Potpourri of tidbits about Tamil cinema - Rajasulojana

Q: They say that you’ve acted with five chief ministers …!

A: I’ve acted in films the scripts for which were written by ‘Arignar’ Anna and ‘Kalaignar’ Karunanidhi. I’ve sweet memories of those days when I mingled with them. And, I had acted in more films along with N. T. Rama Rao, MGR and Jayalalithaa. I feel happy and proud to think that my friends in the industry had ruled the states of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

Q: About your family …

A: I’ve married the son of the then popular director P. Pulliah. My marriage with P. S. Rao took place at Guruvayur in the year 1963. We’ve one son and two daughters. (Rajasulochana’s husband died in 2005) My son Shyamsundar is working in a software company in US. His wife Sucharita is the daughter of director Bhimsingh. My daughters Devi and Shree are twins. I’ve grandchildren too. Shree is also working in US. As both my son and daughter are in America, I visit America frequently.

Q: You produced some films and you were running a dance school also …

A: I ran the dance school for a long period of time. I had organized dance dramas and programs in many countries. My husband started a film production company. He produced many films and directed a few of them too.

Q: Can you share with us some of your unforgettable moments …?

A: Please believe me, daily some unforgettable event is taking place in my life! During the shooting schedule with MGR, when it became late in the night, MGR would send some of his men as security for me till I reach my home. Sivaji used to teach us acting and it would be a delight to undergo moments of ‘learning’ from that legendary actor. He involved me in social service also and encouraged me in that field. ‘Puthaneri’ Subramaniam was a poet whom I can never forget in my lifetime. He taught me accuracy in Tamil pronunciation and also taught me to speak Tamil fluently.

Q: Tell us about your film friends …

A: I’ve a big circle of friends in the industry. When I am in Chennai, I’ll be in touch with my friends through phone and also I meet them for chatting. When we meet at functions, we exchange sweet memories and enquire about the well-being of each other. Sometimes, we go to functions together. I share my feelings and experiences with artistes of my period like Anjali Devi, Sachu, Rajashree, Jayanthi, daughter of ALS, M. N. Rajam, B. S. Saroja, M. Saroja, Saroja Devi, etc. G. Varalakshmi, Savithri and Devika who are not with us today were also my friends. They also would share everything with me.

Q: Have you any idea of returning to cinema?

A: I am getting offers even today but I am not accepting any.

When I suggested to Rajasulochana to write her experiences as a book, she gave a smile for reply. I took leave with the request that she should have another round in the celluloid world as well as on the small screen. The film industry and television should utilize the histrionic talents of this noted artiste who remains fresh and energetic even at this age.