Meena r starting as a child artiste in Tamil film Nenjangal. She has also crossed a milestone with 30 years as a leading lady across all the southern industries and also in Bollywood.
“When I noted that it’s been three decades since En Rasavin Manasile, it was my husband who pointed out that it was quite an achievement to still continue as leading lady,” says the actress. Meena speaks about working across industries, what she loved doing and more…
I guess I was able to deliver everything they wanted. Basically I liked to watch romantic comedies and light-hearted films, but I felt that unless you play something serious, people won’t accept you as a performer. Fortunately, I was offered all kinds of characters. I was actually discovering myself and it was beautiful to realise my potential. In Tamil and Telugu, I think I was able to give even the biggest superstars competition when it came to dance.
When I did films with Vijay and Ajith, they were just coming up. On the other hand, Rajni sir, Kamal sir and Prabhu sir were legends, and I was so young, just 14. When I was confirmed for Yejaman, as Rajini sir’s co-star, I couldn’t believe it was really happening. I was quite a happening heroine in Telugu first and the fan following there was humongous.
I still feel very bad about not being able to do Harikrishnans as a single-heroine film with both Mammukka and Lal. In Tamil, I missed out on Padayappa, Vali, Thevar Magan. I never portrayed a college student. Also, as a dancer, I was keen on a dance-oriented role, but never got the chance.
The audience mindset is changing, so I am looking for some real variety of roles with different thinking.
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