Veteran actress Suhasini Maniratnam made surprising revelations about her early career experiences with megastar Chiranjeevi during an engaging session at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. The actor, who is both director Mani Ratnam's wife and Kamal Haasan's niece, shared candid moments from working with the Telugu superstar in films like Manchu Pallaki (1982), Kirathakudu (1986), and Aradhana (1987).
From Camera Assistant to Leading Lady
Suhasini described feeling initially intimidated by traditional film sets, particularly the Vijaya Vauhini studio environment. "One thing that intimidates me is the typical film set," she confessed during her discussion with Khushboo Sundar. "When they say silence and everybody goes silent, you don't know what to do. You kind of forget and you become paralysed."
The actress revealed her unconventional entry into acting, having started her career as a cinematographer. "I was a cinematographer and I didn't know acting — I learnt it slowly on the job," she explained, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from behind the camera to facing it.
Chiranjeevi's Transformative Guidance
Suhasini recalled a pivotal moment during a Telugu film where she played a comical role without dialogue in a scene involving six actors. "I was standing behind the chair, I had no dialogue. Every time somebody said something, I gave a reaction without saying anything," she described.
Her subtle performance caught Chiranjeevi's attention, but not in the way she expected. "Suddenly, Chiranjeevi looked at me and asked, 'What are you doing?'" When she replied she was acting, the megastar delivered crucial advice: "You are the heroine of the film, you aren't a junior artist."
This moment became a turning point in her understanding of commercial cinema dynamics and character positioning.
The Adjustment Period for Both Actors
Suhasini shared another revealing anecdote about their first Telugu film together, where she played a scene involving rangoli. "I was supposed to be doing a rangoli. And then Chiranjeevi comes and stands, and I gradually look at him and say, 'Oh, you are watching me'," she narrated.
The transition from crew member to co-star proved challenging for Chiranjeevi as well. "He saw me as a camera assistant for a previous film. And now, the girl behind the camera was his heroine — he couldn't even digest that," Suhasini revealed with amusement. "A girl who was putting reflector for him was his heroine, he even says that today."
During rehearsals, when Chiranjeevi suggested she look at him more casually, Suhasini humorously reminded him of her acting pedigree: "I am Kamal Haasan's niece, you forgot that? I grew up with an actor in my house."
Her natural performance in the scene ultimately won Chiranjeevi's approval, with him affectionately calling her "Donga Pilla" (thief), indicating she had mastered the delayed reaction technique essential for double takes in acting.
The IFFI 2025 session titled "The Luminary Icons: Creative Bonds and Fierce Performances" on November 21 provided these fascinating insights into the early dynamics between two significant figures in Indian cinema, showcasing how mentorship and professional relationships shape artistic journeys.
