When Asha Lakshmi gracefully danced with Maya Varma depicting her longing to see Krishna, the audience too yearned to meet him. Her elegant moves and expressions, to the rhythm of Khanashyaama vrindaaranyam…, a song from the movie Kochu Kochu Santhoshangal, on silver screen, left the audience spellbound. It happened to be one of the most awesome performances Malayalam cinema has ever showcased.
Lakshmi Gopalaswamy made her debut in Mollywood with the Mammootty starrer Arayannagalude Veedu but it was this dance sequence that made her the blue-eyed-girl of Malayalis. After all these years Lakshmi, who enlivened this role, seems to be struck by the dance muse. The charming danseuse is all set to do research in dance to explore its intricacies. Quite recently she performed at Ettumanoor temple during the festival. For the second time, Lakshmi performed at the temple a few days ago.
“Malayali audience has always accepted the dancer in me. That encouraged me to come here for more performances. They are a great audience. I am planning to do a research in dance — to bring some novelty in dance,” says Lakshmi.
On the other hand, Lakshmi is delighted with the reviews she received for her performance in Swapaanam when she came to Ettumanoor. It was a life-changing experience for her to be part of this Shaji N. Karun movie. She played the role of Jayaram’s wife. Though it was a small role, Lakshmi believes that it was a potential character. “Shaji sir is a legend. He has the knack to keep his crew inspired and work towards a common goal. As you know, he makes only a few movies, in many years. Becoming a part of such a movie was actually very lucky for me. I enjoyed playing Kalyani, a bold woman in Swapaanam,” she says.
Not only on screen but in real life too, she is a woman of substance. A graduate in women’s studies, she opines that media should fight atrocities against women. “It is good that they are reporting such crime. But, the media should do follow-ups till justice is achieved. They should not do it for TRP only,” she says.
Lakshmi is one of the heroines lucky to be paired with superstars of M’town. She has acted with Mohanlal in more than six films. Paradeshi, Vamanapuram Bus Route, and Keerthi Chakra are a few among them. About Mohanlal she says, “He is an amiable and charming person. He makes everyone around him comfortable with his presence. I appreciate his punctuality and compassion during work.”
A talented actor, Lakshmi says that she is now waiting for some exciting characters. “So far I have done many roles. Some were insignificant in the script. Now, I am looking forward to play powerful characters. If I get such a role I will go for it, even if it is a small one,” she concludes, revealing her dream of playing a role that would be cherished forever.
