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OLB classic - Interview with Suhasini |
"I am now focussed on my TV serials" says Suhasini.
Suhasini Manirathnam is certainly a multifaceted personality. A brilliant actress in her
own right, Suhasini has ventured into different fields of film making like script writing,
dialogues and also film direction. She also takes interest in production activities and
gets involved in designing costumes for her husband Maniratham's films. Right now she is
busy directing a 52 episode TV serial "Ganesh Vasanth" now being telecast in SUN
TV.
Suhasini was in Bangalore recently to participate in the shooting of a Kannada film with a
very curious title like 'Yarige Salutthe Sambala', a typical middle class comedy
entertainer, The film is a remake of Tamil Hit 'Virulukketha Veekkam' which went on to
become a big Box-office grosser despite a moderate star cast and a shoe string budget.
Suhasini plays the role opposite of Shashi kumar, now a Member of Parliament also. The
role which is now being played by Suhasini was played by Kushboo in the Tamil original.
Suhasini says that she has not played a role like that before.
You have been seen lesser on silver screen these days. Have you made a conscious
decision not to accept ordinary roles?
I have always been choosy, from the beginning. I actually acted in a few films even from
the days when I was offered films on a platter, and when I was extremely popular.
Recently, I am very much involved in directing a TV serial for my own company, and that
work has taken hell out of me. I am now completely focussed in directing my TV serial. It
is a tough job and I am realising that I have to be always on my toes.
You are also acting in your TV Serial?
Well, I did act in the first 15 episodes. Then I did not act in the next episodes. The
Serial 'Ganesh Vasanth' is a 52 episode serial. 'The 31st episode is already telecast. I
am now acting again in my serial. I have just come to Bangalore after finishing the
shooting of the 45th episode. The editing work will be done after I finish the shooting
schedule of this film.
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What has been the reaction from the viewers for Ganesh Vasanth?
Pretty good I should say. It has been hovering around number four to six positions in the
TRP. I think it is better to leave it to the judgement of the sponsors and the agencies
regarding the assessment of the popularity of the TV serial. I am now fully preoccupied
with producing and directing the TV serial. This particular offer for a Kannada film, I
accepted because the role was good. I am now comfortable working with such scripts which
offer good scope for acting.
Has there been any changes made from the original Tamil film?
Not in the terms of content. But a little changes have been made by the Director for the
purpose of nativity. I think he has added a lot of sophistication into the project. The
Tamil original was targeted to the lower middle class and low class audience.
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Have you acted in any other film recently?
I did a Malayalam film "Vanaprastham" which was recently appreciated in the
International film festival in New Delhi. The film directed by Shaji Karun received rave
reviews and also awards. I play a totally unconventional role of a married woman falling
love in with a Kathakali artist and bearing a child from him. The interesting feature is
that the woman only likes the artist with the make up and sans the make up, he is not
liked by her.
Will you act in other TV Serials?
Well, I will certainly make options. I will accept an offer, if it is directed by veteran
craftsmen like K.Balachandar and Balu Mahendra.
You had written dialogues for "Iruvar". You had also co-scripted
"Iruvar" with your husband Maniratham. Are you involved in any way in his
present film "Alai Payude"? Can you tell us about few details about that
project?
No. He is completely involved in that project. The film has Madhavan, a popular TV artist
("Ghar Jamai" fame) in the lead. A.R.Rehman is the Music Director. The Song
picturisations and the entire shooting portions are over. The re-recording work has to be
completed.
You have always had a special place among the Kannada film viewers. There are still
many people who consider you as the best actress to act in Kannada films, coming from
outside Karnataka. What do you feel about it?
I am certainly lucky. I have acted in best of roles in Kannada films and many of the films
have proved successful. I have also acted with the best of Directors. I dub for my roles
and am quite fluent in Kannada. I still receive lots and lots of fanmail from Karnataka.
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