Actress Sheela: Ageing with grace

Kochi: Sheela, who holds the Guinness World Record for acting in the largest number of films as heroine with evergreen actor Prem Nazir, feels that well-narrated movies have to be promoted. According to her, her current movie Ulsaha Committee, directed by Akku Akbar, is one such film.

“I play an important character Rose Mary, a capable mother, who appears after interval. I am very happy to do such a character. This is a family entertainer and I believe everybody will like it,” says Sheela.

It is the second time Sheela is acting with Jayaram, after Manassinakkare, directed by Sathyan Anthikkad. The duo had entertained the audience in their first movie, which was a big hit.

Ask the veteran about their chemistry, and she says that Jayaram’s attitude can make everyone comfortable. “Jayaram is a versatile and humble actor. I like his attitude. Even though he is an experienced actor, he treats everybody working with him, even the light boy, with respect. Hence, it is very comfortable working with him and the comfort level shows on screen. It was fun working with him after a long time in Ulsaha Committee.”

She adds that though she played a mother in both films, the roles were very different. “In Manassinakkare, I played a weak mother, whereas in Ulsaha Committee, I play a very capable woman.”

The woman who has worked with two generations of actors feels that the current generation is blessed to have time to spend on each movie.

“During the earlier days, the number of actors was less. Hence, we worked like machines. But now each actor gets more time to think of his or her character,” she opines.

Sheela is currently working in a Tamil movie Palakkattu Madhavan, in which she plays a strong woman. “I have decided to be very choosy. I will not act if the character does not suit me,” she adds.

She totally dismisses the idea of acting on the small screen. Acting in serials is a hectic job. She has enough on her plate with her household responsibilities and hobby — painting. But, acting she plans to continue provided the character is challenging!