Jayaram, a prolific actor in the south has done umpteen number of films and still remains one of the go-to actors. He is one of the few artists who has his roots in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. So, it is a double dhamaka for him, as he celebrates Tamil New Year and Vishu with his close-knit family of four — his wife and veteran actress Parvathy and children Kalidas and Malavika. As he enters 30 years in this industry, the actor gets nostalgic about his grandparents and his childhood.
So, what does Vishu mean to Jayaram? “It’s a special festival for me — I would meet my grandparents and cousins and used to have a gala time,” he fondly recalls. Reminiscing his childhood, the Panchathanthiram actor says, “Vishu kai neetam is a gift of sorts from our grandparents wishing us prosperity, good health and happiness for the next year. Also, we offer vegetables, fruits and rice to Lord Krishna and get blessings from him. My grandparents would give me coins of 50 paise and '1, and at the end of the day, I would have collected '25 to '50 from the elders in the family! For two months, I would use this money to watch movies and take part in thiruvizha and circus!”
The actor also cultivates his own vegetables and fruits in Kerala. “I would offer them to the Lord this time. People have started growing vegetables and fruits on their own and I think each and every one of us should do that,” he explains. Talking about the gift for his children, he says, “When I was young, '1 had so much value. But, I believe that these days the amount doesn’t matter. I have preserved those coins and pass it on to my children as well!”
Jayaram adds that his parents made sure that he celebrated every festival and understood the culture and tradition. “My mother hails from Kumakonam and my father was working in Kerala. For the summer holidays, I used to go to Kumbakonam and celebrate Tamil New Year. I grew up in the village of Sirukudi, and when I grew up, I relocated to Chennai,” says the actor.
“One of us from our family would miss the festival due to work commitments. Fortunately, this year Kalidas is not working on Vishu, so the four of us would be celebrating together! My daughter Malavika, who is pursuing her final year in Chennai is on holidays too,” he smiles. What about Vishu sadhya? “My wife, Parvathy cooks very well and we usually keep it vegetarian. It will be a proper elai saapadu and my favourite dish is aviyal.” Family first comes indeed for this lovely husband and father!
