TV-buffs' darling Ponnambili

Last year, the pretty actress Malavika Wales had decided to be a part of the serial takes Ponnambili takes broadcast on Mazhavil Manorama, believing that it would fetch her new image among viewers. Her intuition was right. Within a short span of time, the serial and the central character ‘Ponnu’ (Ponnambili) donned by Malavika has found a place among television buffs.

People like Ponnambili's boldness, and travel with her. With each episode, the fondness only increases. The offer to act in Ponnambili came to Malavika quite unexpectedly, thus the fame. “More people recognise me now. Now it broadcasts at 10 pm, which is not a convenient time for all.  I am happy to know that, despite all difficulties, people find time to watch the serial, especially young people and children.”

Maybe because its content is different from the regular soaps,” says Malavika, who believes that choosing Ponnambili was a right decision. “I don’t feel bad about that move. It is great to work with a good team,” she says, adding she will work in movies if she gets good scripts.

One reason that drives people to watch Ponnambili is the romance between Hari Padmanabhan (played by Rahul) and Ponnu. Malavika too concurs. “There are people who wait to watch just this! Now their love life is going through a rough patch,” she says.

Their onscreen chemistry is so good that people think they are lovers in real life as well. “Even my relatives and cousins had that doubt. Then, you can imagine what a common viewer would think of,” she laughs. “Honestly, there is nothing like that. We are good friends. He is very funny and friendly on the sets.”
The same pair will be seen in a Tamil serial as well. It will be broadcast on every Sunday on Sun TV. “They cast us in the lead roles after watching Ponnambili. The serial hasn't started running yet,” explains Malavika.

Venturing into serials has actually sharpened Malavika’s acting prowess. “This serial is like a study book. You have to deal with different kinds of emotions in one story. In fact, I am exploring the different shades in me through Ponnambili. It is not difficult for me to portray the character. In certain scenes, I could relate to her. For instance, in one scene Ponnambili's father dies. I could relate to that as I had gone through that situation in my life,” says Malavika.