Aishwarya Rajesh's decision to play an impoverished mother in Kaaka Muttai has worked wonders for her. She has moved on to other projects, but her career can well be classified as pre-and post- Kaaka Muttai . Though she earned a name as a good performer for her work in films such as Attakathi , Rummy and Pannaiyarum Padminiyum , her role in 'Kaaka Muttai' has fetched her the most accolades. She duly credits director Manikandan and the two months she spent in the Saidapet slum for the success. “I would just come home to bathe, change and sleep. I was there the entire day. I saw how the women were constantly moving in a blur — cooking, fetching water, cleaning, washing.” When they shot the film, Aishwarya filled the screen with that busyness.
It’s been more than two years since she shot for the film, but Aishwarya is grateful for the opportunity and happy she chose it despite initial hesitation. “I was not wary of playing a mother on screen but wasn’t sure if I could do justice to it. Would I be able to showcase that kind of overpowering love without being a ‘real’ mother?” All her fears were put to rest when Manikandan told her he was happy with her performance. He has even signed her up for his next film, Kutrame Thandanai . “My role is quite unlike the one I played in Kaaka Muttai . The film is being shot like an English film, with no fights and songs.” Then, there is Seenu Ramasamy’s Idam Porul Eval , in which she plays a pattimandra pechaalar ( a debater). “It is a role not really seen often in Tamil. The part was true to reality and fun.” Next up is Sundar C.’s Hello Naan Pei Pesuren , a horror-comedy, where she plays the role of a cute tele-shopping brands executive. Aishwarya says she is lucky to be working at a time when directors are thinking up such interesting characters. The young actress hails from a family of actors — her late father Rajesh was popular in Telugu films and her aunt Srilakshmi is a noted comedienne — and focusses on bettering her craft. “I’m happy there is enough scope for performers today. I firmly believe the industry does not let down performers,” says Aishwarya, adding that regular-looking actors are in demand because they connect so well with the audience. “I always get told by women that they would love a daughter-in-law like me. That’s big, because not too many people seem to want their son to marry an actress!”
And no, she has no doubts about where she wants her career to go. “I want to be a star; yes, that’s everyone’s dream. But I also want to be a performer; perhaps occupy the space that people like Vidya Balan or Kajol do.”
