Once a dream star for generations of filmgoers, Arvind Swamy ruled the screen with films such as ‘Thalapathi’, ‘Roja’, ‘Bombay’, ‘Devaragam’ and ‘Minsara Kanavu’. He took charge of his father’s venture, V D Swamy and Company, and later founded a company of his own. In 2005, Swamy suffered a severe spinal injury that left him unable to move his legs. Recalling the ordeal at the Indian Film Festival held recently in Melbourne, Swamy spoke candidly about the accident, which led to partial paralysis. Facing helplessness is harder than facing pain,” he reflected.