Destiny's child
S. SHIVA KUMAR
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Meera Jasmine, the accidental superstar, is happy with her work and herself
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LINGUA FRANCA Meera Jasmine: `I want to be a part of good cinema irrespective of the language.'
She led a cocooned existence in Kerala without a thought for stardom. Her neighbour happened to be the budding director Blessy.
Meera Jasmine's first film Sootradharan failed but she was noticed. In no time she had won the National award for her role in Paadham Onnu: Oru Vilaapam. There was no looking back. The beginning of 2006 saw her sharing screen space with Mohanlal in the hit, Rasathanthram. Today she is a sought after star in all the four South Indian languages.She reminds you of Revathi for her ability to play light and emotional roles with equal ease.
She is charged on the sets of Arasu. "We have to meet on a day when I don't have lengthy dialogues," she says earnestly.Excerpts from the interview:
You had to overcome parental resistance when you were offered your first film...
I'm from a very orthodox family so it was natural but I was interested. I was really surprised that they thought of me.
What were you dreaming for a career?
I was a dreamer. I had so many ambitions. It kept changing from pilot to collector to doctor. The last thing on my mind was becoming an actress. I barely watched movies.
How was it facing the camera? Acting is not easy...
It definitely is not. It cannot be taught. It is not acting, it is becoming the character. It just happened and my first film got me recognition.
How many films did it take for you to realise that you are competent?
Every time I watch myself I feel I could have done better. I'm looking for self-satisfaction, not recognition. Doing good roles gives me a lot of happiness. I wanted to quit after doing a couple of movies. It was when I was finishing my third movie that I felt this was my vocation.
You were a victim of malicious rumours...
It's a part and parcel of being famous but it was nothing I couldn't handle.
The year 2004 was a roller coaster year for you. You won the National award but fell out with your family.
You are right. It was an eye opener, good in some ways. I realised that God was showing me both sides of the coin.
Do you feel lonely? I'm a very emotional person and sometimes feel lonely. There are mood swings. Sometimes I enjoy my solitude. I'm emotional but not weak.
You're probably the only multi-lingual actress today. What made you seek films outside?
It just happened. I did get a lot of offers from Tamil but I refused because I was told I'd have to expose. Then I was offered Run where the director promised I'd not have to expose. I was very comfortable so I decided I would do films, which suited me.
Language is not a barrier. I want to do films in all languages,and portray characters that will test my abilities. I want to perform, not just sing songs and romance.
Do you believe life is predestined?
I believe in fate because I didn't expect to be in films. In school, friends would win prizes and I would cry. I thought God was unfair. I was convinced I was useless. Suddenly God transformed my life.
You've won various awards including the National award. What is your motivation today?
Sometimes it's very depressing. Girls don't have anything to do. I wish I were born twenty years ago when heroines had meaty roles. I try to be choosy and select the best from what is offered.
Usually Tamil actresses do Malayalam films for artistic gratification. It's the other way round with you.
People ask me if I have moved away from Malayalam cinema. I am very choosy. I want to do only good Malayalam films.
I don't want to spoil the name of the Malayalam film industry. Till I get a good character, I do outside films. I've done only one Malayalam film this year. I want to be a part of good cinema irrespective of the language.
How important is it for an artiste to have a peaceful personal life?
I'm happy. I have no problems. I don't socialise. I return to my room after shooting. I have my personal life, which is important.
Do you sometimes feel like giving it all up for marriage?
(Smiles) Sometimes, yes. But I shouldn't be complaining because God has given me so much.
But when it is too tiring, these thoughts cross my mind. This is my work. I know I will be able to relax after a few years.
Have you made peace with your family?
Let's not talk about that.
You had a strong role in your last Kannada film, Maurya. What made you accept a two-heroine film (Arasu)?
This is a very interesting role. I play a very sweet practical girl. I can relate to her. Not that she's exactly like me but every girl can relate to her.
Is it because it's an alien language that you are so tense?
Yes, you see Malayalam is my mother tongue. Kannada is new to me so I have to work hard.
I take my dialogues for the next day to my room. I have exam fever everyday.
So when you sign a film the one clause is that you'll not expose...
Yes and now everybody knows about it. It's only after that is clear that I listen to my character.
So you are at peace...
Absolutely. 100 per cent!
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