In a powerful narrative of resilience, Renu Sudhi, the widow of beloved Malayalam comedian and mimicry artist Kollam Sudhi, has publicly detailed her arduous journey from facing a vicious online witch-hunt to carving a self-made career in the public eye. Her story is a stark confrontation against the patriarchal norms dictating how a widow in society should behave.
The Onslaught of Cyber-Hate and Societal Judgment
Renu Sudhi's life changed irrevocably on June 5, 2023, when her husband, Kollam Sudhi, tragically passed away in a car accident in Kaipamangalam, Thrissur, at the age of 39. Soon after entering the public domain following his demise, Renu became a target for massive cyberattacks. The criticism was centred on her choice to lead an independent life and her presence on social media, particularly for posting glamorous reels and photoshoots.
She revealed that sections of social media launched a witch-hunt, accusing her of "bringing shame" to her late husband's name. The backlash was not limited to anonymous trolls; it came from close friends and family members who disapproved of her new path. Many demanded she stop all such activities, expecting her to conform to traditional, restrictive expectations of widowhood.
Building a New Life from a Rs 2,000 Beginning
Undeterred by the harsh criticism, Renu Sudhi decided to build her own identity and financial independence. She started her career by taking on jobs that paid her a meagre Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000. Through relentless hard work, she has scripted a remarkable turnaround.
Her achievements in a short span are noteworthy. She has acted in three movies and is part of a new film by director Joshy John. Demonstrating her financial independence, she recently purchased a new Swift car with her own money. "Although I don't have savings in crores, I am no longer in a position where I need to borrow money to survive," Renu stated, highlighting her newfound stability. She has also hired a young woman as her manager to handle her professional commitments.
The Bigg Boss Stint and Unfiltered Resilience
Renu's participation in Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 became a pivotal chapter in her public journey. Although she voluntarily walked out of the show on the 34th day, she believes her unfiltered presence helped mitigate the widespread negative campaign against her. "If I had stayed home back then, I wouldn't be the Renu Sudhi I am today," she reflected.
She acknowledged the unique opportunity, noting that while many contestants reach such shows after years of struggle, she was invited directly. She has no regrets about her exit, asserting, "I haven't lost anything because of Bigg Boss; I have only gained from it." The experience opened doors, including invitations as a guest for inaugurations, something she never dreamed possible.
Renu Sudhi's family includes her two children. Her husband, Kollam Sudhi, had a son named Rahul from his first marriage, and a child named Rithul from his marriage to Renu. Both children now live with her. Renu and Sudhi were each other's second spouses after their respective first marriages ended.
Looking ahead, Renu Sudhi has decided to remain active in cinema if good opportunities come her way. Her journey stands as a testament to defying societal prejudice and rebuilding life with courage and determination. She summarises her stance with powerful resolve: "No matter what anyone says, it doesn't affect me. I have tackled life experiences far greater than that."
