SUDHA CHANDRAN, who hosts the re-launch of Crime Alert on Dangal TV, speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about how her journey has been, roles that attract her and upcoming projects
How did you come on board for Crime Alert?
It was Bhagwan (Kale) sir who called me and wanted me on the project. I agreed because first, it was a rather interesting concept and second, I had been doing negative roles one after the other and was looking to do something different that had realism to it. Crime is a subject that needs to be looked at in-depth since the percentage is on the rise. We have become insensitive to what we read. What we visualise, we find a connection. Here, we are using entertainment as an eye-opener to make people aware of what is happening around them. Anchoring this show has been an eye-opener for me as well.
How did you end up a producer and an anchor?
First, I want to say that I never thought that I would become a producer but the channel gave me the opportunity to be one. This is something new that I have explored. To being, with, they asked me to anchor my own production. But then I had become a bit busy. However, now I am on board with them. In fact, they gave me two opportunities; I also never thought I would be an anchor. But here I am, being an anchor thanks to Bhagwan (Kale) and Manish (Singhal) sir, the owners of the channel. I only saw myself as an actor/dancer. To be a host is a wonderful experience.
What was your reaction when you were offered to host and be a producer?
These were two genres where I had no prior knowledge about. For me, when it was suggested that I turn a producer, my reaction was where would I get the money from. I could not put all my hard-earned money in the series. When I met the owners, I told them that I would like to produce one. They guided me and gave me the confidence to go ahead.
What was the most shocking lesson you learnt as a producer and host?
We all read newspapers and watch news. But sadly, we only see the headlines. We are not personally connected to the crime that takes place. While hosting the show, one can’t be emotional to the subject; one ha to have a straight face and tell people what has happened in a dispassionate manner. Through this show, we want to tell people that as citizens, they too must take responsibility to understand the crime and talk about it. We can’t be dependent on the police all the time. We can’t turn a blind eye to the crime taking place in the country because we are personally not affected.
You started with films and now TV. How has the journey been?
It has been wonderful. It was never a straight line but I enjoyed every phase of it. This is because I always took things in a positive way. Even when I was at the low point of my career, I had expectations that I would rise again and be given an opportunity to showcase my talent again. God has been kind to me thus far. I am extremely thankful to my audience who accepted me every kind of role that I have done.
Why and how did you get into acting?
My life story has been told in Naache Mayuri or Mayuri (Telugu). I would say that it was the first biopic film. It saddens me that when we talk about autobiography films today, nobody mentions it. It was not only the first biopic to be made, it also starred the person acting her own life. Today’s biopics don’t have the actual person enacting their life’s story; an actor is chosen to play the real-life person. This is depressing.
How did you get this film?
It was because of Ramoji Rao (producer of Mayuri), he owns Ramoji Film City. He saw me dance with an artificial limb. He always wanted to make different kinds of films. He read about me and thought it would make for an interesting human-interest film. He felt that if I played the role of myself, it would be more genuine. That’s how I came on board the movie and ended up acting.
What kind of roles attract you?
No actor can vouch that a certain character will be good or not. I personally feel that one can’t predict which role will be a turning point in one’s career. I have always played good role and then I did negative roles and people loved me as the vamp. I would not have survived in the industry for 25 years if I had turned down the negative roles that came my way.
You have been part of Tamil, Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu and, Gujarati, Kannada even Bhojpuri films. How did this happen?
This happened at a time when you don’t get work and I started exploring regional cinema. I loved doing these movies for a couple of reasons. First, they have a wonderful storyline. Second, they are extremely professional in their approach.
You are a dancer, an actor, a host, a producer, and a judge. The role where you are most comfortable.
I don’t want to be in a zone where I am comfortable because then you take yourself for granted. In order to explore new things, one must move away from the spot where one is most comfortable.
What next?
I am doing a show for Zee Telugu, this has been on for over a year. With Crime Alert added to the kitty, my 30 days are full.