AN INTERVIEW WITH THE SPIRITED REVATHI SHANKARAN

I like to do contemporary themes. Traditional themes have no relevance today. I will narrate one small incident that took place sometime back. I was requested to do a 'Harikatha' for a gathering that consisted of what I call 'American Born Confused Desis'! The subject I chose was 'Valli Thirumanam' (Valli's wedding). I told the audience about the fertility tree. Traditionally, childless couples pray to the fertility tree. This might sound absurd, but there is a meaning attached to it. Under this tree we see snakes intertwined, which represents the double helix DNA gene structure. This signifies fertility. It is symbolic. Also the tree gives out oxygen, which is good for human beings. This again rectifies problems. It is nothing but nature cure. The crowd was surprised at my explanation.  I try to put in  contemporary thoughts into a traditional theme and present it in an interesting manner.

My most memorable one has been the one I did on M S Subbulakshmi. I presented her songs, her story in her presence on her 83^rd  birthday. It was a moving occasion for me.

While working at Doordarshan,  I got the opportunity to sing ad jingles. In fact, I have worked with A R Rehman on a number of jingles. K Balachandar came to hear of me and wanted to  meet me. I remember, I was very nervous when I first saw him. I told him that I will not look nice, as I used to be very self conscious about my appearance particularly my prominent  teeth. I was also very nervous about acting especially under a big director like Balachandar. He told me, whether 'you can act or not is for me to decide not for you to decide'. That's how I got into acting. He was my main motivator. He gave me all the support and encouragement I needed. In fact he was the one who motivated me to act in my first feature film titled ''Middleclass Madhavan' with Prabhu as the hero. He was the one, who motivated me to be the anchor person for the popular talk show on 'Raj TV'  called, 'Alli Durbar'.

Why not? If I get interesting offers, I will seriously consider giving it a try. I am a very loyal person. My first preference will always be for Balachander's Kavithalaya Films. Even if it is a tiny role I will always be willing to do it.

For me everything is predestined. Even this meeting with you is predestined. I don't want to be part of competition. If you are competitive your whole outlook changes. You are always in need of something. I have a lot to give. What you have, you will always have. Accept what you have.

I was the first one to start the trend of presenting a Bharatanatyam repertoire in Tamil. I do bridal mehendi. I do miniature paintings, when I get the time. I am house-proud and I love doing up my house. In spite of my hectic schedule, I have not employed any domestic help. My husband and I share the chores.