KEEP SELF RESPECT
Veteran Arathi In Vibrant Mood

Interview - CNB                Photos - K.M. Veeresh                   Date 24-01-2006

As the age catches the stage of sage level reaches. This is true in the case of admirable actress of yesteryears Aarathi. She speaks like the real 'Bharathiya Naari'.

We caught up with Arathi after the preview of her maiden directorial venture 'Mitayi Mane' (Candy House).


Excerpts of an interview:

What is the purpose of making this film 'Mitayi Mane'?
The purpose is to bring awareness that child labor is wrong. There are 62 million children affected with this child labor.

In a place like India with rural population this is unavoidable?
Effort should be made through this media is bringing it down. In the name of drought, poverty, hunger children are given hard work instead of giving education.

It seems you have seen everything from your own eyes….
My elder daughter Yashwasini also saw this increasing attitude in most of the houses. They say by keeping kids for work they are doing service to the nation. The dialogue portions in the film are what we have seen from our own eyes.

Why you have not thought of solution to this child labor?
I don't know the solution. I am not able to arrive at answer to this flaw. See in Fairy Tale everything good happens, in dream anything may happen but when it comes to reality the situation let her face it is obvious. Whether it is German or any tale this mentality is seen all over the world.

Do you think the media is on right path in focusing such issues?
It is not doing it. Most of them are entertained based. They say you use so and so cream you will become fair. It does not happen but the wrong attitude to convince goes on. Media bombarding should not be there.

What plans you are making to release this film?
This is a new attempt. This cannot get a big theatre. In PVR we are releasing this film.

Do you agree that the days have changed?
The changes are not too much. When I often used to come to Bangalore from USA I was happy despite being the fact that we are backward. Off late I feel disturbed because it has grown rapidly. The location, hero and heroine concepts are same. But I have tried to come out from the framework.

Yesteryear films are not running in the theatres?
I know we cannot make a film like 'Shubamangala'. While the hero of today is fully dressed the heroine is given a minimum costume.

Why are you not accepting films to act?
My second daughter is studying 10th. Let me see in future.

You would direct some more films?
Not in my money. Anyone interested they can come forward.

What do you suggest this film media?
Come out from illusion. The intentions of making films should be good or you can lead the life like this it can show. Mere entertainment is not the responsibility of this film media. One should not depend on artificiality. Each one has to keep up his self respect.