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Playing many parts
Priya Mahalakshmi... mature approach to acting
SHE IS a chartered accountant and a costing expert, pursuing a degree in management, a small screen actor and anchor of `Jaya TV Live' ... and she talks non-stop. Meet Priya Mahalakshmi, the doe-eyed heroine of STAR Vijay's new mega, "Kanmani." (Monday to Thursday, 8 p.m.- 8.30 p.m.) It's not always that you come across a cheerful and genial actor like Priya. She is a pleasure to converse with. Then why does she shed so much tears on television is the inevitable poser. She laughs. "I am as much against this unwarranted sobbing on screen as you are ... though I liked my role in `Amma,' my grouse was that they made me cry too much in it. But in `Nilavai Pidippom,' it is a mischievous role that I do and in `Raja Rajeswari' I play a lunatic. And again in `Aasai' it is a totally positive character. Within the ambit, I try to do a variety of characters," she justifies.
Anchor to actor
Priya began as a television anchor, when director Solai Raja offered her a role in the serial, "Kazhugu," telecast on DD. It was then that Geetha Kailasam of Min Bimbangal spotted her, after which there has been no looking back. "Kanmani" is Priya's first mega on STAR Vijay. Earlier the "Piriyamudan KB" segment directed by Vasanth in which Priya played the protagonist had been aired on the channel.
"Even as I listened to the character I play, I liked it. Kanmani is intelligent and a strong character and that's what I like about her," says Priya. Kumar Raja who had directed "Kavyanjali," wields the baton for "Kanmani." In fact, it is the "Kavyanjali" slot that "Kanmani" has taken over.
She is elated to be acting with Charuhaasan. After a hiatus the experienced actor has taken up a role in "Kanmani." "There's so much to learn from him ... the expressions that he's able to convey with his eyes are a treat to watch. He has terrific screen presence ... " she goes on.
Responsibility to viewers
Now that Priya pins so much hope on "Kanmani" if it turns out to be run of the mill, she is bound to be disappointed. "No. I don't think that's going to happen with "Kanmani." In the past whenever I did not quite agree with the way my character was shaping up, I would sit with the director and frankly explain my point of view. In most cases they have been receptive. Like, showing the woman as a doormat is not acceptable to me. I think of the viewers, first. We have a responsibility towards them ... the message you send across is important," is Priya's mature observation. If her resistance proves futile what can she do about it? "I can always get back to my auditing and accounting full time ... " is her counter.
She still interacts with people through her live weekly show on Jaya. And despite her busy shooting schedules, Priya takes up auditing work on a project-wise basis, and continues to work for the firm where she apprenticed. Having so many diverse jobs on hand and attending to each successfully means that Priya is an organised person. "On the professional front, yes. But come and see my room at home ... it's a mess," she chuckles.
MALATHI RANGARAJAN
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