Sujatha Kumar - Looking ahead(article)

Looking Ahead – Sujatha Kumar

She is the bitchy Sandhya of the English serial 'Bombay Talking' on Zee Caf. The sis of singer Suchitra Krishnamurthy, the lady is not just a mom but also does modelling, acting and organizes game shows for corporates. Multi-faceted, the lady everyone loves to hate, Sujata Kumar, plays her role with aplomb, controlling, scheming and plotting her way calmly, revealing the behind the scenes scenario of the film industry through her latest serial which aroused curiosity with its intriguing promos. But for Sujata, there's more to life than playing vampish roles and the lady is quite the opposite in real life, as we discovered in a chat with her! Fun loving, light hearted and bindaas, Sujata answers questions about her career, films and relationships, throwing several insights into some issues…Q: Tell us about Bombay Talking, which really got you noticed lately?
A: It's my first full length serial in English and I enjoy it since English is the primary language we all speak. We are like a family in the serial, despite showing the opposite on screen! The story is centered on the Bollywood film industry and is quite different from the current crop of saas –bahu stuff.

Q: You have done quite a bit of modelling too?
A: Yes, I have done around 45 ads in the past 3 years that I have been around and some nine odd films with bit parts. I started pretty late in life.
My strong point is that I can fit any sort of role. I did the role of a grandmom in Chi and Me, my first serial on TV. I was also part of Hotel Kingston and Rihaee. Three of my films are still to be released. But I am still looking for the part that will touch my soul. I would love to do crossover films.

Q: You don't talk much about your connection to singer Suchitra Krishnamurthy…
A: Yes, she is my younger sister but I don't believe in using family connections to get work. I have always been very low profile. I believe talent has to get recognized and it's my luck where I get work and appreciation. When I came here, I didn't know much about how the system works but I survived pretty well!

Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: I am a thorough professional and I would do several auditions for a role without any ego hassles. It's important to fit the look of the character so auditioning is an important part. I am also a bharatnatyam dancer but not a singer like my sister though I did attend singing classes in carnatic music.

Q:Why did you make such a late entry into the glam world?
A: I have been married 22 years and then decided I wanted to try something fun and what I enjoyed doing. So in a way I have taken a sabbatical from my marriage to discover myself. Marriage to me means being more than a flatmate to your husband. It has to be about companionship, caring and being looked after. I have a young daughter and have explained it to her. Being a 42 year old, I wanted to explore other facets of my personality and my stint in Mumbai as actor and model is part of that journey of self-discovery.

I guess it takes a lot of guts and honesty to be able to do this and lots of moral courage too. I didn't even know if I could survive on my own, after years of being a corporate wife! But my daughter knows I will not stop being a mom even though I maybe away for some time.

Q: What is the most important factor of a successful marriage?
A: I think it's all about having the right energy match between a couple. It's most important to be on the same wavelength. Maybe opposites attract but for how long? One should have a zest for life beyond just a career.

Q: What do you do to chill out?
A: I rest and just sleep when I have some time. I like partying with my close friends and watching movies.

Q:You have another profession that you practice as well. Tell us about that?
A: Yes, I have been organizing games for corporate houses for several years now. I create games based on a client briefing for groups of 100 to 2000 people. Creating something new each time is a challenge and a primary passion with me. So you see I have my hands pretty full with these dual professions which are both pretty demanding!