Exclusive: Mayuri Actress Sudha Chandran Remembers Singeetham Srinivas Rao
Film personalities from various industries have been remembering Singeetham Srinivasa Rao for his contributions to cinema. Bharatanatyam exponent and actress Sudha Chandran who made her acting debut with the film, Mayuri (1985), remembers the legendary filmmaker as her ‘father figure.’
Singeetham insisted to cast Sudha in ‘Mayuri’
Sudha Chandran is a globally renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and actress whose inspiring life story became a global symbol of resilience. She lost her right leg in an accident on her way from Trichy to Madras in June 1981. But after two years, she returned to dance and performed. After listening to her heartwarming story, director Singeetam wanted to make a Telugu film Mayuri (1985) and wanted to cast her in the lead role.
“I never dreamt of doing films because I was only a dancer and didn’t know anything about acting. But Singeetham Sir insisted that I do the film,” Sudha recalls. “When I came to Hyderabad from Mumbai for the story narration, I felt homesick, and started crying. I have never stayed out of Mumbai. But Singeetham sir made me comfortable. He has put me at ease and clearly explained how he wants to shoot the film. His clarity of thought and narrative style made me give a shot. He was instrumental in me taking the acting plunge.”
Sudha Chandran created history
Sudha made history in Indian cinema by reprising herself in the lead role in the film, Mayuri. It’s the first time a real-life personality has starred in their own biopic. She describes Singeetham as her first guru and a father-figure. Since she was new to acting, the legendary filmmaker taught and made her understand the nuances of acting.
The director treated her like his daughter, and said that if she didn’t like the acting, she could always go back to Mumbai. “He kept me busy with the filmmaking process throughout the movie. He explained all the technicities and creative things involved in the process. I thoroughly enjoyed working.
Apparently, Sudha cried on the last of shooting of Mayuri. “Singeetham Sir asked me ‘Why are you crying now? I said I enjoyed working with him and for the film so much that I don’t want to go back to Mumbai.”
National Film Award for Mayuri
Post release, Mayuri was a blockbuster. The film went on to win National Film Award – Special Jury Award for Sudha Chandran, apart from winning 14 Nandi State Awards – the most by any other Telugu film. It was later dubbed and also remade in many languages.
Today, Sudha is known for her remarkable resilience and versatile work across multiple regional film industries. But the actress owns everything to Singeetham. “If I am an actor today, it’s all because of Singeetam Sir’s encouraging words. He said that I had an expressive face and shaped my cinematic breakthrough.”
Also Read: Jr NTR, Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu, Chiranjeevi Pay Tributes to Singeetham Srinivasa Rao
