Date:25/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/25/stories/2006052518400200.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

I prefer to be in films, says Vadivukkarrasii

S.R. Ashok Kumar

"I am a straightforward person and I speak whatever is on my mind."

S. Vadivukkarrasii...believes in plain talk.

S. Vadivukkarrasii is a busy artist these days. From "Sigappu Rojakkal" to "Sivaji" it has been a long winding road for her. She has acted in all the South Indian languages and is still going strong. Vadivukkarrasii talks about her films, her likes and dislikes. I am a straightforward person and I always speak my mind. Because of this I have faced a lot of hardship.

Popular film director A.P. Nagarajan is my paternal uncle. I was born on the day the film "Vadivukku Valaikappu," directed by him was released. So I was named as Vadivukkarrasii. Before entering films I was compereing programmes in Chennai Doordharsan. This got me film offers. Doordarshan producers Gopalie and Thanjaivannan encouraged me to take up the job. When I got a call from Bharathiraja's office I accepted a role in "Sigappu Rojakkal".

Till now I have acted nearly 350 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada. My favourite films in which I have acted are "Kannipparuvathile" (this was the first film in which I acted as a heroine) directed by Balaguru, "Metti" directed by J. Mahendran, "Muthal Mariyathai" (It was a rough role) by Bharathiraja, "Padikkathavan" by Rajasekar. I acted as the daughter of Sivaji Ganesan in "Vaa Kanna Vaa" and another film I liked is "Arunachalam".

The man I admire most is Rajinikanth. I have learned a lot from him. He makes you feel what your worth in this world. Also, I adore Vijayakant, who is humble and kind. Among women actors, I like Sripriya. - her talent, behaviour and the humaneness in her.

I have acted in some of the best movies and done a variety of roles, but I am now expecting the release of a film "Acharya". It is an interesting film wherein I am doing a powerful character. The film is directed by Ravi, an associate of director Bala.

As for memorable moments, it was while shooting in "Arunachalam" I was supposed to speak a lengthy dialogue and come down the steps. I was doing the role of an 85-year-old. Nearly 2,500 people were watching. But I did it in the first take. The minute I finished the shot Rajinikanth came and congratulated me. This was one of the best compliments I got in recent times. Now I am happy to act as Rajinikanth's mother in "Sivaji".

I have done more work in cinema as well as television. My most satisfying serial is "Sakthi". But for me serials are like staying in mother-in-law's place. Films are like being in your own house. I always prefer to be in my own house (films).