Cinema Has Taught Me to Accept Life as It Is

Over the last four decades, Suhasini Maniratnam has made a mark in the four southern industries while donning the hats of actor, director, and screenwriter. In a conversation with CE, she touches upon her journey, fashion, learnings, and more

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was the third 'unwanted' girl child in Paramakudi, a small Tamil Nadu town. It was the 1960s; everyone came and paid their condolences to my parents," she said chuckling. Everyone stared in awe as she spoke; over the last four decades, she has made her mark in the four South Indian film industries — both in front of the camera and behind. As Suhasini Maniratnam jovially conversed with Mohammed Ali Baig at Cinematics with Suhasini Maniratnam — part of the Remembering Razia Baig series organised by the Qadir Ali Baig Theatre Foundation — we were captivated in every sense.

"But my parents didn't look at me like the others did," she told CE in a candid interview after the event. "Women empowerment starts at home. My mother raised me to be independent and my father was progressive. He was the one who encouraged me to become an actress. I have been very lucky," expressed Suhasini, who is part of the illustrious Haasan family and is married to director Mani Ratnam.

But for Suhasini, riches have never been the first attraction. Instead, service and empathy are of utmost importance, which is why she set up the Naam Foundation, a non-profit organisation focused on empowering single women from underprivileged backgrounds. She says, "When you've 'made it' in life, you need to help others too."

Suhasini has definitely 'made it' — but her entry into the world of films was accidental.