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TAKE TWO

`We have become fashion icons!'

Seetha and Meera Vasudevan take time off from a shoot to chat about films, TV and their hobbies

The blistering heat outside does not seem to dampen the cool disposition of actors Seetha and Meera Vasudevan, who are shooting at a remote farm house on ECR for "Penn," the new soap being aired on Sun TV. The friends, who shared screen space in the recent Mohanlal-starrer "Thanmathra", have quite a bit in common, whether it's their philosophy of life or their mischievous streak.

Savitha Gautam found out more during a Take Two recorded in between rehearsals and shots.

Meera: I think we first met on the sets of "Thanmathra".

Seetha (a smile lighting up her face): Yes.

Meera: We worked together only for a week, but there wasn't much interaction those days. Of course, you did give me some tips like hiring a spot boy.

Seetha (laughs): True. That's because you were doing everything yourself and working yourself tense.

Meera: But you knew my family long before...

Seetha: Your father-in-law, Ashok Kumar, was my first cameraman and I have worked with your husband Vishal.

Meera: But when we met again, I think we hit it off. It was like we had been friends for long. What made you accept "Penn"?

Seetha: Actually, I missed three projects with director C. J. Baskar, including "Chitti", as there were outdoor shoots and my kids were too young at that time. I did not want to miss this one. What's more, the theme of friendship appealed to me instantly. What about you?

Meera: Actually the daily, Dinakaran, wanted me to do it. And they were keen on roping in film actors. It was a big decision for me as I had a happening film career with several Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam films lined up. And then there were ads too.

Seetha: So, it's not too tough... handling the different mediums of cinema, television and ads...

Meera: Not at all. There are times when it's overwhelming and there are some tense moments. But I must thank my husband who is handling my career, at the cost of his. Seetha, do you feel people perceive you differently now that you are a TV star? And what has the transition from the big to the small screen been like?

Seetha: I would say the respect I get here is thanks to the fact that I worked on the silver screen before. With technology galloping at such a pace, we are all going to end up on the small screen only! Most important, with more and more people glued to their TV sets, we are gaining more visibility today. And people notice everything about us, the way we carry ourselves, the clothes, the jewellery we wear, the hairstyles...

Meera: Now, we have become fashion icons! (bursts out laughing) Also, there's plenty of competition and so much happening that many of us can be part of the medium and still have our own space.

Seetha: I agree. In fact, people told me that once heroines make a foray into the small screen, offers from the big screen dwindle.

Meera: But do you feel that TV has become a platform for actors whose careers are not happening on the silver screen?

Seetha: Not necessarily. I have three films (Bhagyaraj's "Parijatham," Pandiyarajan's "Kai Vanda Kalai" and a historical in Kannada with Shivrajkumar) coming up. However, if you feel your popularity is waning, then perhaps you should make the move. Also, having a foothold in both the worlds is better.

Meera: True. See George Clooney. He's a huge star and yet does "ER" for TV. Or for that matter Amitabh Bachchan. I think one can be successful anywhere. It's finally an actor's decision. Seetha, would you host a game show?

Seetha: (thinks for a minute) I don't think I can do it! Not confident...

Meera: What? Of course, you can handle it! (Seetha laughs) And you have all the confidence. Remember it's another role you don. If somebody offers us a game show together, we'll carry it off!

Seetha (with a smile): You can carry it off as you are a chatterbox.

Meera (laughing): You are different off screen, that short, cropped hair, no make-up. And that superb sense of humour! Anyway, you were a popular heroine and had acted with top heroes, when you quit the scene. Any regrets?

Seetha: No. Actually I was never interested in acting. I wanted to be a doctor. When offers came my way, I just accepted them and many proved to be hits. But it was not an abiding passion. I was happy to settle down.

Meera: Acting is a tough profession though it looks so easy on screen.

Seetha: Oh yes! Look at us now. It's 42 degree C outside. We have to wear silks and heavy jewellery, emote and remember our lines, all this under harsh lights (peals of laughter and then on a serious note) but we get used to it. And it becomes a way of life. Meera, what are your other interests?

Meera: I have learnt Carnatic music, but I love dancing. I have even choreographed shows. And the whole process of filmmaking captivates me. I watch films back-to-back. Will you get into production or direction?

Seetha: Not now. Maybe someday I might direct a short film on the visually challenged.

Meera: And what are your other interests?

Seetha: I do Tanjore paintings. In fact, it's like another profession. I learnt the art from my mother. I stick to the traditional form but I have improvised and tried out different themes like Rasaleela. My house is full of Tanjore paintings.

Meera (with a twinkle in her eye): How would you describe me?

Seetha: (thinks) Talented, straight-forward and (pauses) innocent. Your turn, now.

Meera: You are an inspiration, a complete woman. The only irritating thing about you is those horrible platforms you wear. And you'll look fabulous in formal trousers.

Seetha (in splits): Meera, being comfortable is important as also being confident that I can carry off a particular style of clothes.

Meera: Seetha, what's your philosophy of life?

Seetha: Everything that happens is pre-ordained. I believe in that Supreme Power.

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