I would love to play Adhiparashakthi again: Praveena

Praveena is known for her versatility as an actress and dancer.

She has proved her acting prowess in films such as Agnisakshi and Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum and also on small screen with serials such as Devimahathmyam, which aired on Asianet in 2008.

After a sabbatical, the actress has now made a comeback to TV with Kasthooriman, which began earlier this month on Asianet. We catch up with the actress for a candid chat to know more about her new show, her family and the adoration that her character ‘Adhiparashakthi’ from Devimahathmyam still receives:

Why did you take a hiatus while you were still busy in the TV industry?
When I was doing major serials in my career such as Devimahathmyam, I was unable to maintain a proper work-life balance. The schedules of the serials were extremely hectic and being the protagonist, I had to face the arc lights the entire day. Also I had pressure from the makers of several serials to complete maximum scenes in one day itself and that made me despise working in serials. When I reached home at the end of the day, I didn’t have any energy left to take care of my family. So, to give my time to them and get some relief from the demanding schedules that began early morning and lasted till midnight, the break was necessary.

What prompted the comeback?
Initially, when the makers of Kasthooriman contacted me, I was rude to them and rejected the offer as I didn’t want to go through that stress again. But I was surprised when they came home two months ago and narrated the story. When I came to know that the serial has been a big dream of the producer and he has been working on it for the past six years, I felt empathetic and agreed to do it.

The role in Kasthooriman cannot be tagged as a path-breaking for me but it is different from those I have essayed on screen. I play a dance teacher named Sethulakshmi, who is a mother of three girls. The role attracted me as I haven’t played one in my acting career.

The serial revolves around an art school at Thiruvananthapuram that was granted by the King of Travancore. Sethulakshmi, who respects the cultural heritage of the school, takes care of it.

She is a self-trained classical dancer. She earns her livelihood teaching the art form and renting the outhouse of her residence. Sethu had lost her husband at a young age and takes care of her family which includes her father-in-law Krishnankutty.

What are the changes in serials that you have noted since shooting for Kasthooriman?
The ambience at serial locations is still lively just like how it used to be in my younger days. Those days, we didn’t have any responsibilities and now being a married woman I have to take care of my family including my 16-year-old daughter Gowri. Earlier the makers of serials cast whoever they came across but now serials have casting auditions.

Despite Devimahathmyam being aired almost a decade ago, it still has a lot of fan following.
Devimahathmyam was one of the top serials on Asianet. While portraying the ‘Adhiparashakthi’ on screen, I didn’t understand its relevance. But once the serial concluded, I started getting positive feedback from the audience, who still congratulate me for my role as a goddess. They even convey their wish to see me again as a goddess. Recently, I talked to Karthikeyan sir, the producer of the serial, and we were recalling the days of shoot. He sounded emotional when he said, ‘Aa deviye njangal sherikkum miss cheyyunnu (We miss the goddess dearly)’. As our TV industry is now equipped with advanced technology and visual effects, I would love to portray the character again for the audience if I get a chance.

Is there any other role that you have enjoyed as much?
After

Bangalore Days

, I have been flooded with mother roles, which I enjoy because I am a mother of a teenage girl in real life. I believe that we start developing an inferiority complex only when we are concerned about our age. I had played the role of a mother-in-law in the Tamil serial Priyamanaval, which was also well appreciated. The role was a model that showed that a mother-in-law can also be a good mother to her son’s wife.

What are your upcoming projects?
I have acted in Prithviraj’s latest release. I am also part of Sharath Chandran’s Mayil, which is based on tribal people. I have a noteworthy role in it which is sure to stand equal to my role in Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum Pinne Njaanum. Another film I have signed for is Katha Paranja Katha.