The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Remembering the life and times of a ‘captivating performer’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 24, 2007
ePaper

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Remembering the life and times of a ‘captivating performer’

Staff Reporter

VCD featuring milestones in actor Padmini’s career released

— PHOTO: S.R. RAGHUNATHAN

legendary: Actor Saroja Devi (right) presents the VCD on actor Padmini to actor M.N. Rajam in Chennai on Sunday. Actors Manjula Vijayakumar and Sachu are in the picture.

CHENNAI: For stars of yesteryears, it was an emotional moment when a video compact disc (VCD) on the life and times of actor Padmini was launched here on Sunday.

Brought out by Insight Media, it features milestones in the legendary actor’s career. Launching the VCD, renowned actor Saroja Devi recalled having met Padmini on the sets of ‘Nadodi Mannan,’ when actor and former Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran introduced her to Padmini. “I looked at her, wondering who this gorgeous woman could be.”

That introduction laid the foundation for a friendship which would last for years to come. From wishing each other on their birthdays, attending each other’s weddings and staying at each other’s places, the two actors nourished a friendship that grew well beyond the realm of cinema.

“In my Bangalore home, we had a room for Pappima (as she was fondly called by her friends) and whenever I visited the United States, she would insist that I stay with her,” Ms. Devi said.

She could play any character with ease and her dance was nonpareil, she said, adding, “Tamil cinema will never see another performance as captivating as that of Padmini and Vyjayanthimala Bali in ‘Vanjikottai Valiban’.”

Ms. Devi said it was sad that the number of actors gathered at the venue was lesser than the number of press photographers. Producer A.V.M. Saravanan said Padmini excelled in dance and acting. “She is an eternal artist,” he said.

South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce president KRG said artists of earlier days made history and were of a different kind altogether — they worshipped their profession. Actors M.N. Rajam, Sachu, Vijayakumar, Manula Vijayakumar, Venniradai Nirmala, Rajesh and Shaam were present.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail