SITHARA BACK TO TAMIL CINEMA

BY, KARPAGAM THYAGARAJAN

Over two decades ago, Sithara faced the camera for the first time when she was in Class IX. She was paired opposite two stars, Mohanlal and Mammootty, who still rule the Malayalam film industry.

During her career spanning more than 10 years, Sithara acted in many memorable Malayalam movies like Padippura (1988), Aryan (1988), Mukti (1988), Mazhavilkkavadi (1989), Jaathakam (1989), Puthiya Karukkal (1989), Naaduvazhikal (1989), Vachanam (1990), Orukkam (1990), Bhagyavan (1993), Chamayam (1993), Journalist (1993) and Guru (1997).

Later, she ventured into Tamil, then Telugu and Kannada films. Surprisingly, Sithara became instantly popular in Tamil with K. Balachander's Puthu Puthu Arthangal (1989). She appeared in more Tamil films like Chinna Durai (1999), Puthu Vasantham, Natpukkaga (1998) and Padayappa (1999), than in Malayalam. Panchapandavar (1999) was her last Malayalam film.

Sithara, who recently made a public appearance on the small screen as the judge of a reality show in Amrita TV which concluded recently, is now planning to make a comeback to the big screen.

Mirugam fame Saami's new flick Sarithiram will feature her in a prominent role opposite Raj Kiran. Shooting begins from the first week of September. Sarithiram, a story about the bravery of a Silambattam artist, will feature Aadi and Sreedevika in lead roles. Kalabhavan Mani, Karunas and Ganja Karuppu are other actors in the cast.

Sithara also seems to have plans to make a comeback to Malayalam films. Anyway, she should be willing to accept that her new innings would involve a lot of mature roles.