Namitha Mohanan
When you reach the silver light of Abhrapali, the scene will be alien to many people. Even those who came to cinema through the theater route rarely go back to the past of the stage. But even as she celebrates the National Award for cinematography, there is one actress who cherishes drama. The actress saw the stage as her soul. An actress who aspires to get into the character’s expressions in the intensity of the spotlight. Surabhi Lakshmi. For Surabhi, cinema is no reason to leave drama behind. Surabhi’s acting career continues to be prosperous due to her unrelenting passion for drama.
Yavanika rises
Surabhi’s first steps in acting were on the stage of local temples, small festivals and rural arts and sports clubs. Childhood scenes with Lord Sri Krishna and Subrahmanya. Later, when he came to Kaladi Sri Shankaracharya Sanskrit University for studies, he was commissioned to learn about acting and theater. Learning dance was the goal but realized that theater was the purpose of life. The roots of acting rose from the soil of the feet. She won the Kerala Sangeetha Natak Academy’s Best Actress Award twice. Academy Awards were for his performances in Fairy Tales and Folktales and Bobe Taylors.
“The first time I heard about the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award was when I was studying in class 8. I asked my teacher, Mini, how to get all this. The teacher said that these are the awards that are given to those who excel in drama…”, says Surabhi. Even though he was active in cinema, he did not give up drama.
The excitement of the arena
Surabhi says that the basis of her acting as an actress is drama. ‘ The strength and energy received from the theater has caused the actress named Surabhi to be molded. Drama is my strength.’ No matter what field of acting he goes to, Surabhi always has a desire to stick to drama. Therefore, whenever he gets a chance to act in drama, he does not hesitate and is very enthusiastic.
Surabhi says that the relationship between the co-stars in dramas will be deeper as compared to movies. After two months of hard work, a story comes to the stage. Everyone will be together as a family. There is no difference between big and small. Will stand with one mind. Once we reach the stage, nothing is in our hands. Everyone is working hard to get the drama up and running. Being seen on that stage and getting applause is not the only struggle of a handful of actors. It is also the result of association.
‘Haven’t you heard that the best works come from poverty’, there are often such cases in dramas. The budget of a play is generally not as big as that of a film. Therefore, there is always a sharing in drama. There’s a moment where everyone holds hands before the play goes upstairs, and it’s a great experience.’ Surabhi proudly says that it is something that only drama can get.
Full moon in fairy tales
Surabhi played the role of Pournami in the Sangeet Natak Akademi award-winning drama Yakshikatha and Nattuvartamanum. The helplessness of Poornami who is alone and the problems she goes through are presented very intensely. Pournami, who has to turn into a fairy and a sick person when the community approaches with the veil of protection. Fairy tales and folk tales were presented under the banner of Valayan Charangara Suvarna Theatres. In 2010, even before the sweet of the award, this drama and the actress had gained much acceptance among the audience. This character also won the award of Abu Dhabi Theater Fest.
Pearls at Bombay Tailors
Bombay Tailors is a drama that tells the story of Pirubhai, a tailor in a small town called Kavali, and Priya Thozhi Muthumozhi. The plot revolves around the problems he and his family face due to seasonal changes. Surabhi portrayed the life of Pirubhai’s friend Muthu Mozhi. The whole audience is taken into her life, her sorrows and joys become the viewer’s too. The play was presented by K Vinod Kumar’s Atithi Theatres.
A never-ending journey of drama
The discussion of Surabhi’s next play in the line-up is in progress. K Vinod Kumar, a theater teacher, is acting in Mash’s play. She is an actress who has even won the National Film Award for Best Actress. He is also active in cinema. But Surabhi is still excited in the arenas. That’s why the hype of that theatrical journey is still high.