A n actress, singer, composer, lyricist, television anchor... Abhirami Suresh is a busy bee and she seems to be enjoying each of these roles.
As somebody who rose to stardom at a very young age, courtesy her elder sister, singer Amrutha Suresh, Abhirami is now holding fort on her own, having done movies in Malayalam and Tamil. The sisters are also going places with their music band, Amrutam Gamaya. Abhirami also hosts the show ‘Dear Kappa’ on Kappa TV. Over to Abhirami…
What really set the ball rolling?
It was ‘Idea Star Singer 2007’ on Asianet in which chechi (Amrutha) was a contestant. I enjoy imitating people and in one of the episodes I mimicked the show’s anchor Ranjini Haridas and composer Sharath sir, one of the judges. I was in class eight then. The video went viral and soon I got my first acting offer, ‘Hello Kuttichathan’ on Asianet. Later I acted in the movies Keralotsavam and Gulumaal .
So you wanted to act?
I have always wanted to act. I used to do mimicry and monoact in school and never missed out on a chance to be on the stage. In fact, I never saw myself as a singer even though my family is full of musicians, especially on my father’s side. Music is in my blood, but I never gave a thought to polish it or pursue it seriously till we got the idea for Amrutam Gamaya.
Before I knew I got my first offer from Tamil. I had gone with my sister to Chennai for her music recording in AVM Studio and there we met S. S. Kumaran, who was looking for a newcomer for his new movie Kerala Nattilam Pengaludane . He offered me the role and that’s how I entered Kollywood. Meanwhile, after completing my class eleven, I did a diploma in acting. My debut as a lead was in Beware of Dogs . Later I got a role in 100 Days of Love . Right now I am happy that my new Tamil movie Kubera Rasi is running successfully in theatres.
Amrutam Gamaya
I was not part of the band at all! It was meant to be Amrutha’s band and even when they were rehearsing for the launch on Kappa TV, I was not part of that. I had college admission scheduled on the same day of shoot and I couldn’t miss out on that. On the previous day of the shoot, I happened to be with the band and when they were practising one track, I hummed a small portion. Chechi felt that I should be a part of the band and she somehow managed to convince my college authorities to give me permission to go for the shoot. Thus, I came on board Amrutam Gamaya. It feels really great that we have come up with our own compositions. I got a chance to write and compose two songs, while another number has been composed by both of us.
As an anchor
I enjoy hosting ‘Dear Kappa’. Though I have done shows on Amrita TV and We Channel, this one is different in that it is my comfort zone. I can talk on anything under the sun and I am expected to do that on the show as well. I share my views with the viewers and play some beautiful tracks.
Of the multiple roles you do, what do you enjoy the most and what is next in the list?
Till a few years ago acting was my first love. But now I give equal priority to everything, including my studies. I enjoy doing anything related to art. Meanwhile, I must add that whatever opportunities I have got, be it as an actor, anchor or singer, it has been through my sister. I admire her for her dedication and hard work.
As for my wish list, I would love to do direction one day. I have already made a short film as part of my undergraduate course and that has inspired me to do more. However, for the time being, I am taking a proper break and focussing on my studies.
(‘Dear Kappa’ is aired daily at 8.30 p.m. on Kappa TV)
