Father’s Day, which is celebrated on the third Sunday in June, is a special occasion where everyone takes the time to honor their fathers. The experience of fatherhood is more profound than just providing guidance and support. In light of this, Varnam Malaysia had the pleasure of speaking with one of the most prominent actors and producers in the Malaysian Tamil Film Industry, Seelan Manoheran.
Seelan Manoheran is well-known for his roles in various movies, particularly for his character in the Malay drama “Gerak Khas.” Recently, he has made a significant impact in the Malaysian Tamil series industry, producing, writing, and acting in the series “Manam.”
For someone with a busy schedule, maintaining a balance with fatherhood can be challenging. Nevertheless, Seelan shared how enjoyable it is to be a father to his son, Arjun Seelan.
Being A Father: Unconditional Love
Seelan has shared that experiencing fatherhood brings an unconditional love that cannot be described in words. For him, being a father means being someone his child can rely on, and he is committed to doing anything for his son, Arjun.
“One memory that has always stayed with me was when it came time to register his identity card. I chose not to impose my name on him because I wanted him to be proud of me for who I am, not simply because I am his father. I wanted him to choose that connection himself. Today, he proudly introduces himself as “Arjun Seelan,” and that means the world to me because I feel I have earned that honour through my actions and the relationship we have built over the years,” said Seelan.
For Seelan, nothing brings greater satisfaction than knowing his child looks up to him. Although his son sees him as a hero, Seelan believes that his son has been one of his greatest inspirations. Through his son, Seelan has learned about love, responsibility, and the joy of prioritizing someone else’s happiness above his own.
The Beginning of Fatherhood, An Unforgettable Memory
When asked about his favorite memory that made him realize the importance of fatherhood, Seelan said it was the moment when Arjun was born. He felt the proudest when he first held him, and from that moment on, he knew his life had changed forever.
Seelan shared “As he grew up, what made me even prouder was not just his achievements, but the kind of person he became. His empathy, kindness, and the way he sees the world constantly amaze me. He has a brilliant mind and a unique way of expressing himself. He can write music and create melodies from his own thoughts and emotions, which is something I deeply admire.”
Even when Seelan was busy with productions and shoots, he would seek his son’s opinions on various matters. He was often surprised by his son’s insights, as he tended to view things from a different perspective. This made Seelan even prouder and more amazed by his son’s maturity. Seelan learned that fatherhood is not just about guiding and supporting children; it is also about learning from them.
Guiding with Values and Life Lessons
Kindness, empathy, integrity, and resilience are the main values Seelan hopes to pass on to his son. He wants his son to treat all people with respect, regardless of their title or identity.
He also mentioned that “I also want him to understand that success is not measured only by achievements or wealth, but by the impact we have on others and the relationships we build throughout life. Life will have its challenges, and I hope he learns to face them with courage, humility, and determination.”
The most important aspect is that he wants Arjun to remain true to himself, pursue his passions, be independent, and always view the world from a different perspective.
“If there is one lesson I would want him to remember, it is that being a good human being will always matter more than being a successful one.”
Little Things Together Defines Quality Time
Seelan ensures that, no matter how busy life gets, he always makes time to be there for his son and take care of him at all costs.
“Whenever I have the time, I send him to school and pick him up. We enjoy going out for lunch or dinner together, and we both share a love for music. One thing he really enjoys is going for drives with me, and those are some of the moments I treasure the most because we get to talk, share ideas, and simply enjoy each other’s company.”
Seelan finds joy in helping his son with school projects, especially in arts and crafts. Although his mother typically handles most of Arjun’s educational needs, Seelan loves being involved in the creative projects, as these activities allow him to spend quality time with his son.
As someone who values fitness, Seelan also enjoys when his son joins him at the gym to work out together. Although these moments may seem small, they ensure that they spend valuable time together despite Seelan’s busy schedule.
“At the same time, he is a teenager now, and I understand the importance of giving him the space to grow and become independent. As a father, I want to guide him when he needs me, but I also want him to learn, make his own decisions, and find his own path. I believe being present while allowing him the freedom to grow is one of the most important balances a parent can achieve.”
Seelan Manoheran exemplifies the idea that no matter how busy life can become, fatherhood is characterized by unconditional love and responsibility. The bond between Seelan and his son, Arjun, transcends the typical father-son relationship; they are also best buddies. Seelan’s dedication and discipline are evident not only in his professional life but also in his role as a father.
Happy Father’s Day to all Fathers out there!
