A comeback by design

She once ruled the roost in Kollywood and was a part of other Southern industries sharing screen space with the leading lights of that era. More recently Ambika was seen in the role of a co-director for the bilingual Nizhal and some TV serials. However, Ambika surprised many when she decided to turn a designer. She showcased her designer collection called Ambika’s Dream Collection at a swanky hotel recently. For Ambika, this was not an impulsive venture, but a culmination of an interest that started when she was quite young. She says, “Right from my childhood, I have been conscious about my looks and my dressing. In fact, my motto was that when I enter a room, heads must  turn.  My desire to be a fashion designer is inherent but my passion to become an actor was stronger. In every human being there is a talent that goes by the side and designing was that talent which I am pursuing very seriously now!”

Asked about the kind of outfits she has in mind Ambika says, “My collection is saris and why not? It is attire that has glamour and style so I thought of concentrating on saris. The good part is that I can focus on blouses and accessories too.” Ambika mentions that she used to wear her own creations as an actress, and that she favours bright colours herself.

She recalls the long hours spent during shootings when she used to sketch her designs, which though amateurish at best, could still be understood. She used to design for her sister Radha and now gives make-up and dressing tips to her nieces Karthika and Thulasi.

A way with words and lyrics was also a surprise discovery for Ambika who wrote the lyrics and choreographed the steps for the song Puss Maria… in Medulla Oblangata, which was the Malayalam remake of 'Naduvula Konjam Pakkatha Kaanom'. She also mentions her dexterity in writing in Tamil, Malayalam, English and Hindi. She quips, “At my age I have limitations in playing characters, so I have a lot of other avenues to explore!”

Ask her if she misses the silver screen, Ambika  says candidly, “You cannot take back time and you have to accept what you are! At 20 years, you can play a 70 year old but at age 70, you cannot play a 20 year old. I think about my heydays and feel happy.”

The Chennai-based actress spends a lot of time watching films. Talking about young filmmakers she says, “I prefer to call the movies as 3G movies! Film making techniques are good but I cannot digest the use of foul language. The new crop of youngsters are very talented, much more talented than in our times, but one hit film to their credit and attitude kicks in and tantrums start.”