The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : From a `village belle' to a media entrepreneur

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 12, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

From a `village belle' to a media entrepreneur

S.R. Ashok Kumar

I was discouraged when I ventured into TV. I broke the myth and am glad that I stood by my decision

Actor Radhika

Radhika Sarath Kumar, who started off as a young innocent village belle in films nearly three decades, ago has come a long way. Now an actor and a media entrepreneur, she heads Radaan Media works. Her company produces television serials and has a host of feature films lined up.

After completing nearly 300 films in south Indian languages and five in Hindi, she talks about her future outlook.

I remember the first time I stood before the camera (at a place near Neelangari). After a couple of shots for the song `Poovarasam Poo Poothatchu', we moved to Mettupalayam for the same song.

Whenever my daughter watches my first Tamil film, she says I looked very bad in it. My son Rahul also turns around to make sure it is the same person.

I am fond of all my films but I can mention a couple of them - `Kizhake Poogum Rail', `Swathi Muthyam'. My daughter likes all my comedy movies such as `Rettaival Kuruvi', `Oorkaavalan', `Jeans' and the latest `Paasa Paravaigal'. I have a long list in Telugu and a few in Malayalam and Kannada.

When I entered the industry, all actors were icons for me.

I cannot forget the films and the performances of MGR, Sivaji Ganesan, Savithri, Saroja Devi, Vyjayanthimala and Padmini.

Then come Sridevi, Sripriya and Jayasudha. My father M.R. Radha is one person who cannot be ignored by anyone discussing films.

Next year, it is going to be his centenary year and I plan to do something special to commemorate his memory. Among today's actors one cannot forget Trisha, Asin, Bhavna, `Jayem' Ravi, Ajith, Vijay (who acted with me when he was a child) Madhavan and Vikram.

I was discouraged when I ventured into TV. They told me I might not get roles in films later. I broke the myth and am glad that I stood by my decision.

My only aim now is to make Radaan Media works the biggest company in the corporate world.

I want to continue to produce more television serials not only for Indian television channels but also in foreign networks. My mantra is to work hard and do my best.

Bharathiraja introduced me to the film industry. All other directors helped me attain my best and reach where I am today. My advice to youngsters: when you are successful more people will give you advice.

That is the only thing that comes free. Do not think that you know everything. Try to lean more.

It is `No Pain No Gain' here. Only hard work will make you big.

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