Warm and jovial, a 'great mother' for juniors

Film and theatre fraternities were deeply saddened to hear about the death of Vaishali Kasaravalli in Bangalore on Monday evening. With over 100 movies and a number of serials to her credit, Vaishali had carved a niche for herself in direction and acting.
Actor and director Dwarakish describes her as a `great mother' not only to her family but also for young artistes.Recalling his association with her in the movie `Kittu Puttu' in 1976, Dwarakish said, "If Vaishali had been taller by an inch or two, she would have been the top heroine that the Kannada film industry had seen. Her dialogue delivery was marvellous, without any mistakes. I knew her family very well and Vaishali never wasted her time or talent.''
As director T N Seetharam says, Vaishali was the most talented theatre artiste he has ever seen. "I saw her first play `Hayavadana' written by Girish Karnad in 1972 at the Ravindra Kalakshethra. Her acting was much better than what everyone had imagined. Such was her talent." Seetharam offered her a role of the mother-in-law in his first mega serial `Mayamruga.' "She was very lively yet very disciplined. She always appreciated good things and a very good director. We have lost a very precious gem of Kannada theatre."
Actress Tara, who acted with her in several movies including `Yaarigu Helbedi,' remembers her sense of humour. "I used to call her Vaishu Amma. She was involved while facing the camera. Once the shot was okayed, she was in her elements, keeping her colleagues in splits. Such was her nature.''
Actress Sriraksha, who was closely associated with Vaishali for the past 16 years, says, "Vaishali was very warm with an open heart. She was always jovial. About 13 years ago, she and Girish selected me as Best Dressed Lady at a function and I was thrilled. We wanted to do a serial, with her as director and produced by me. There are no words to explain her talent."