I t has been nearly a decade since Anu Joseph forayed into television. Today she is in a happy space in her career, playing two interesting characters that are poles apart – Sathyabhama, the no-nonsense lawyer in ‘Karyam Nissaram’ that is aired on Kairali TV, and Mollykutty, the naïve housewife in Asianet Plus’ ‘Oridathoridathu’. Anu, a native of Kasaragod, talks to FridayReview about finding her feet on Malayalam television and more. Excerpts:
Sathyabhama vs Mollykutty
They are as different as chalk and cheese. Sathyabhama has a strong opinion on everything under the sun and is not reticent about airing her views. Therefore, arguments with her husband, Mohanakrishnan, is a constant factor in their home. But towards the end they reconcile. Each episode takes up a relevant topic. In the meantime, Mollykutty is a woman with a complex because she has not passed her Plus Two. She is married to a doctor (played by Rajesh Hebbar). Pompous and inquisitive, Mollykutty is a gossip who is forever trying to keep up with the Joneses.
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Sathyabhama, of course. She speaks her mind, and has that guts to express her opinion.
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Not really. Well, it is not easy playing these characters at the same time. However, I am enjoying it because both these serials are comedies. Both convey certain social messages and are informative, without being preachy. Of course, I had to work a lot on the slang in which these characters speak. The best part is that the two serials have almost the same cast and crew working in them.
Stepping into television
I was into dance and art from my childhood and had won the Kalathilakam title for the best overall performance in the schools youth festival. When I was in class 10, I travelled with Kalabhavan troupe to give classical dance performances. I started getting offers from television and while doing my Plus Two. I did my first serial, ‘Chitralekha’ on Surya TV. ‘Minnukettu’, ‘Aalilathali’, ‘Makalude Amma’, ‘Manassariyathe’, ‘Pazhassi Raja’, ‘Makal Marumakal’, ‘Makalude Amma’… are some of the serials I have acted in.
About not making it big in movies
I have done roles in movies such as Padam Onnu Oru Vilaapam, Aayirathil Oruvan, Kanninum Kannadikkum and Lisammayude Veedu . Like any other actress, I too would like to act in good movies because the reception and accolades you get in serials is momentary. So long as that particular serial is on air, you are making waves. After that you are forgotten. If you get a good role on the big screen, however small, people will remember you for long.