Why Virat Kohli once snubbed Tamil actor Simbu — and what happened next

Dubai: Tamil actor Silambarasan, popularly known as Simbu and STR, has poured his heart out during a promotion for star-cast Thug Life, feeling elated after the recent recognition from former India captain Virat Kohli.

The 36-year-old, who last week announced his retirement after a successful 14-year Test career, has clearly made an impression on fans far beyond the cricket field — including Simbu, who will be in Dubai , who will be in Dubai next week to promote one of the most anticipated Tamil-language films, featuring the legendary trio of Kamal Haasan, Mani Ratnam and AR Rahman.

I don't know you, Kohli tells Simbu

Narrating the incident, the 42-year-old actor had spoken highly about Kohli when he was just beginning his international career. While his friends didn’t give a long career to Kohli, Simbu, who began his career as a child artist, argued that he will be as good as Sachin Tendulkar.

After a few years, and happy that his favourite star has lived up to his expectations, went to speak to him at an event. When he introduced himself, Kohli’s blunt response was: “I don’t know you.”

However, things changed for good this month when, in a RCB tweet, Kohli was asked which song he was listening to on loop right now. Responding to the question, Kohli, who was seen repeating the question, ‘Most favourite right now?’ said, “You’ll be shocked! ‘Nee Singam Dhan’ (You are a lion).”

A popular song from Simbu’s movie Pathu Thalai, rendered by Sid Sriram. Simbu responding on X, Silambarasan, quoting a clip in which Virat Kohli is seen talking about the track he was listening to on loop mode at present, wrote, “Nee singam dhan @imVkohli” (You are a lion Virat Kohli!).

However, Simbu is happy that finally he got the recognition that he was craving for. “I still don’t know if he still could recognise me, but nevertheless I am happy,” the star concluded in response to the question from fellow cast Ashok Selvan while Abhirami and Trisha were left in splits.