Playing Ramola Sikand was a turning point in my career: Sudha Chandran
Veteran dancer and actress Sudha Chandran, who's made a comeback with Balaji Telefilms' Naagin season 6, is enjoying her new innings. She had been a part of the first three seasons of the popular fantasy drama and is back for the sixth season.
The actress became a household name for her portrayal of Ramola Sikand in Ekta Kapoor's TV show Kaahin Kissii Roz. Reminiscing about the time she was offered the show, Sudha says, "After Mayuri, I did a couple of films that didn't do well. People started calling me a one film wonder and it hurt. I was out ot work and when that's when Ekta Kapoor offered me a negative role in Kaahin Kissii Roz. Though I was reluctant, I accepted the offer and that was a turning point in my career. It gave me a new found recognition that helped me shut my detractors."
Chandran is a ray of hope for many specially challenged people who dream of showbiz. However, she says that getting into films was never her plan. "I was a dancer and films were a fascination. But the film industry was a taboo. My father wanted me to become an IAS. But I'm glad that I am here. I feel proud of being a part of this creative field where I am probably the only specially challenged person who is doing so well for herself. I'm happy that I've paved the path for others like me who too dream about getting here."
For starters, Sudha Chandran debuted with the Telugu film Mayuri (1984), which was based on her life- the road accident, her leg amputation and how she got a Jaipur foot and fought her way back as a dancer. Mayuri was awarded National Film Award – Special Jury Award at 33rd National Film Awards in 1985.
Though enough work is coming her way, Sudha wishes to do more films. "I do not live with regrets and I'm happy that i am doing good work. But i want to do more films; haven't done one post Malamaal Weekly (2006)... Now, when I see wonderful films with strong female characters, I wish I had done that role," says the 56-year-old actor.
On the work front, Sudha Chandran is back as Seema in Naaagin 6. She is also doing a Zee Telugu project and anchoring for a crime series for Dangal.
