Nadiya Moidu: 40s is a great age for women

There are two perspectives in a relationship. For the most part, Indian films have explored and exhausted what love, marriage and even sex means from one perspective: of the male. What do women want? This question has been thought of as a mystery and spawned countless memes. In the upcoming anthology, Putham Pudhu Kaalai: Vidiyaadha, one of the segments, Mouname Paarvayai, deals with the relationship between a middle-aged couple, played by Nadiya Moidu and Joju George. Given that this segment is directed by Madhumitha, the question then is, should we expect some insight into the female gaze?

Joju definitely believes that having a female perspective—of Madhumitha—helped bring clarity to the portrayal of the relationship. “She was well-prepared to handle all the questions we had regarding our characters and the relationship. With respect to the shots and editing too, she had a lot of clarity. It made our jobs easier.” Nadiya agrees and states that the experienced Madhumita was “brilliant at her job”. “I think a woman’s perspective allows us to see what relationships are like from the woman’s point of view as well. I think this helps bring a different nuance to the portrayal.”

Nadiya explains that the segment is about a married couple and the ego and idiosyncrasies that are part of the relationship. “I am sure many couples will be able to relate to it—when they have an argument, when they have a go at each other, or when they compromise and give in. The story deals with those things.”

The middle-aged actor speaks of how she has accepted her age and of the opportunities she has been getting over the years. “I have always accepted that I am aging. We all are. Unfortunately, the men in our industry never seem to; it’s only the women who seem to face repercussions. So, I accept that.” She pauses and goes on: “I think this is the time for us ladies… I believe that it’s only after 40, when you are done with major responsibilities, that you are truly liberated to pursue what you want. This is when you can begin focussing on doing things for yourself, instead of for others.”

The compliments that have come her way include praise for her deceptively young looks. She laughs and says, “I always respond to them that only I know my age and how it makes me feel. Enakku kaalaila ezhundhukkum bodhu dhaan vayasu theriyudhu… Inga valikkudhu, anga valikkudhu. As long as I can hide that—well, kind of—I am happy.”

Joju George, speaking at the trailer launch event, had said that Nadiya had been his ‘dream girl’, while he was in college. “Dream girl is a dream girl,” he reiterates, laughing. “I may be 44 now, but I still feel like I am 22. It’s my good fortune that I am getting the opportunity to share screen space with such a superstar.”

Mouname Paarvayai, along with the other segments in Putham Pudhu Kaalai: Vidiyaadha, is scheduled for release this January 14.