Being Isha

Sruthi Lakshmi talks about her first state award and how her character in Pokuveyil is special in more ways than one

KOCHI: Isha is young, pregnant and unmarried – the eternal cliche that launched a thousand soaps. But the unwed mom in Pokuveyil doesn’t quite fit the tearjerker format as she is bold, modern and independent. The role that won Sruthi Lakshmi her first state award, the actress says Isha is special to her in more ways than one. “When the award was announced so many co-artists told me that it came as no surprise. I think except for me all others were expecting this,” she smiles.    

Isha is not your regular sari-clad whining queen and Sruthi says the USP of Pokuveyil was its realistic edge. The K K Rajeev directorial wasn’t built on non-stop melodrama, though the storyline offered much scope for that. “He wanted characters, their looks and emotions to be as natural as possible. And instead of spoon-feeding, he asked me to handle Isha the way I wanted,” she says. Shruti says Pokuveyil was a project she initially declined as she was busy with her wedding preparations.

“I said no to it with a heavy heart, but after my wedding it came back to me. I count myself luck for that,”  she says. The actress adds that if you are playing the lead in a K K Rajeev project you will have umpteen opportunities to prove your talent.  “Isha goes through different phases and emotions giving me enough space for performance,” she says.

Sruthi says her real and reel lives are poles apart and her personality is totally different from that of Isha. “I am not at all bold compared to her,” she laughs. But Sruthi is quick to add she fell in love with Isha during the shoot and it was very difficult for her when the serial ended.

“Isha stayed with me long after we wrapped up. For the next few months I browsed through YouTube watching episode after episode. Then there was this baby who joined the cast when she was just 15-days old. She stayed with me for some time and I was missing her as well.”  

Sruthi, who started her acting career opposite Dileep 10 years back, says Isha is the best character that came her way so far. “While I was doing films I was acknowledged, but now I get oodles of affection from the audience. For them I am more of a family member, not a star,” she adds.

The actress, who took a break after Pokuveyil, says she was waiting for the ‘right offer’. “After being part of a quality project I didn’t want to opt for routine, mediocre roles. But I am happy that I waited because now you will see me in another beautiful role in Avaril Oral that will soon go on air in Surya TV,” she winds up.

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