THERE'S NO ME WITHOUT MOM

MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL

THERE'S NO ME WITHOUT MOM

… Says actress Karthika Nair, who believes no one but her mother, actress Radha, would forsake films when she was at the peak of her career to go the family way

Parvathy S Nayar

The mother scorched the screen in the South Indian film industry in her heyday, the daughter is a rising star in filmville. On Mother's Day, actresses and mom-daughter duo Radha Nair and Karthika Nair share with Kochi Times the special bond they share and what they mean to each other…
KARTHIKA: I'M ENJOYING
THE RESPECT MY MOM
EARNED
For actress Karthika, the fame and footing her mother, actress Radha, had in the film industry sunk in all its depth only after she herself entered filmdom. "With 150 films and the tag of a hardworking, successful actress to her credit, it is not an easy decision to give up a successful profession to go the family way when you are at the peak of your career. But my mom did just that. She knew her priorities well; and to this day, she has no regrets quitting films, fully aware of the fact that she could have made it bigger had she stayed on," Karthika tells us, adding, "How can I not admire her?"
And now, when she herself is making waves in the film industry, Karthika says it's she who is enjoying the respect her mother earned in the industry. Asked what career guidance her mom gives her, Karthika says, "She never interferes in my work; and she has this theory that from the time I enter the sets, I'm the director's child than actress Radha's daughter. She never accompanies me to the sets; though, she is around the first two days to ensure that I'm comfortable with everyone and everything around." The best thing she likes about Radha is how she deals with people. "You got to learn the art from her," Karthika says. "She is lovable, down-to-earth, yet, knows how to handle people the way they have to be." Radha is her best friend too. "For me, a holiday would rather be a chill out with my mom than with my friends. That's how close we are," Karthika says.
RADHA: I ONLY FORCED HER TO TAKE UP DANCE
Radha, on her part, says although she was strict with her three kids, she never forced them into anything they didn't like. "Except classical dance," she says with a laugh. "As a child, Karthika loved to dance, but was lazy to learn the classical dance forms. That is the only thing I've forced upon her; and now, she won't regret learning it." Karthika doesn't disagree either.
Radha says she doesn't mentor or guide her daughter's career. "Why should I? Times have changed; today's youngsters know how to make it on their own. Of course, her film background has helped; but that has just aided in a smooth entry. How she sustains in the industry is her sole responsibility," says Radha, adding, "Karthika is my eldest child. Ever since I got busy with my two younger ones, she's been doing things on her own. I'm sure she'll go miles and fare well in life."
parvathy.nayar@timesgroup.com

MOMMY DEAREST: Karthika Nair and Radha