Actor Surabhi is as chirpy as ever. More so as she has landed a few more roles on the big screen. Ask this young and charming girl about her dream characters and pat comes the reply. “I prefer to do comedy films,” she says.
Her character in the teleserial ‘Kathayile Rajakumari’ garnered loads of praises but her journey to the big screen was not so smooth. With some prominent projects up her sleeve, it looks like the actor is treading a brighter path.
“I am simply thrilled when people still praise my character Sona in ‘Kathayile Rajakumari’. It shows how much even a small screen character can impress the audience. Definitely what counts is how deep a character has made an impact. It is better to don meaningful roles than act in mega projects with nothing much to perform,” says Surabhi who was chosen ‘Best Actor’ for the Amrita TV reality show.
“I did not get anything as worthy as Sona later on. My role in ‘Swapna Sanchari’, ‘Gulmohar’ did not create such an outburst but I have no issues. Something is always better than nothing. Be it the role of a sister, a friend or a casual lover, I am simply happy with them,” she says.
Her upcoming movie ‘Love Land’ will see her playing the lead. She would also be enjoying more screen space in ‘On The Way’,’Vasanthathinte Kanalvazhikal’ and ‘Kannadi Talkies’ where she would be donning the role of Sreenivasan’s sister.
‘Vasanthathinte Kanalvazhil’ was a worthy pick. Directed by V N Anil, the movie tells the story about Kerala’s political history of great patrons.
Donning a peasant’s role was not a cakewalk. We were shooting in the scorching sun with heavy blackened make-up. Shots would be called by 7 am and we would rush to the paddy fields where a major portion of the movie was shot. My character ‘Chirutha’ portrays a village belle of the 1940s.”
And was the experience truly wonderful? “No doubt. A budding actor should try a hand in everything value-oriented and genuine. The best thing that ‘Vasanthathinte Kanalvazhil’ gave me was the opportunity to meet and act with some greats, including Samudra Kani and Shari madam. Just as any other fan of these stars, I would closely observe their takes. I felt like being in an acting school run by two big teachers. At the end of the day I thoroughly enjoyed the outing,” she says.
Her tryst with acting began at a very tender age. “During our childhood days, a little money from our own savings meant a lot. Even I upheld the habit of making money by selling old papers and bottles from our storehouse. I would later spend this money lavishly in cinema halls. Movies and actors were always a fascination for me. I was later introduced to theatre and stage by my father,” says Surabhi who has completed her post-graduation in Theatre.
Of late she has plans to do a PhD in theatre. “The training at the theatre workshops is very helpful and moulds one into better performers. It’s a hardcore training that you undergo there. The live stage presentation drives off stage fright and helps shed inhibitions which prompted me to face the camera with ease. My dancing lessons were an added advantage,” she says with a beaming smile.
And why this craze for humour-tinged movies? “It’s because it’s in line with my character. I am not a serious person unlike any of my characters. No where can you see me in a sober mood. I love cracking jokes and playing around. I believe life is more easy that way,” she signs off.