'Kuttanpillayude Sivarathri', 'Oru Kaatil Oru Paykappal', 'Valiyaperunnal', 'Meow', 'Hridayam', and 'Tholvi FC' are some of her notable works.
Malayalam actress Asha Madathil recently appeared as Soshamma in 'Tholvi FC'. (Supplied)
Malayalam actress Asha Madathil is slowly and steadily building her career. She has acted in 11 films so far and her latest outing, Tholvi FC directed by George Kora, has won the hearts of the family audience.
Interestingly, she appeared as a child artiste in Mohanlal’s Doore Doore Oru Koodu Kootam (1986) directed by Sibi Malayil.
Based out in Dubai, Asha Madathil often visits Kerala for movie shoots and she enjoys travelling.
Though she had an exciting career at Jet Airways, Asha Madathil left the job in 2004. Now, she works with the advertising firm owned by her husband.
Some of her notable films include Kuttanpillayude Sivarathri (2018), Oru Kaatil Oru Paykappal (2018), Valiyaperunnal (2019), Meow (2021), and Hridayam (2022).
In an exclusive interview with South First, the Malayalam actress opens up about her journey in cinema and how she became interested in films.
A candid picture of Asha Madathil. (Supplied)
Asha Madathil acted in Mukundan Unni Associates (2022) as the mother of George Kora.
During the shooting of Mukundan Unni Associates, George mentioned the role of Shoshamma in Tholvi FC and asked her to play Shoshamma.
“George said it was a small project. The technicians were vibrant and enthusiastic. Also, they were younger than me. George knows the length of the character. It was a good experience working with the team,” Asha Madathil said.
About her role, the actress said Shoshamma is highly frustrated and connects it to her own generation.
“At one point, Shoshamma is of my generation (the late 1970s). Most of the women have been there. We were conditioned that way and were not rebels. All of us have faced failures in our lives,” she explained.
“Shoshamma is fed up with her husband but still loves her husband. He feels that his wife is on the wrong side. Many women could connect it to their lives,” Asha Madathil pointed out.
A director’s actor she is, Asha said she didn’t expect such wide acceptance and applause for her role in Tholvi FC.
Asha Madathil debuted as a child actor. (Supplied)
A mother of two boys, she says she highly appreciates youngsters and notes that today’s young boys are aware of the real issues faced by women in their homes.
The Malayalam actress observes that the emotional issues of women are being addressed of late. “As a mother, I discussed with my children about women’s issues and they are willing to give their best to address the same.”
Tholvi FC also deals with the growing smartphone addiction among children, and Asha Madathil asserts that it’s a huge concern that needs to be addressed immediately.
According to her, parents should create awareness (dos and don’ts, pros and cons) among their kids about smartphones. “They (smartphones) are useful and harmful too. While we can’t stop the internet boom, our children need to be explained the negative effects of mobile phones.”
Asha Madathil with actor Sharafudeen. (Supplied)
Interestingly, Asha Madathil mostly worked with new directors. But in Meow, helmed by Lal Jose, she had a different experience.
Lal Jose is a friend of her husband. The actress says Lalu Chettan (Lal Jose) is strict like old-school film directors.
When asked about her debut movie Doore Doore Oru Koodu Kootam, the actress admits that she didn’t know the seriousness of films at that age.
“I didn’t know Sibi Malayil sir, but we used to play games with actress Menaka then. We used to get biscuits, Upma, and lemon juice. It was my vacation time. We didn’t know the seriousness. We did whatever was told by the director,” she recollected.
Asha Madathil met with Mohanlal and Sibi Malayil after a long time. “When I was working with Jet Airways, I met Mohanlal in the airport. I was on departure duty then. So, we spoke for some time. I met Sibi Malayil sir when he came to Dubai to attend an event organised by my husband’s company.”
However, she hasn’t met Menaka over the years.
Asha Madathil on the sets of ‘Tholvi FC’. (Supplied)
Asha Madathil reveals that she got offers for several movies when she was 15-16 years old but dance was her priority.
But then, she acted in a jewellery ad helmed by Lal Jose after which she thought of getting back to movies.
She won the hearts of the Malayali audience with her performance in Oru Kaatil Oru Paykappal and Kuttanpillayude Sivarathri. After Mukundan Unni Associates, she seriously thought of taking up acting as a career.
The talented actress says she respects the fact that she is getting meaty roles without making any effort while many people are struggling to get an opportunity.
“I like the process of cinema. Now, I am playing different characters. That’s why I thought of turning acting into my profession. But it’s true that I lost many films since I have no “star” value,” she quipped.
Asha Madathil dreams of doing varied roles similar to that of Shobana in Thira (2012) and Andreah Jeremiah in Vetrimaran’s Vada Chennai (2018).
The Malayalam actress will next be seen in Philips and Kundanoorile Kulsitha Lahala.
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 19, 2024
May 18, 2024
May 17, 2024
May 19, 2024
