Tamil Nadu   

Saritha back with a bang on small screen

S.R. Ashok Kumar

If I am convinced about the story, I would do another serial. But the story has to be such that it can make me say `yes.'

Saritha. — Photo: R. Shivaji Rao

Saritha, a high calibre artist, is back from a self-imposed isolation after marriage and bringing up children. Her talents is intact as can be seen by her powerful performance in the TV serial `Selvi.' Saritha takes time out to speak about her experiences in the world of film.

I am an introvert. But I am also a person who will go out of the way to do something.

I cannot forget my first shot before the camera. It was in `Maro Charithra' and I was in the company of K. Balachander and Kamal Hassan at Vizag. I was to take Kamal Haasan's hand and kiss it and say `Emi thappa' and he would say `No.' The first shot did not click at all. Even after several `takes' it did not work out and some people wanted the actress changed. But director K. Balachander insisted that I do it. He cancelled the shooting and asked us to come the next day. He sent director Ananthu to my room in the evening and told me the full story. Ananthu said it was a love story and suddenly asked me "Do you like Kamal Haasan?"

"Yes, I like him very much," I said. "Then it should be seen on your face. That is acting," Ananthu told me.

The next day I did an emotive scene, just before the climax. I did it very well and later in the day K. Balachander came to my room and gave me five 5 star chocolates. Only then did I realise that I had passed a crucial test.

I have done 141 films till now and I think the best three are: `Maro Charithra,' `Thanneer Thanneer' and `Agni Sakshi.' But I can name a dozen if I you allow me.

My favourite artists? Richard Gere, Amitabh Bachchan, Kamal Hassan and Rajnikant. And Nagesh. Among the younger lot, Vikram and Surya. Among women, my favourites are Julia Roberts, Sridevi, Jaya Bachchan and Manorama.

I have had offers from the small screen in the past five years or so. But I was not able to take them up because of my family commitment. I later relented, and it was then that Radhika came up with the proposal for `Selvi.' I was happy to do it.

If I am convinced about the story, I would do another serial. But the story has to be such that it can make me say `yes.' It was mainly because of this I accepted to do `June R.' It is a very nice film, full of emotion. Unfortunately it is delayed.

I like to do character and other good roles. The urge to do something different is still there in me. But nothing very interesting is coming my way. If anything good comes my way, I won't say no.

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