Manorama

Every person's life is a plan of god. The saying holds true for Manorama, aka Aacchi the exceptional woman who has over a thousand movies to her credit..! It is indeed a very rare achievement.

Aacchi has set trends not only in humor but also in histrionics, entertaining Tamil cine fans world over. If today she holds sway over the audience, it is not only because of her hilarious presence in movies, but also because she has held her own, amongst stalwarts like Shivaji Ganesan, M G Ramachandran, Gemini Ganesan and other popular actors of the southern screen.

Hailing from Rajamannargudi in Tanjore District, little Manorama had to leave her hometown with her mother under tragic circumstances. They settled in Chettinadu where she was hurled into the strange realm of theatre. Her talent and commitment enabled her to blossom.

1958 saw her entry into tinsel town with Malaiyitta Mangai. Manorama had arrived..! Jil Jil minds, as a character whose contribution to the success of the movie was no less than that of Shivaji's.!

"Shivaji was like the insurmountable Himalayas. I'am extremely fortunate to have interacted with him." Reminisces Manorama, with intense reverence for the legendary actor gleaming in her eyes.

The role she played as Prabu's Mother in Chinna Thambi is etched in our memories forever. As is her role in Chinna Kounder. No wonder than that innumerable award from the four different state, Film Fan awards, Kalaimamani honour, National award (Puthiya Paadai) and Padmashri award has come calling. She has acted in all four South Indian languages and in her lone Hindi venture, Kunwaara Baap, a film by Mehmood. She has also acted with all the four Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu..!

There is almost no role that Manorama has not portrayed / She even acted as Mother Teresa in Satyaseelan! The only role that she had never played was that of a eunuch. Her desire to do the same has now been fulfilled. "I want to convey to the society that they are not objects or ridicule, but human beings with feelings like ours. Why should they suffer for no fault of theirs..?" queries the consummate actor with genuine concern.

"Our generation of actors considered our profession as a supreme calling," she say, "The shooting spot was our sanctum sanctorum. Even today, when I report for shooting, I pay obeisance to the ground where the set has been constructed before I start work. The film director's instructions were like the Bible to us."

"Today" she continues, "I see that the world of cinema is throttled by the stranglehold of vulgarism and obscenity. The movie director has lost his respect. Artists should remember that ours is the only profession where the artist continues to live on in the minds of people, even after the leaves this earth. Why should we demean such a profession..?" She queries. "Today, cinema reflects the society, which is in a rapid state of flux. We cannot and should not stop technological advancement. But we can still decide to give our best if we keep ourselves within the protective cove of our priceless culture and heritage." She adds.

Source : The Hindu, Saturday, November 1, 2003

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