She made her debut on the mini-screen as the lead actress, something which many wannabe actresses can only dream of. But the catch was that she had to go de-glam. However, Premi Viswanath didn’t let the offer go and today she has made a place for herself in the industry, playing Karthika of ‘Karuthamuthu’ aired on Asianet. The actress talks about her tryst with the camera. Excerpts…
What made you say yes to the role?
The challenges involved in playing such a role made me say yes. Generally, we associate the television industry with a lot of glamour and we are used to seeing fair heroines on screen. But here was a character who had to break that concept. I was ready to take up the challenge. I play Karthika, wife of Dr. Balachandran (Kishore Satya). Circumstances force Karthika to leave the house while she is pregnant.
Being your debut, wouldn’t you have liked to do a different role?
Not really, because I never wanted to become an actress in the first place. In fact, it was not just my debut on the mini-screen; it was the first time I was acting in front of the camera. I never knew that I could act before ‘Karuthamuthu’ came my way. The role came to me through producer and actor Dinesh Panicker sir. The makers of ‘Karuthamuthu’ wanted an artiste who would play a character with a dusky complexion and had sharp features.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a lawyer and used to work in a private firm in Kochi as a legal adviser. I am a photographer as well, thanks to my elder brother Sivaprasad who is a photographer and an artist. I used to accompany him on his assignments, especially weddings. Photography is a passion and I love nature photography. We also run a travel agency. Till ‘Karuthamuthu’ came my way, my only experience in front of the camera was modelling for our studio.
Becoming Karthika
I just go by what I am taught on the set. Thankfully, I have been getting positive feedback. It takes at least two hours for me to put on the make-up and costume. Though my friends and family knew who was enacting the role, initially my identity was kept under wraps by the channel. It was only at the Asianet Television Awards that people saw my real self. However, even now some viewers are curious about my complexion. I am happy that I have received a few awards for playing Karthika.
Looking ahead
I have become a full-time actor now and I am here to stay as long as the serial is on air. A lot is being discussed about how storylines of serials are changed to improve the ratings. I am aware of it, but am not bothered about it. After all, it is a business. Meanwhile, I would love to do films one day. I am also a dancer and have been performing in stage shows.
(‘Karuthamuthu’ airs weekdays at 7.30 p.m.)
