming film Visitor. His speech included playful references to actor-turned-politician Vijay, the ongoing leadership discussions within the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), and his co-stars, drawing repeated laughter from those in attendance.
Dhyan joked that his attention had recently shifted away from films towards stage shows and advertisements, where the idea of entering politics first occurred to him.
"For the past few days, I've been focusing less on films and more on stage shows and advertisements. During one such stage show in Australia, when Vijay became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, I decided that I would become one within the next 15 years," he quipped.
Aju Varghese's "career advice"
Dhyan then brought actor Aju Varghese into the conversation, saying that Aju had advised him to set more realistic political goals before aspiring to become Chief Minister.
"Aju called me and said, 'Don't try to become the Chief Minister first. Take the first step by becoming the president of AMMA.' He also said I could become Chief Minister later after doing charity work and impressing people," Dhyan joked.
Playful dig at AMMA leadership rumours
Referring to recent reports surrounding AMMA's leadership, Dhyan recalled that while he was touring Australia and later Ireland for Mohanlal's stage show, speculation emerged suggesting he was interested in contesting for the association's top post after Shweta Menon and the executive committee resigned amid reports of financial irregularities.
Mocking the rumours, he jokingly claimed that the real "power group" within AMMA was Aju Varghese.
"While I was in Australia, reports started appearing that I was likely to enter AMMA's leadership. Later, while preparing for Lalettan's show in Ireland, I saw news claiming that I had expressed my willingness to become AMMA president. The real power group in AMMA is Aju Varghese," he said, prompting laughter from the audience.
According to Dhyan, Aju later changed his advice altogether.
"He called again and told me not to get involved with AMMA because there were huge issues going on. He said I shouldn't become either the AMMA president or the Chief Minister. The ideal job for me would be Governor because there wouldn't be much work," he joked.
Banter with Navya Nair
One of the evening's biggest laughs came when Dhyan addressed his Visitor co-star Navya Nair.
Referring to their reunion on screen after several years, he joked that by the time he became Kerala's Chief Minister, he hoped Navya would be seated in the front row during his swearing-in ceremony.
"We are coming together for a film after a long time. Navya is married and has a son now. Even so, when I become the CM and take oath, I hope Navya will be sitting in the front row wearing a saree, with tears in her eyes."
The "front row" remark was a light-hearted reference to actor Trisha, who appeared emotional during Tamil actor-turned-politician Vijay's swearing-in ceremony. Dhyan delivered the line in a clearly comic context, struggling to suppress his own laughter.
Navya responded in the same playful spirit.
"Don't worry, Dhyan. When you become CM, as you wished, I'll wear a white saree with a green border and a diamond necklace, sit in the front row with tears in my eyes, and cheer you with victory slogans. Won't you arrange a seat for me in the front row?" she replied.
Aju Varghese's apology to Vijay
Wrapping up the humorous exchange, Aju Varghese jokingly addressed Vijay, distancing himself from Dhyan's comments.
"Now, I am pretty clear about one thing. I cannot step into Tamil Nadu. So my dear CM sir, Vijay sir, my friend is mental. I can't do anything about it. Please forgive me."
The light-hearted interaction came against the backdrop of Vijay's much-discussed political journey, with Dhyan using the occasion to deliver a series of self-deprecating jokes rather than make any political commentary.
