I didn't want people's sympathy, I wanted their understanding

Mamta Mohandas, who has become a symbol of resilience after her courageous battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is making her comeback to Kollywood with Vijay Sethupathi's 50th film, Maharaja. Excerpts from an exclusive conversation.

On her role in Maharaja

My character is crucial! It is the guiding force for a motherless child who plays a pivotal role in the life of Vijay’s character.

The Vijay Sethupathi effect

Vijay is no stranger to me. His is a revered name in our household. I have immeasurable love and respect for him, not just as an actor whose films I have watched, but also for the person he is. He is grounded, mingling with everyone on the sets without demanding attention.

On lost opportunities

For a long time, I couldn’t get a proper script in Tamil. Then I signed Thangar Bachchan’s Karumegangal Kalaigindrana, which was released recently. I loved my character arc, as it was something I hadn’t attempted till then. I prepared well for it. However, due to scheduling conflicts and unfortunate delays, I could not take up the role that I was passionate about. But life moves on, and you can’t dwell on what might have been.

On fighting stigma

When I was undergoing treatment, there was a visible change in my appearance, and not everyone was understanding. At that point, I decided to take control of my narrative. I didn’t want people’s sympathy. I wanted their understanding. l got a lot of unsupportive sympathy from inside the industry. During casting exercises, even if I was considered by the team, managers of many other artistes would say ayyo paavam …that girl is taking treatment … Why trouble her?’ There were instances when I was overlooked for roles based on assumptions about my health. Such talk kept me out of Tamil and Telugu screens. Even when people close to me told them, ‘She is fine and working in Malayalam films’, it was disregarded. But I didn’t let that hold me back.

However, when I had a relapse, things became uncertain. I decided to not fight anymore, but surrender and embrace the situation. I took a ‘this too shall pass’ stand. I may have another relapse. But that does not mean I should stop living my life. This attitude helped me to grow as a person.

On the road ahead

I am open to challenging roles, including biopics. The life of actress Sridevi, for example, is a story that needs to be told.
Her legacy should be celebrated.