A nostalgic comeback

Let’s rewind to a day 21 one years ago when actors Krishna Kumar and Shanthi Krishna were acting together in a serial. Both the actors at that time were very popular thanks to their mini-screen roles. On the said day, the crew was searching for a baby to play Shanthi Krishna’s daughter. Somehow, the conversation turned to Krishna Kumar’s daughter Ahaana, who was seven months old, whom the makers thought would be apt to play Shanthi Krishna’s daughter. Krishna Kumar consulted with his wife Sindhu and they brought baby Ahaana to the sets with every intention to cast her in the role. But a cranky Ahaana was bawling and screaming her head off that day, leading to the couple taking her right back home. This is an incident recounted by an all grown-up Ahaana now and she has a reason for this walk down memory lane.

Ahaana with Nivin Pauly.

“After 21 years, I got a chance once again to play Shanti ma’am’s daughter in the film Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela. More than a professional bond, a personal one was forged between us and I got to share some very special and beautiful mother-daughter moments with her on screen. I got goosebumps and had tears rolling down my cheeks when I watched our scenes!” A beaming Ahaana has just returned from watching the film with the audience and says the clapping and whistling far exceeded her expectations.

Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela looks at a serious subject in a humorous manner and is directed by debutant Althaf. What has been unanimously appreciated is the treatment of the film. 

Ahaana

Ahaana explains, “Right from day one, the hot topic of discussion among the cast was the core subject discussed in the film. The elevating point is the way the subject has been treated with absolutely no melodrama but with humour. Althaf has handled the subject in a brilliant way.” Heaping more praise on her co-stars, Ahaana says, “The protagonists of the film are Lal and Shanthi Krishna and the rest of us are all there to support them.”

Asked about the compliments coming her way, Ahaana gushes, “My parents watched the film and my mother said I was looking good. My father was watching my performance more than concentrating on the story, but he liked my acting.” A leading film critic, she informs, called her up and mentioned that she had great screen presence and Ahaana adds, “A good screen presence is essential for an actor.”

Ahaana with her father.

Ahaana is over the moon not only because her performance has been appreciated but because her long and patient wait to sign her second film has borne fruit. It has been three long years since her debut with Njaan Steve Lopez. Whilst other newcomers would have grabbed every opportunity, in an industry where out of sight means out of mind, Ahaana did not feel the need to be insecure or sign randomly. Ahaana’s logic has won and the sounds of doubting Thomases have died down. 

She explains, “At the beginning of an actor’s career what is important is visibility. It is no use if she acts in a brilliant movie but that film does not do well at the box office. Part of my hiatus was because of the fact that I was studying. But that did not mean that I prioritised my films any less. I chose to be patient and wait for a good project because I am very sure that films are where I want to be. I am not here to act in two or three films but plan to be here for at least 10 years. Hence, I am in no hurry to sign any and every film that comes my way. Short-term success is not my goal but long-term winning is and I am happy my patience has paid off. Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela is a brilliant film,” she says.

Not only is Ahaana drop-dead gorgeous with beautiful doe eyes, she has other important attributes — intelligence and good articulation. Things are looking up for her with a debut Tamil film to be announced soon. She is also in talks for some Malayalam projects. Indeed her idavela (interval) has been a fruitful one.