God’s own people

(clockwise) KPAC Lalitha, Dulquer Salmaan, Prithviraj and Manju Warrier



My recent trip to Kerala brought in unexpected riches in the form of a series of meetings with Malayalam actors. One encounter led to another and I had soon taken the Mumbai twang off my mother tongue and was conversing like a local, eating lots and lots of soul food and reminiscing about Mallu movies. In short, I was in heaven, in God’s own country…

I have admired her since childhood and meeting KPAC Lalitha was a dream come true. This mother of all thespians can give the younger lot a run for their money with one hand tied behind her back. Her performances in numerous films like Anubhavangal Paalichakal (1971), Venkalam (1973), Amaram (1991), Manichitrathazhu (1993), Shantham (2001) or in the more recent Snehaveedu (2011) make you want to revisit them time and again.  She may not be the central character, especially in her later films, but makes her presence felt all the same. Yet despite the various awards and accolades and her huge fan following, she remains a down to earth, humble person – much like the salt of the earth characters she portrays.

The drive from Alwaye to Ottapalam, amidst a canopy of swaying palm leaves was indeed a sight for sore eyes. Such fecund greenery is extinct in the concrete jungle that is Mumbai. The icing on the cake was meeting my favourite actress, Manju Warrier. This hugely talented actor had a 14 year hiatus in her career after she married Dilip while at the top of her game. Now, the newly divorced Manju is planning a return and has already made a name for herself with How Old Are You (2014). Her road movie, Rani Padmini, directed by Aashiq Abu, where another powerhouse performer, Rima Kallingal is her co-star, is nearing completion. The film would surely prove to be a landmark for Malayalam cinema and women-centric films as a whole. Can’t wait to see these two superb actresses in action. Aashiq Abu is by the by Rima’s husband and the low profile duo don’t behave like celebrity couples but like real flesh and blood companions. I like…

Loved meeting the charming Gauthami Nair, who was the winner of Filmfare Best Supporting Actor (Malayalam) for Diamond Necklace (2012). Besides being a promising actor, she sings like a dream and has a sharp wit to boot.  Met Nivin Pauly too, Kerala latest heartthrob, whose, Oru Vadakkan Selfie (2015), is being hailed as one of the best urban comedies to have come out in recent times. Down to earth and unassuming, he, along with stars likes Dulquer Salmaan and Prithviraj and Fahad Fasil are the way forward for Malayalam cinema.
These informal meetings, the road trip, as also the banana fritters and coconut gravies has whetted my appetite for more… Haven’t met up with Mohanlal or Mammootty in a long, long time… next time for sure.