'Singapore Saloon': RJ Balaji explains how Lokesh Kanagaraj boarded his film opens up on their friendship (EXCLUSIVE)

RJ Balaji is all set to be seen once again on the big screens in the much-awaited Singapore Saloon releasing in cinemas on January 25. Directed by Gokul of Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013) fame, the upcoming film also stars Sathyaraj, Lal, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Ann Sheetal, Kishen Das, John Vijay, and Robo Shankar in key roles, while blockbuster Tamil filmmaker Lokesh Kanagaraj will be seen making a cameo appearance.

Speaking about the decision to cast Lokesh Kanagaraj in Singapore Saloon, RJ Balaji in an exclusive interview with Galatta said, "The reason for bringing him onboard the film has more to do with who would come if I called. Friendship to me is not because we work together. Actually, I don't want friendship with the people I work with. I want a working relationship with the people I work with." He added, "After watching Maanagaram, I met him for the first time and Uriyadi Vijay Kumar joined us for dinner. Since that day, we've often met outside and he too calls me up at random times."

Explaining how Lokesh Kanagaraj came onboard Singapore Saloon, RJ Balaji said, "When I asked him to come for the shooting for a couple of days, he said no. But, Lokesh knew director Gokul quite well and a year back he sent me a story. It was director Gokul's story and he (Lokesh Kanagaraj) was supposed to produce it. But, after the narration, I told him that the story wasn't suitable for me." He further stated, "Later, when Singapore Saloon came my way, even though Lokesh was hesitant in the beginning about acting, he eventually agreed because he knew director Gokul and also because I'm his friend. We told him that he was needed during the shooting for only a couple of hours, but he had to come twice or thrice to the sets."

Informing that it won't be something Lokesh Kanagaraj would do regularly, RJ Balaji stated that the Leo director acted in Singapore Saloon as a mark of respect towards their friendship adding that he doubts whether he would do the same for anyone ever again. He said, "I met him recently during a function and he asked me whether his portions were still in the film. I told him that they are still there. In response, he asked me, 'You didn't remove them?' So, he doesn't have an interest in acting."

Watch RJ Balaji talk about Lokesh Kanagaraj in the video below: