Padmapriya discloses how she ate gobi manchurian disguised as chicken for a scene in Mammootty-starrer 'Karutha Pakshikal'
Chennai, June 13
Actress Padmapriya, who delivered an outstanding performance as Poongodi in director Kamal's Malayalam film 'Karutha Pakshikal' 18 years ago, has now penned an emotional post, recalling the experience of playing the role in the critically acclaimed film.
Taking to her Instagram page to pen the post, Padmapriya wrote, "Eighteen years ago, I became Poongodi - barefoot, unconventional and vibrant."
She further said, "Karutha Pakshikal brought me close to realities around us like no other character. Living in dust and dirt for days until Poongodi stopped being a costume and became a person. To find her I spent time loitering on the streets of Bangalore, my home then, watching 'the real Poongodis', at bus stops and traffic signals, how they laughed, held their children, carried whole worlds we drove past without a glance. Her dignity, her refusal to be small, I borrowed all of it from them."
The actress then went on to disclose an interesting secret about the film. She said, "Between the grit & the grace, this film also had many joy-filled days. Like the great biryani conspiracy. I'm vegetarian, for a scene where I had to devour chicken biryani, our art director sculpted piece after piece of "chicken" out of gobi manchurian till it looked right. The whole unit was in splits while I ate my biryani undercover like a gobi-star feast."
Padmapriya turned nostalgic and said, "Also on that set, quietly assisting Kamal sir, was a young AD who'd go on to become one of our finest, @aashiqabu."
She concluded the post saying, "Under #Kamal sir's direction & DOP Sukumar lens, I learned what cinema can be when it refuses to look away. The awards that came and didn't come aren't where the real prize rests. The laughter, fearless @instamalunair who broke our hearts in every frame, the gloriously chaotic set, that's the real gift I carry."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Such a beautiful, honest post. It's rare to see actors talk about the unglamorous side of filmmaking - the dust, the dirt, the "doing whatever it takes" to get the scene right. And that assistant director bit? Says so much about how talent gets discovered in Malayalam cinema. Kudos to Kamal sir and Padmapriya for keeping it real.
The gobi manchurian conspiracy - best behind-the-scenes story I've heard in a while! As a fellow vegetarian, I can totally relate to that struggle of making "mock meat" look convincing on screen. Great to see actors acknowledge the smaller moments of joy on set. Makes me want to watch Karutha Pakshikal again. ✨
Honestly, Padmapriya's reflection is so moving. She didn't just act - she lived the role. Watching "real Poongodis" at bus stops, learning from their dignity... that's what sets great actors apart. And how sweet of her to remember the young AD who was just starting out. Shows the kind of generous spirit she has. 💫
I appreciate Padmapriya's artistry, but I have to say - sometimes the industry's glorification of "suffering for art" feels a bit much. Yes, dedication matters, but actors should also be comfortable. Still, the gobi manchurian bit is gold, and I'm glad she's sharing these memories. Good perspective piece overall.
This is why Indian cinema is so special - that blend of raw realism and
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