Malayalam cinema last saw Meera Jasmine in Kamal's Minnaminnikootam . After a long interval of more than a year, she is back in the reckoning with an author-backed role in Rajiv Anchal's film Paattinte Palazhi . Despite the change in scenario which saw the space for heroines shrink to almost claustrophobic limits, Meera was able to shine and sizzle within that space.
“Our generation of actors came into cinema at a time when it was difficult to find scripts with strong female characters. So I consider myself blessed to have got the kind of roles and directors who have given me a lot of space and characters, who, I hope, will stand the test of time,” says Meera.
Think Kamala ( Swapnakkodu ), Shahina ( Paadam Onnu: Oru Vilapam ), Raziya ( Perumazhakalam ), Aswathy ( Achuvinte Amma ), Kanmani ( Rasathantram ), Anupama ( Vinodayatra ), Deepthi ( Ore Kadal ), Meera ( Rathrimazha ), Krishnapriya ( Calcutta News )… and, you look at the petite actor with new eyes. She feels that Veena, her character in Paattinte Palazhi , is an addition to that list of memorable characters she has essayed on the screen.
“It is the role that matters to me. So, I waited patiently for a substantial and meaningful role. It is extremely difficult for a female actor to wait for such a role to come her way. One has to remember that the span of an actress is much shorter than that of an actor,” she says. Meera says as soon as she listened to the story from Rajiv, she could empathise with her character.
Enacting Veena
“I am like her in some ways; I work wholeheartedly to reach my goal, and, like Veena, I can single-mindedly pursue that. Moreover, it is a challenge to don such a role as it shows Veena in four stages of life — as a youngster, wife, mother and a woman who comes to terms with herself and her ambitions,” says Meera, who sports a new look for the film.
Meera says she and costume designer Deepa Chander worked on the costumes, as her character had to age in the film.
Moreover, it is not every day that a director in Mollywood goes into the finer nuances of costumes and colours.
“Even the hair style was decided by her,” says Meera.
“It is an intense role, and I have to thank the veteran stars acting with me for helping me fine-tune the nuances of the character.” Looks like Meera's wait has paid off!
