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Can and able
RANA SIDDIQUI
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Social work is a subject that is close to her heart, reveals noted actor Revathy.
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Who are we to decide what disabled persons can do and what they can’t? They should be given a chance to prove their worth.
Photo: K. Ananthan
I care Revathy says she doesn’t want media hype for the social work she does.
Not every great actor can be a great anchor too, but Revathy is. With her poise and eloquence, she won over many in New Delhi while anchoring a programme on disability – a subject close to her heart.
The programme was Cavinkare Ability Awards 2007-2008 that are given to those achievers who not only overcome adversity but also contribut to the society.
With her impeccable anchoring, not only did she manage to hold the attention of a crowd of over a 1000, but also punctuated her announcements with apt quotes and encouraging remarks, both for the achievers and the audience. If she faltered somewhere, she was quick with an apology and a hearty laugh at herself. Few know that she writes all programme speeches on her own.
A volunteer
“I have been attached to them for 12 years. I am a volunteer. Whenever they call me, I present myself,” said a smiling Revathy. .
The latest edition of the awards is the fifth since its inception by Ability Foundation. “This is a national cross-disability umbrella organisation, based in Chennai. It works as a bridge between disabled persons and the rest of the society. Its founder Jayshree Raveendran who herself is hearing impaired, met me in a programme and asked me if I could anchor one of their programmes. It was in 1995 when they had started this organisation. When I heard about their vision and plans, I decided to be a part of it,” recalled Revathy.
The foundation also hosts a bi-annual Ability Fest called India International Disability Film Festival that invites one-minute films on, about and for disabled people. Some of them are by the disabled people too. This festival is Revathy’s baby. “I put the festival together, select the films for its competition section called ‘60 Seconds of Fame’. The jury chooses films with a positive message. We give topics for the film. For instance, last two topics were diversity and inclusiveness,” said Revathy.
Not only that, Revathy is also associated with other organisations in Chennai. One is Vidyasagar, a school for spastic children, Sevalaya, an orphanage, and Banyan which is a home for destitute women.
She is also a trustee of Tanker Kidney Foundation which does free dialysis for needy patients, she added.
Being a part of all such organisations humbles her, she admits. In 1997, “Jayshree, blind dancers and I danced together in one of the ability programmes. It was overwhelming to see the near-perfect dancing by blind dancers. They had learnt the mudras by touching and feeling. From 9.30 in the morning till 7 in the evening, they rehearsed without complaining.
Some of them even came out with refreshing ideas. That made me think who are we to decide what disabled persons can do and what they can’t? They should be given a chance to prove their worth. At Ability Foundation, we strive for this perfection which doesn’t bring applause out of sympathy but genuine appreciation,” said Revathy.
The actor is working on a few scripts for her new film. Refusing to reveal more, she says, “Someone will hijack the idea.”
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Friday Review
Bangalore
Chennai and Tamil Nadu
Delhi
Hyderabad
Thiruvananthapuram
|
