As Namitha made her way backstage after a live dance performance in Chennai, a Sun TV anchorman asked her what she liked doing the most, and she surprised him by saying, “reading.” “Really? Wow. Who’s your favorite writer?” “Dan Brown is one of my favorites”, replied Namitha. “Which of his books have you read?’ he shot back. And without blinking an eyelid she rattled of all four of his books, more or less in the order they were published! Smiling at the Sun TV reporter who was looking visibly impressed, she said chidingly, “You’re were testing if I could name the books, right?’
“Have you always been fond of books?”
Namitha: “You know, I always carry a book with me wherever I go. It’s always there in my handbag. I may forget
my lipstick but never my book.”
BW: With your busy schedule how do you manage to get your reading done – you probably have to squeeze in time
for a book.
N: I take time out to read, even on the sets. When I arrive I’ll ask the crew first if I have a lot of dialogue. If they
yes, then I’ll work on memorizing the lines. If they tell me it’s just a few lines, I tell them I’ll just speak the lines on the spot and use the extra time to read in a corner and quietly catch up with my reading. I’ve been reading a lot on the different mysteries around the world, the different secrets and mysteries buried in many cultures.
BW: What’s your other passion?
N: I write poetry!
BW: That’s cool. .
N: Nothing that I’ll publish. I write for myself; for my pleasure. I also love to dance, it’s in my blood to dance. Every day - even at home - I have to dance for at least half an hour. It’s my way of unwinding.
BW: All this tells us there’s a Namitha who has a rich inner life, who reflects a great deal, and is philosophical.
N: Oh, psychology and philosophy is what I wanted to really study. Unfortunately, the college I went to do not have these courses, so I did English Literature and enjoyed it. But I continue to read a lot of books on psychology and philosophy. Once a month I go to Landmark- a really big bookstore in Chennai –and buy up a whole bunch of books.
BW: You have a strong sense of self and an active thinking life which calls for sensitivity, contemplation, and silence, so how do you balance this part of life with the demands of your profession in a very commercial industry?
N: I’m an actress –first and last. And as an actress my job is to wear different masks. Once I’m done on the sets, I remove this mask and become myself. Next day on the shoot, I put on another mask. I’m very proud I can do this – because it is a gift not given to everyone. To be different people. And in real life, I’m a quiet person. I talk and laugh but there’s an inner silence I’m very aware of, and that I listen to.
BW: That’s an interesting and insightful answer.
N: Thanks! You know, the TV show I’m in - Maanada Mayilada - revealed who I really am to the people. It told them I’m not a bimbo or an item girl but a real person with deep feeling and thoughts. I’m grateful to the people in the show who’ve become like my family. I enjoy going to the studio – I go early so I can spend more time with all the folks there. It’s like being part of a community.
BW: What about friends? Do you have some special people you talk to, share things?
N: Oh all my best friends are back in Surat. Whenever I need to talk, I call them. They just know from my tone what my mood is.
BW: Suddenly, you’re career has revived. You’re doing heroine roles. How do you feel?
N: Elated. Excited. I owe it all to my fans who’ve been with me through thick and thin. Not many people know this but my fans recently performed a paal abishekam for me to celebrate my presence in Billa. I couldn’t believe it. They called me and said, “Ma’am we want to do this.” And I said: “Why not! And it was so fantastic. One of my most memorable days.
BW: We’re sure it was also your hard work, determination and intelligence. So, what next?
N: Oh, I’d love to do strong character roles. My fans say I have it in me and I’m thrilled they feel I can do greater things. Indira Vizha is my next movie. I’m the heroine there. In Perumal, I’ll be playing a rowdy girl in a half saree and glasses! I’m looking forward to what lies ahead for me.
BW: Nothing but great stuff, we’re sure. Anything you’d like to say in particular?
N: Well, I’m socially very conscious. I’m really troubled about how little civic sense many people living in Indian cities have – just spitting on the road. There’s that saying: “In America you can’t spit in public but you can kiss, in India you can’t kiss in public but you can spit! I’d like all of us to be more civic minded. Be sensitive to the environment. And just one social message to everyone out there: don’t drink and drive, please - there are people waiting for you at home.
BW: Any special message for your fans all around the world?
N: I’d like to deeply thank them for all their support. Though I’m from the North, and Surat is my home, Chennai and Tamil movies are like a second home to me now. My adopted home, really. And I’m thrilled to be part of this vibrant film industry – particularly at this time when Tamil cinema seems to be at its most exciting phase. It’s lovely that all of you take so much pleasure in watching our movies there, and I’m sure for many of you watching Tamil cinema from as far as Canada, must be like revisiting home.
