Powerful Seethalakshmi aka P.S.Seethalakshmi.

Powerful Seethalakshmi aka P.S.Seethalakshmi. Many will not even remember this name but if you see the photo instantly one could recognize the villainous “Akka” for evil NAmbiyar in “Enga Veetu Pillai”. Yes the same character artist P.S.Seethalakshmi. We typically hail or praise popular names like Manorma, C.K.saraswathi, Sundari bai, S.N.Lakshmi & other mom roles by the famous Pandari bai, MVrajamma, KAnnamba, Shanthakumari etc but Seethalakshmi is no way less to the above. She did act in several movies portraying variety of characters be it serious roles like “Aandavan kattalai” where in she played Nadigar thilagam’s Mother or quite funny role in “Annamitta kai” doing comedy with NAgesh & MAnorama or evil athai akka roles like Enga veetu pillai, Shanti nilayam etc. I’ve always wondered about this lady how easily she could shift genre in her acting. Amazed by her talent closely observed her acting in many movies and every time I was impressed even more. Thus was her acting capability. The movies where she paired with VKR were hilarious. During 1960’s every movie had Seethalakshmi doing a role be it a mother, comedian’s mother, aunt, sister and what not. Thus she was a must cast in the films of 60s. Seethalakshmi started acting at the age of 8. At young age she met Netaji Subash Chandra bose and expressed her love for independence and how she admires him. She acted in the drama organized by muthuswami nadir troupe staged at the INA camp. Having started acting then she continued it due to family circumstances (family of 11 members) That’s when she acted in all drama troupes of that time KRR’s, MGR, Sivaji, SSR and many others. Her acting was well received in several dramas staged by MGR Drama troupe. Raveendhar(you can spot this name in many MGR movies as the dialogue writer) wrote 2 wonderful plays “Inba Kanavu” & “Advocate Amaran”. She was punctual for her rehersals and her dialogue delivery impressed everyone including MGR. Climax scene of “Advocate amaran” is still remembered by Drama lovers where in Seethlakshmi stole the show by her emotional acting discovering MGR as her son. While acting in drama she did do small roles in films as well. You can spot the young lean seethalakshmi as the devoted servant for K.Malathi in A.S.A Samy’s 1955 film “Needhipathi” She continued in Stage plays. Her dramas like Vengayin maindhan, Veerapandia kattabomman,Neethiyin nizhal, kalam kanda kavingan in Sivaji’s drama troupe were quite famous. She played the Vellaiyamma role in the Veerapandia kattabomman drama. Seethalakshmi was famous for the controversial lullaby scene in the drama “Udhaya sooriyan” where in KAlaingar Karunanithi played the hero and Manorama played the heroine. The lullaby scene was banned every time it was staged. Her comic scenes with NSK, Kuladeivam rajagopal were well received by the audience in many dramas. She toured with Nadippisai pulavar K.r.Ramasami to Malaysia for 3 months. They staged various dramas as much as 650 shows . Nadigar thilagam always used to praise Seethalakshmi’s natural acting. Seethlakshmi bought nadigavel M.R.Radha’s famous drama “izhandha kadhal ” ”இழந்த காதல்” and staged it again as all women drama (all characters played by women) and well appreciated by M.R.Radha & K.A.Thangavelu. She was offered variety of roles by MGR, Sivaji, SSR. To list a few Enga veetu pillai – Nambiar’s sister and MGR’s step mom. AAndavan KAttalai – Sivaji’s mother Thenum palum – as Nagesh’s mother who takes care of Sarojadevi Thirumalai thenkumari - K.D.Santhanam’s wife Annamitta kai – VKR’s wife Shanti nilayam – Kanchana’s Aunt Thayilla pillai – Nagesh’s mother She was awarded “Kalaimamani” by Jayalalitha. Seethalakshmi was married to editor perumal who died in 1978. Currenty her sister’s daughter is taking care of her. Seethalakshmi continued acting in 80’s and 90’s too. Last notable role was in “Naan petha Magane” and her last film was sedan. She did few serials but not interested and last when media contacted her at her house in saligramam she did seek Government’s help. Not sure if she received any help. The reason I chose to write about her is to bring to light how talented she was and her tenure in the filmdom was not miniscule. She acted along greats like KRR, MGR,Sivaji,SSR,Gemini Jayalalitha & Many more in so many powerful roles yet film fraternity did forget her. Heard the new nadigar sangam team is sending her some pension which is a good news to hear. I pray to god that she stays healthy & gets all the help she needs and anyone reading this article if you know her residence or location please let me know. We can all help this talented artist who entertained us for a long time in all her movies. Will be back soon with another artist. Rajesh Lavanya