It’s a comeback like no other for television and movie actress Easwari Rao. She plays Rajinikanth’s onscreen wife in upcoming film Kaala.
Rao became a household name with her eponymous role in Kasthuri, the Tamil series that aired for six years before she quit acting after marriage. While she did return to Telegu cinema in supporting roles, Kaala marks her second innings in Tamil cinema after 12 years.
Rao calls it “an unbelievable moment” when director Pa Ranjith offered her the role. Ranjith found her during a Google search of director Balu Mahendra’s heroines; Rao had worked in the legendary director’s film Raman Abdullah in 1997.
“But Ranjith did not reveal anything — except that it was a character role in Rajni sir’s film,” smiles this mother of two.
The eureka moment happened during the workshop held prior to shooting. She learnt that Selvi — her character — was Kaala’s wife, and mother to a large family.
Meeting Rajinikanth for the first time went beyond the dreams of this fan who had watched Aarilirunthu Arubathu Varai, her first Rajinikanth film, as a 12-year-old.
“Here we were face to face and getting ready to shoot a montage song sequence. It’s a gift from God,” Rao said.
She found Rajnikanth an encouraging and patient co-actor.
Working with Ranjith was comfortable. “His vision is clear,” she said.
An unforeseen bonus was getting acquainted with Nana Patekar, the antagonist in Kaala.
“He conveys so much through his eyes,” says Rao, who entered the industry at 15 with Telugu film Intinta Deepavali. She has worked opposite stars including Vijay and Rahman and won the Tamil Nadu state award for Best Supporting Actress (for Virumbugiren).
Rao’s next project is a film with director Bala.
