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'IFS was my ambition'
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Fresh from the success of `Udayananu Tharam', Meena tells on the set of `Chandrolsavam' that her parents are looking for that `Suitable Boy'.
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NOT FAR from the hullabaloo of a shooting site, Meena relaxes in a chair, immersed in Agatha Christie's `Sleeping Murder'. For Meena, who has some 45 films to her credit as a child star, all these should be a habit by now.
She was introduced in films by the acclaimed actor, Sivaji Ganesan. "I was doing my schooling in Chennai when he saw me at a birthday bash. I feel extremely proud to have been discovered by the legend."
She made her debut in Tamil as a heroine in Oru Pudiya Kadhai. Meena is a much-in-demand heroine in Telugu and also in Kannada. It was her role as a lovely young girl in `Santhwanam' that catapulted her to fame in Malayalam.
"I really want to do more films in Malayalam. But it happens not that frequently as I would already be committed to other languages when the offers usually come," says she.
Her latest release in Malayalam, Udayananu Tharam, has set the cash registers ringing in a really big way. She plays a film-heroine in the movie, called Madhumathi.
How close is the character to her, as an actress? "My character in the film is going through loads of stressful moments, off the camera. Of course, I too have heard such stories. But luckily for me, I never had to face such issues in my case."
She is currently acting in Ranjith's `Chandrolsavam', which has Mohanlal as her hero and is slated for a Vishu release.
She has been a celebrity throughout her life. How does that feel?
"I love the attention that I get. I do tend to be reserved with strangers, of course until I know the person better. But basically I am a friendly person."
If she had not taken the plunge into acting, Meena would have loved to join the Indian Foreign Services, "as I love to travel and want to see the world." After she opted for a career in films, she completed her post graduation in History. "Anyway, I always believe that being a part of the campus was one thing that I missed out being in films."
Which phase in her career was the best, as a child star or as a heroine? "The memories as a child are really fabulous and I still cherish them. And it is still more special as that phase is over now. Now, I do enjoy the grown up stint, as a heroine."
If she is not facing the camera, Meena prefers to spend time with her family. She also loves music and dance.
She has also learnt to ignore gossip, over the years, as it is bound to come with the celebrity tag. "It did affect me earlier, but I am used to such things by now," smiles she.
Is marriage on the cards? "Naturally, my parents are on the lookout for that suitable boy."What are the qualifications needed for her dream man?
"He should be sincere, understanding, faithful and should have a good sense of humour," describes Meena.
Her choice
Among her films, Meena chooses `Bharati Kannamma' and `Shock' in Tamil, `Seetha Ramayya Gaari Manavaralu', in Telugu, which was a turning point in her career, `Santhwanam' in Malayalam and `Swathi Muthu' in Kannada as "some of her top favourites, though every film of mine is close to my heart.
VIJAY GEORGE
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