Lights, camera, truth

As the anchor of Solvadhellam Unmai, Lakshmy Ramakrishnan enjoys the show’s connect with the common man

March 17, 2013 02:37 pm | Updated October 18, 2016 12:51 pm IST

A FRESH EXPERIENCE: Lakshmy Ramakrishnan

A FRESH EXPERIENCE: Lakshmy Ramakrishnan

Whether we admit it or not, that we love to witness the woes of those around us, is a fact. Understanding this psychology only too well and playing to the gallery, are our tear-jerkers on television. Not just soaps but also reality segments that thrive on sob tales of their guests on the show. Solvadhellam Unmai , serves spicy helpings of the trials and tribulations of others, week after week. “ SU ’s reach is unbelievable! Its audiences include the educated and the less literate, the young and the old,” says actor-filmmaker Lakshmy Ramakrishnan. “The credit should go to the entire team — especially Saravanan, its witty and perceptive director, and the diligent reporters.”

The show, garnered more attention after a murder case was solved right in front of the viewers’ eyes some months ago! The police swung into action and the news made it to all the dailies and magazines. Nirmala Periasamy was the host then. Her studied reactions, command over the language and self-confidence had made her a perfect anchor. Does comparison with Nirmala worry Lakshmy? “It’s inevitable and I take it in my stride. I don’t possess her adeptness at speaking Tamil. The scenario is new to me and many of the gruesome true-life stories shock me out of my wits. SU is recorded without rehearsals. I don’t know my ‘dialogue’ or that of the person in front of me. But my sincerity makes up for everything. And viewers have already accepted me,” she says.

Lakshmy is appalled at the audacity and apathy of some of her guests on the show. “You can’t dismiss such folks as belonging to a stratum we don’t relate to. We could have such cases amidst the sophisticated lot too. Only that these people are willing to speak out.”

Does she feel emotionally drained after shooting for SU ? “Not exactly,” she says. “I’m empathetic, that’s all. I have three daughters and the cries of agony of young girls on the show disturb me. But the awareness SU creates should help many and I’m happy that I’m contributing my mite to it.”

Initially, Lakshmy’s husband and children were quite against her taking up the assignment. “But I love challenges,” she laughs. “When I turned director people tried to dissuade me but I went ahead with Aarohanam . I take things that come my way as fresh experiences which help widen my horizon.”

How does she react when women prostrate before her at the shooting spot, saying “You have to save us?” Responds Lakshmy: “The other day it happened when I got down from my car. I’m unprepared for such situations.

They are so naïve and I find their gullibility disconcerting. Otherwise would they believe that as a host of Solvadhellam Unmai I can solve their problems?”

The show is aired on Zee Tamil, Monday to Friday, 8.30 p.m.-9.30 p.m.

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