Large, expressive eyes define this beautiful actress from God’s own country. Ironically, it is these very eyes that gave her away once when she disguised herself in a burqa, but could not dodge a curious fan.
Kavya Madhavan, recipient of several awards, including the Kerala state award twice, is in the UAE to receive an honorary ‘Ten Years of Dedication’ Siima (South Indian International Movies Award) this weekend. While the finalists will be announced for the four languages only on stage, three important awards have been announced — one for Prabhu Ganesan, son of legendary actor Sivaji Ganesan, for his exemplary social work and for Tamil actress Trisha and Madhavan for excellence in their decade-long careers.
Madhavan is an interviewer’s delight, free of celebrity airs and easy to chat with.
“This is the first time I am receiving an award like this,” the actress said with a smile.
“My earlier awards included a best actress award, a special jury award, a new face award and a Janapriya [popular] award, but the Siima award recognises my work not for one particular film, but for my work over the past 10 years. That’s something I am happy about.”
First movie
Her illustrious career in the Malayalam industry stretches beyond 10 years; she entered tinsel town as a child actor in Malayalam director Kamal’s Pookalam Varavayi.
With more than 70 films to her credit, Madhavan debuted as a leading lady with Lal Jose’s Chandranuddikunna Dikhil and went on to explore a wide gamut of characters, including that of hearing-impaired Gopika in Oomappenninu Uriyaadaappayyan.
As the widowed Ganga in Perumazhakkalam who goes through an emotional turmoil before forgiving her husband’s killer, she left viewers with tears in their eyes. It brought home her first state award.
The second state award came for another top-notch performance in another Kamal film, Gadamma, where she slipped into the skin of a housemaid and brought to screen the travails of maids in Saudi Arabia.
However, Madhavan does not single out any role as a tough exercise. “Every character is difficult,” she said. “It takes me two to three days to understand its moods. What I find most difficult is to face a camera and not do anything. That is really hard.”
Commercial films
However, she enjoyed working in films such as Classmates, Meesa Madhavan and Bavuttiyude Namathil.
A native of Nileshwaram in Kasargod district of Kerala, Madhavan was five when she auditioned for a role in Pookalam Varavayi.
“My father came across an advertisement in a daily,” she recalled. She remembered arriving at the Ernakulam station after midnight with her parents and checking into a neighbourhood hotel.
“I remember clearly the auditions the next day and the chocolates the director gave me. After I was selected, he gave instructions to take measurements of my costume — a school uniform.”
“Even today, when I cross Palarivattom in Ernakulam, I think of those days when I used to walk down the streets with my parents.”
Being a public figure brings its share of criticism, but what far outweighs everything is the love of the people. “Winning people’s hearts gives me utmost joy,” this trained danseuse said.
“My fans love me for the characters I play on screen. That’s why I am selective about the roles I take on. I believe in working on films that a family can watch.”
