'I have an image and I don’t want to ruin it'

Twenty-eight years is a long time. Perhaps that’s the reason why the comeback of the 80s’ dream girl, Poornima Bhagyaraj, to Tamil cinema, courtesy director Suseenthiran’s film Aadhalal Kadhal Seiveer, has caught everybody’s attention. 

Upon meeting her, it’s evident that the yesteryear actress still retains the charm and vivacity that she brought to her many different roles. Who can forget her impeccable performance in Vidhi or Thanga Magan? Dressed in a simple red and blue churidar, Poornima sounds super excited flitting from one topic to the other. She recalls her last movie Mantri Gari Viyankudu and how she was offered a movie immediately, but had to cancel it because of her wedding.

After she married celebrated actor-director-writer K Bhagyaraj, Poornima quit acting and chose to work from home. Having worked in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam films, almost three decades ago, the actress says she chose to make her re-entry now as the offer came at the right time. “I liked the script and thought I could give it a shot. My husband and son (Shanthnu) had been putting a lot of pressure on me to act again,” she says, adding that the hype regarding her comeback took her by surprise.

Currently, she’s busy shooting for Jilla along with actors Mohanlal, Vijay, Goundamani and Kajal Aggarwal. “Mohanlal was my first co-star and I am really happy to share screen space with him again,” says Poornima. However, she is tight-lipped about the upcoming thriller, produced by R B Choudary.

Being the multi-tasker that she is, Poornima wears the many hats of entrepreneur, dancer, mom and actor with aplomb. She’s also active on the Chennai International Film Festival Circuit. Ask her how she manages all this and the pretty lady gushes, “Everything is like a challenge.” 

What excites her now apart from her movie projects is her business. Poornima says designing can be quite therapeutic and started Shree’s Ethnic Wear along with her brother’s wife. “I am free from responsibilities and hence able to concentrate on this. I specialise in embroidered designer wedding saris, blouses and I am happy with the way it is going,” she says. Her daughter Saranya (of Paarijatham fame), is also helping her.

Interestingly, Poornima says she doesn’t want to do any negative role. Ask her why and she says that it is not her cup of tea. “I have an image and I don’t want to ruin it,” she clarifies. So, is she comfortable in front of the camera? “I might have lost touch, but acting comes to me easily. I was a bit apprehensive initially, but now have got used to it. Once an actor, always an actor,” she says.

Of late, she is also seen on reality shows as a special guest. “I am enjoying every bit of what I do. As of now, I am focused on reducing weight. I do yoga and keep hitting the gym often. If I get the right kind of roles, I’ll continue acting,” reveals Poornima.

Any regrets? “I have always wanted to act with Kamal Haasan. But it never happened,” says the actress. On the personal front, life is beautiful. “My family is a wonderful gift. It has never let me down. I always tell my husband to direct a family entertainer like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, so that there’s a role for everyone in the family,” she signs off with a smile. 

(The piece was originally written for The New Indian Express)