Sadha opens up about casting couch, her film Torchlight and more

Actress Sadha who won hearts in films such as Jeyam, Anniyan, and Unnale Unnale is now ready with her latest Tamil film, Torchlight. This is her first Tamil film in three years. Her last outing was Eli (2015), and before that, it was Naan Aval Adhu (2011) which never had a theatrical release. Sadha then decided to shift directions for a while, she went on to be a judge in reality shows. The internet is giving away multiple spellings of her name, that’s when I decided to ask her what the original spelling is. She laughs and responds ”it’s actually Sadaa, but for films, it varies between Sada and Sadha”. In an exclusive chat with DGZ Media, Sadha spoke about her film Torchlight, her choice of picking projects and why we don’t see her in films so much.

Sadha you started your career with a bang. You have starred in over 38 films in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films. But why aren’t we seeing you in films these days?

Honestly, the film offers I got weren’t great. So I went against my heart and signed a couple film but I didn’t enjoy doing them. You kind of get film offers that don’t excite you and you end up doing them. I didn’t feel like working on such films after one point. I could not put heart and soul into it. And it wasn’t like I was out of work, I was keeping myself busy with reality shows.

What made you sign a film like Torch Light?

When director Abdul Majith approached me with the story, I was reluctant to listen to it, because it required me to play the role of a sex worker. Going by the characters I’ve appeared in films, people know that I’ve played the good girl on screen and I assumed they won’t accept me in this role. Later, the director insisted that I listen to the story. And I asked him to narrate it to me not once, but thrice. He did so, and all three times I had tears in my eyes. I still remember when I broke down.

I remember when the first -look poster was released I received so many negative reactions. If I dance and run around wearing a blouse and lehenga people don’t bat an eye-lid, but if I pose for a picture wearing a blouse and saree, people lose it.

The dialogues in the film are raw and real, people are sure to get shocked seeing me in a role like his. But I told him that I have a few limitations for the role. I conveyed it to him. I remember during the shoot of Anniyan, we had to shoot for the ‘Iyanargar Veetu Azhagi’ song, I had to wear a deep-neck heavy embroidered blouse. I refused to do it, so director Shankar got a brand new blouse for me. He was very kind. I am always clear from the beginning of the shoot of what I can and can’t do.

Do you think casting couch exists in the film industry?

Yes, for sure! I don’t entertain anyone who approaches me in a negative way. In my life, I have met people who first begin talking about films, and later shift the discussion to uncomfortable topics and I get the hint.

Even now my mother travels with me, it’s not that they don’t trust me, they think that want to be there for me. My mother often says ”Apna izzat aapne haath me hota hain” (the honor of a person lies in her/his hands). Your eyes can tell a lot about how you present yourself. Even if you show desperation, people will take advantage of you. My Family is the biggest strength.

How much do you think has changed in the film industry?

Honestly, nowadays people are welcoming women-centric movies, the audience has matured so much. They are a lot more receptive now.

What lies in your future?

I take things the way they come, acting depends on the projects. Otherwise, I will take another break, she laughs and signs off.