Veteran actress Sudha Chandran, renowned for her powerful negative roles on Indian television, recently shared a deeply personal account of her life's most challenging chapters. In an exclusive conversation, the actress, with a career spanning over three decades across multiple languages, revisited the tragic accident that led to the loss of her leg, a devastating seven-year period of unemployment despite winning a National Award, and the pivotal role that changed her destiny.
The Accident and the Power of Parental Support
Recalling the life-altering accident, Sudha revealed the profound despair she initially felt. "I really had no choice," she stated, explaining that for her, there were only two paths: to start walking again or to let her life be destroyed. She confessed there were moments she questioned why she was still alive. However, it was the unwavering support of her parents that became her anchor. She credits them as the sole reason she decided to keep going, emphasizing that their belief in her dreams gave her the courage to move forward. She firmly believes that if even one of them had discouraged her, she would not have found the strength to continue.
Her primary motivation became making her parents proud. Seeing their deep hurt and disappointment after the accident, she felt their dreams had shattered. "I prayed to God for just one chance to prove myself," Sudha shared, expressing her desire to show them that her life was not a failure.
The Seven-Year Struggle After 'Naache Mayuri'
While her debut film Naache Mayuri—a biopic based on her own life—was a critical success and earned her a National Award, it was followed by an unexpected and harsh struggle. Sudha pointed out, with a tinge of sadness, that while biopics are widely discussed today, many forget that Naache Mayuri was one of the first of its kind in India, where she played herself.
The real challenge began when several of her subsequent films did not perform well. "I was unemployed for 7 long years of my career," she revealed. During this period, she faced advice from people suggesting she was not cut out for the industry and should quit to pursue other intellectual avenues like the IAS or IFS. Despite being a post-graduate in Economics and capable of securing other jobs, she chose to wait, trusting herself, the industry, and her faith.
The Turning Point: Ramola Sikand in 'Kahin Kisi Roz'
The turning point arrived with a call from Balaji Telefilms. The offer was for the role of the negative character, Ramola Sikand, in the crime thriller Kahin Kisi Roz. At the time, Sudha was unsure, coming from a middle-class background and doubting her fit for a rich business tyrant's role. However, with no work in hand, she decided to proceed without questions.
She recalled asking producer Ekta Kapoor if she was sure about the casting. Ekta's conviction was unwavering; she promised Sudha that within six months, she would be the most talked-about character on TV. True to Ekta's word, the role of Ramola Sikand became iconic. The same industry that once advised her to quit later honored her with the Best Negative Actress award, which she considers a life achievement.
Reflecting on her career, Sudha expressed immense gratitude for the respect she has earned over 35 years. She noted that fans in the Hindi belt recognize her either as Ramola Sikand or as Yamini from Naagin. She feels fortunate to have become a household name without always playing the title role.
She concluded by acknowledging the vital role television and negative characters have played in her long-lasting career. She is a staunch defender of the TV industry, highlighting how it provides fame, money, and stability to countless people, and she always prays for its continued success.
