If actor Aamani proved her mettle in director Bapu’s Mr Pellam (1993), her performance in SV Krishna Reddy’s films Subhalagnam (1994) and Maavichiguru (1996) made her a household name among Telugu film goers.
The actor reprises the role of the money-mad, controlling Kanaka Ratnam in the Telugu daily serial Muthyamantha Muddu, launched a month ago on Zee Telugu. Director Ramjee helms the loves story set in Nellore, with script and dialogues by Rasool.
A scene from ‘Muthyamantha Muddu’
Kanaka Ratnam’s obsession for money stems from her carrying forward her mother’s money-lending business. With a big bindi, colourful bangles and jewellery, the mother of three is sharp-tongued and bossy, asserting her dominance over the family. When her son Govind falls in love with Geetha, a Tamilian, and marries her, Kanaka Ratnam’s battle with her daughter-in-law begins.
“Initially I was not interested but when I heard the story, I couldn’t say no. My character has a commanding personality. Portraying varied emotions without making her a negative character is a challenge,” says Aamani.
Bengaluru-based Aamani travels to Hyderabad for shoots and credits the team for her Nellore accent in the show. Though transforming into Kanaka Ratnam was easy, the dialogues posed a challenge.“I could get the body language of an overbearing person right but the slang was initially tough.”
As for the television stint, she says, “Work flow is a major difference between film and television serials. A film actor gets some rest between shots but the small screen is demanding and keeps actors on their toes.”
Enriching film career
In her two-and-half decade-long film career, Aamani has also essayed various small roles in Aa Naluguru, Chandamama Kathalu, Middle Class Abbayi, Bharat Ane Nenu and others.
She was recently seen as a street vendor and actor Kartikeya’s onscreen mother in Chavu Kaburu Challaga . Actors have to move with the times and accept roles that give them a scope to emote, she says. Citing the examples of Jayasudha and Jayaprada, she says, “They were both stars in Telugu films and later did varied roles. Jayasudha made a mark as a mother in so many movies. If you stick to your own image you can never grow as an artiste. Essaying different roles is a challenge but it is also quite fulfilling.”
While Aamani’s foray into Telugu television is new, she is familiar to Tamil audiences as Rathinavalli in the serial Poove Unkaaga . She discontinued the project after a year due to her mother’s hospitalisation from COVID-19. When her mother’s health deteriorated, Aamani found herself cash-strapped. “My money was locked and no one helped me. But Arvind sir (Allu Arvind of Geetha Arts) immediately sent money to be given for a project. It was my money but what mattered was that he gave it when I needed it the most.”
She spends more than 25 days in Hyderabad for shootings. “I miss my children — seven year old Nihal and five year old Vibha. Whenever I get a small break I am back in Bengaluru to be with them.”
Aamani looks forward to her next project Arrdham, a Telugu-Tamil bilingual film.
