Lakshmi Lahari

For a male or female, life in the glitter world is like riding a tiger. You must continue whether you like it or not, says Lahari alias Lakshmi Lahari alias Lakshmi Sharma (in Malayalam) came to Hyderabad from Vijayawada to pursue her dream to become a heroine. But, she had to adjust making debut as “side-actress” in EVV Satyanrayana starrer “Ammo Okato Thareeku” (2000), for which she got a remuneration of Rs. 20,000. In the film College, again she played the second fiddle. Two years later, she realized her dream in a small film and that went into the oblivion soon. Later, she took the avatar as “Chiranjeevi gari Mena Kodalu” in Indra. Of course, that proved lethal dose to her advancement as heroine in Tollywood. She tried and tried like the proverbial spider but couldn’t build her web. Caught in the mire of anger, disappointment and vexation, she flew to Kerala, where she did 10 films as heroine, with 3 films ready for release and two more set for launch in the coming weeks. Her love for mother industry yet put her at the receiving end. She met almost all the directors and producers. Everybody was ready to offer her the roles of – heroine’s friend or sister, hero’s sister, or a character role. “I learnt Bharatanatyam for eight years and loved the big screen more than my life. But, misfortune continuously dogged me. It shouldn’t happen to our Telugu girls,” Lahari regrets with a curl on her lip (out of irritation towards Tollywood). In an exclusive interview to Idlebrain, this celebrity of God’s Own Country but shunned heroine of Andhra Pradesh, she reveals how Malayalam guys propose to her, about the dangers of Zero-size mania, and the necessity to have performance-oriented films for heroines instead of mere glam dolls. But, we don’t know why, she preferred not to make any mention to her performance as X class girl in Soundarya’s film Ammoru (1995)

When did you make your entry into Tollywood? And your background earlier?
I come from Vijayawada. My dad worked in the Postal department and mom, with APSRTC. Both were higher officials. They took voluntary retirement and we settled in Hyderabad six years ago. In Hyderabad, it was my avowed dream to become a heroine. I tried and tried and all my efforts were exhausted. The Telugu film industry was ruthless to me. I don’t have much to tell you from the glamour point of view. Just I started my career in Tollywood with EVV Satyanarayana’s Ammo Okato Thareeku (2000), not as heroine, but in some good role. I did films like College. Though I did lead female roles in the films Manamiddaram and Vacchina Vaadu Sureedu, they didn’t click. But, I had some solace. In Chiranjeevi gari film Indra (2002), I did the role as his Mena Kodalu (niece). Even today, most of the people, wherever I go, call me as Chiru’s niece. I am happy. Other than that, I don’t have any moment of luck or happiness. Fate was unfeeling to me. Of course, nothing deters me from realizing my dream. I am now happy with Kerala film industry. At least, I am one among the recognized heroines. Now, I am here in Tollywood to play a negative role. It’s just an experiment. The film is Oka Ammai Oka Abbai, launched a few days back. I believe that such characters are very much liked by the audience. But, storywriters and directors are not coming out with such roles.

What about your stint on the small screen?
What I couldn’t get on the big screen, I got it on the small screen. People still remember me as Durga as I did the title role in the TV serial Durga. Significantly, I come from Vijayawada, the abode of Goddess Kanaka Durga. ETV Suman garu liked my performance very much. At a time I was struggling to fight out the stalemate in my career bogged down disgrace due to offer of insignificant roles, the TV field came as a big rescue to me. It did resurrect my hopes as an artiste. My second life began with TV industry.

So, you left Tollywood due to lack of heroine roles?
Of course. Basically, I stepped into Tollywood to become a heroine. But, I was so flexible as an artiste that I got ready to do significant roles. What I mean by significant roles is that roles that can really help an artiste perform. But, most of the roles offered to me were the ones which actually contributed to my getting sidelined.

How did you enter Mollywood?
It so happened that I attended a screen test by a professional filmmaker in Chennai in 2005. Those photos and video footage impressed star Malayalam director Blessy. That way, I got the opportunity to set my foot in God’s Own Country. So far, ten of my films got released. Three are ready for release. Two are on the sets. Two are going to be launched soon. In 2006, I did the film Palungu, with Mammooty sir. I also did the film Ayuvu Rekha with Suresh Gopi. Kerala audience found a Srividya in me.

What is the main reason that you failed to achieve your heroine dream?
It’s in Telugu only. I can’t judge. But, I know this. Telugu audience like glam dolls as heroines. That time I was somehow reluctant to expose and I hardly exposed. You know the invasion of Tollywood by Mumbai models and Bollywood actresses. This influx is equally shared by Kerala Kutties. I frankly admit that these exports are doing absolute justice to their job. They are very glamorous compared to our Telugu girls. They are tall, sexy, wield sharp features. Above all, they are easily adaptable to ZERO Size.

Do you think you can make a comeback as heroine with Zero size?
Absolutely not possible. See my figure. Somehow, I don’t think I can succeed in the feat. Moreover, our (Tollywood) films are pucca commercial. For that purpose, I can’t go for Zero size. I don’t have permanency here. So, why should I risk. Moreover, maintaining Zero size has several ill effects on health. I think you know this. Doctors are warning against this development every day.

How different is Kerala film industry from Telugu?
It’s God’s Own Country. People are also very congenial and admirable. Basically, movies there are not commercial. They are more about family relationships. They hold concrete reality to real life. No need for inches of makeup. No need for artificial costumes. Everything, say more than 90% its natural there. The budget is not a big constraint there. Majority of the films are low-budget ventures. Almost all the films have their audience. In fact, the Malayalam Cinema has its universal impact, but rather silently.