A chat with Madhumita, woman-director …
Self-confidence, hard work, determination, involvement in career … that’s Madhumita! She has directed ‘Vallamai tharayo’, a Tamil film with actors Parthibhan and Chaya Singh in the lead roles. She shares with us how she got entry into a field that is dominated by males and how her parents and husband remain a source of energy to her …
“I was born in Chennai. I had my schooling in Indonesia. I did Film & video specialization in Singapore. I completed my graduation course also. I did direction course in New York Film Academy Universal Studio. I received training by working in many films of big directors including Stephen Spielberg. When I was studying in Singapore, I directed a short film ‘Abstract identity’. It received accolades from all quarters. It got me the ‘Best of the world’ award. My next film ‘Untitled red’ received the ‘Best social reform’ award from the Singapore Government. My 15-minute film ‘Yours affectionately’ was screened at the international film festivals in various countries and got me many awards.
My life from the year 1992 to 2006 was only in foreign countries. I am in Chennai since 2006 to fulfill my dream of directing a Tamil film. Director Goutham Menon took me as his assistant. I worked under him for his films ‘Vettaiyadu vilaiyadu’ and ‘Pachaikili muthucharam’. I felt confident about directing a film by myself. I readied a story. My parents’ concern ‘Giriguja film international’ gave me the opportunity to direct ‘Vallamai tharayo’.
My father Mr. Sundarraman was a bank manager in Chennai. He had acted in television dramas. He had written stories, novels and articles. For the past fifteen years, he has been the president of the business establishment of Thirisakthi Group in Indonesia. He is also the founder and president of the Tamil association there. My mother Mrs. Nalini Sundarraman had worked in ONGC, Chennai. She had worked in a shipping company in Indonesia. She is also a Tamil lover. My parents give all the support and encouragement I need for my career and growth.
