W hat will be, will be. Actress Varada is a firm believer of Que sera, sera! Somebody who never ever thought of becoming an actress is now known by her screen name, Amala, the protagonist of the serial ‘Amala’ aired on Mazhavil Manorama. The serial has won her such a huge fan following that she is on cloud nine. Varada also hosts the show ‘Raaree Raareeram Raaro’ on Asianet Plus. Excerpts from an interview:
In the limelight
When I was doing my Plus Two, I modelled for a calendar and soon advertisements followed. Then I anchored programmes for a local television channel back home in Thrissur, followed by programmes on Jeevan TV and Kairali TV. After that I acted in films such as Sultan, Makante Achan, Utharaswayamvaram and Valiyangadi .
On the small screen
Now, when serials are considered as stepping stones to tinsel town, I took the opposite route. It is from films that I came into serials. My first work was ‘Snehakoodu’, in which I was cast in the lead role for a few episodes.
Then I did a double role in ‘Hridayam Sakshi’ for Mazhavil Manorama before I got ‘Amala’.
Playing Amala
Amala is forever living in grief, her father having abandoned her and her mother. After her mother’s death, her father comes around to help her, much to the dislike of his second wife and son. Amala is ill-treated by her step-brother, Harish, and she is forced to marry someone who is much older to her. But life takes a new turn and she stands up against her enemies. I am enjoying that a lot (laughs).
I am a totally different person from my onscreen persona. Amala is subdued and forever willing to suffer and sacrifice. Its payback time now and I am waiting for that! As for the appreciation and affection from the audience, I am floored. Wherever I go, people call me Amala and that is a huge recognition.
On the personal front, I met my life partner on the sets of the serial. I am married to Jishin, who plays my on screen enemy, Harish (laughs). We are constantly at loggerheads, trying to outwit each other.
Serials vs cinema
I have done only a few films and serials and it is too early to compare both. I am enjoying this phase, though I sometimes wonder how a laidback person like me got into serials and movies. I think it is all about your comfort level. Now I have signed a Tamil project for Sun TV and so my schedule is going to be packed.
On ‘Raaree Raareeram Raaro’
Well, it is crazy and maddening at times, since it is quite a task to be with 30 kids in the age group of three months to three years! Like many others in the crew, I also run around them. But I love the challenge. The kids are the stars in every way!
‘Amala’ airs on Mazhavil Manorama, Monday to Friday, at 9 p.m.
