UAE resident Asha Sharath’s role in Anuraga Karikkin Vellam is the antithesis to her memorable portrayal of IPS Geetha Prabhakar in Drishyam.
While Geetha was known for her authoritarian and arrogant tone, the timid Suma is recognizable as the loving mother and wife many Indian women will relate to. tabloid! caught up with Sharath, on holiday in India, to talk about the film, which releases on July 28 in the UAE.
What drew you to this role?
When I first met [director Khalid Rahman[ for the narration, I was surprised at his young age. He is just twenty-five. He did not carry with him a laptop nor did he have a notepad, as most directors do. I was actually wondering, but once he started narrating the story, I was completely taken in. His description was vivid and humorous. I enjoyed the telling much more than the film has actually turned out. I understood that there was more to Suma than just being a homemaker.
How did you prepare for the character?
I drew references from my mother [noted classical artist Kalamandalam Sumathy, who was her first dance guru] who despite her accomplishments always feared my father, a strict man, yet a loving husband. Even at 70 now, she will rush to him when he calls out to her. I have included her mannerisms and her style of attire and hair-do in Suma. Amma watched the film with me and she could not help laughing at my imitation of her.
What about playing Biju Menon’s onscreen wife?
Biju and I worked in a television serial, ‘Michaelinte Santhathikal’ several years ago, though we were not paired together.
He is an actor easy to work with, natural and relaxed although does not talk much, unlike his onscreen images from many films.
How was it working with Khalid Rahman?
Rahman is clear of what he wanted from every actor. He knew every little thing about Suma. Suma could not wear make-up, when she is toiling all day long, so he ensured that I had that casual appearance all the time. I was actually wondering if I would never get a chance to dress well for the role, when the hotel scene was planned, the one where Raghu and his family go out for a dinner. That was the only time I could put on some make-up.
Rahman’s team comprised of young people and it was always lively.
What is next?
I am working in Bhagmati a Telugu film, where I play a CBI Officer. My role is at par with Anushka Shetty who is playing the lead.
I also plan to launch Asha Cultural Centre, a school for aspiring actors and models in the UAE, this September. Leading actors and directors from Malayalam industry will be a part of the faculty here.
