In a remarkably candid and introspective conversation, popular South Indian actress Varalaxmi Sarathkumar has shared her deeply personal journey of coming to terms with her parents' separation and the subsequent reshaping of her family. Appearing alongside her stepsister, Rayane R Mithun, on The Rayane Show, Varalaxmi offered a raw look into her childhood struggles, her evolving perspective on marriage, and the path to emotional maturity.
From Childhood Anger to Adult Understanding
Varalaxmi Sarathkumar did not shy away from discussing the intense emotions she grappled with as a child when her parents, veteran actor Sarathkumar and Chaya Devi, decided to part ways. The couple, who married in 1981, finalized their divorce in 2000. For young Varalaxmi, this period was marked by confusion and resentment.
She admitted that she initially directed her anger towards actress Radhika, who later became her father's second wife after he remarried in 2001. "I automatically accused Radhika as a child," Varalaxmi reflected, highlighting a common reaction where a third party is blamed for a marital breakdown. However, she emphasized that time, life experiences, and professional counselling helped her realize that her anger was rooted in pain, not in factual reality.
The Role of Therapy and Maturity in Healing
The turning point in Varalaxmi's emotional journey came with maturity and therapy. She credits counselling with providing a crucial insight: "relationships don't work" sometimes, and that is a reality of life. This understanding allowed her to process the separation not as a betrayal, but as a difficult decision made by two adults.
Her relationship with her father, Sarathkumar, underwent a significant transformation. The pure love of childhood had turned to anger post-separation, which intensified when he remarried. Yet, with time, these turbulent emotions settled. "I think I had forgiven my dad a long time ago," she stated, acknowledging that both her parents made choices that ultimately led them to happier, more fulfilled lives.
Building a New Bond with Stepmother Radhika
One of the most poignant parts of Varalaxmi's revelation concerns her current relationship with her stepmother, Radhika. She clarified that the issues in her parents' marriage existed long before Radhika entered their lives. This realization was key to dismantling her earlier dislike.
Today, Varalaxmi shares a close and positive bond with Radhika. She sees their evolved dynamic as a testament to maturity and understanding. Furthermore, she pointed out an extraordinary example of closure: Radhika maintains a decent and respectful relationship with Varalaxmi's mother, Chaya Devi. This, for Varalaxmi, is the ultimate sign of emotional growth and a healthy resolution for all parties involved.
Through her honest account, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar sheds light on the complexities of stepfamilies, the importance of coping mechanisms, and the non-linear path of emotional healing. Her story moves beyond celebrity gossip to offer a relatable narrative about accepting change and finding peace within reconfigured family structures.
