Southern Silk Spells

I decided to dedicate this post to Vijayalakshmi(Silk Smitha)- popular south siren. This came about after watching Alaigal Oyvadhillai- by Bhaarathiraja. What stood out was the performance of Vijayalakshmi(I refuse to use any other name!)- a woman scorned and having undergone role-reversal (mid movie).. plays a pivotal role in helping out the good guys in light of their new prominence.

Bold and raunchy. An 80s Mallika Sherawat minus the attitude and society's respect, may be. I think she was a beauty surrounded by beasts. Our actresses had it hard and tough.. which may be why their behavior turned psycho at some point.. strange.. and strained. It can get pretty savage out there.. and only the toughest survive. The rest exist on drinks and drugs. Today is different. Last era's It gurl is boring in an era when you have to be a brat or get ridiculous to stay in the news. Today? The film industry still has hitches.. Alas, back then, they didn't have anybody's experiences to ponder upon and learn. Girls who wanted to make it big slept around and landed parts. Some were strong, some escaped. Some struggle to keep the show up and running.. and in the mad rush to keep body and soul together in the big, bad, world of movies- some don't make it. It probably starts small.. Get discovered.. get to Kodambakkam.. start work! And if you have "connections" it probably gets a lot easier.. First few years are brilliant.. And once you cross 25, you're at a crossroads-- Get going(highrisk) or go safe(marriage/retirement/the works). But the comfort zone is mistakenly assumed to be the high risk area- money rolls in, admirers exist, and with luck, good (supporting)roles come up. But also, sticking to glamor really helps, which would call for sleep-ins that now get to be routine. Else assignments would trickle away and those middleaged nothings go for younger chicks. Desperate, with image issues and bills coming up, gradually, alcohol becomes essential. Party appearances for "friends" with money and booze(essential!) turns into client-fulfilment(businessmen,actors,name it). Therefore, it comes full circle. What started off as fun- becomes a nightmare with no end. Zilch for money, love, and attachment, capable people like Vijayalakshmi chose not to give themselves another chance. To get mixed up with men who do not return feelings is hell. How I wish she had made some friendships. But yes, today's "it" statement would be- "I am not in the film industry to make friends."

I was much relieved when Rambha tied the knot. Here, atleast is someone who got lucky enough to survive! To get another shot would always make a difference, it's LIFE.

So coming back to Vijayalakshmi- Who, in a parallel life, would have probably turned out to be a shrewd, sweet, nice worldlywise 50 yr old today..you've left your mark! RIP.