(Written by K. Anandraj, this article was originally published in Aval Vikatan magazine on 26 August 2025.)
In an industry often associated with glamour, luxury, and constant public attention, actor Kishore — known for memorable roles in Polladhavan, Aadukalam, and Vennila Kabadi Kuzhu — lives a life refreshingly grounded in simplicity. No shopping sprees, no lavish outings, no designer wardrobes. Most of the clothes they wear come from family hand-me-downs, and the vegetables on their plates are grown in their own garden. His wife, Vishala, says this life of quiet contentment has been the foundation of their 26-year-long marriage.
“When two people live together, everyone will have likes and dislikes. There will be differences of opinion. But understanding and acceptance are the key to any relationship,” Vishala shares, as she reflects on their journey.
The couple’s story began in college. Vishala, a Tamil girl from Thanjavur, and Kishore, a Kannadiga, were friends before they became life partners. “My family was arranging my marriage when we decided — why shouldn’t we marry each other? We never had the tradition of love letters, roses, or gifts between us,” she laughs.
When they married, neither had a stable career. “I was running a business and in deep debt. He was still pursuing higher education. Our families didn’t approve. People thought we would fail together,” says Vishala.
Determined to prove otherwise, she completed her Chartered Accountancy and joined a corporate firm, while Kishore slowly built his career in films. “Life doesn’t change in one song like in the movies. We fought hard for six years before finding stability,” she recalls.
Despite acting across Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam cinema, Kishore insists he has no grand ambitions in films. “I take the roles that come to me and give them my best. If there are no film opportunities, I’ll work elsewhere. I tell my children — be honest, wherever you go. That honesty is the reason I’ve stayed in cinema without chasing it.”
Vishala adds, “I don’t focus on his career growth. Whatever he does, if he’s happy, I’m happy. My only concern is his health — and that’s the checklist I’ve given our children too: be happy, be healthy, every day.”
Even with their strong bond, Kishore and Vishala maintain professional boundaries. “I don’t go to his shooting spot, and he doesn’t come to my office. We don’t mix personal life into work,” says Vishala. Household duties and responsibilities take most of her attention, leaving little time for following films closely.
She does, however, hold one fan passion — Rajinikanth. “She’s a huge Rajini fan,” Kishore smiles. “When I got to act with him in Kabali, she was overjoyed. Now I’m working in Vettaiyan and Coolie with him as well.”
Kishore’s private world away from the spotlight is one of quiet farming and frugality. “I don’t shop much. The younger one wears the elder son’s clothes. I’ve worn my uncle’s clothes in college, and we still share clothes among the family. We eat mostly what we grow in our garden,” he says.
Vishala shares the same mindset. “I’ve always worn hand-me-downs. I don’t dye my hair, I don’t wear much jewellery. We keep life simple.”
In their home, Vishala handles most of the household management. “He’s busy with films, so I manage the farmhouse. It’s beautiful but maintaining it is tough — no workers are available. Sometimes, when he’s away shooting, I’ll call and say, ‘You’re acting in a movie, do you know what’s happening here?’” she says with a laugh.
For Kishore and Vishala, their marriage is not about avoiding disagreements, but about facing them together. Through financial struggles, career challenges, and the demands of family life, they’ve built a bond that is rooted in trust, mutual respect, and the belief that happiness lies in simple living.
As Kishore says, “Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Our strength is that we accept everything and think alike. That’s why, after 26 years, being together still feels great.”