Among all the numerous metaphors that can be subjectively given to cinema, 'The Wheel of Fortune' would be the most appropriate term that reflects Anjali Nair's existence in cinema. The Wheel of Fortune is not a surety of opportunities or luck. But it still gives the player the hope of a better tomorrow. Probably why, even after 140-odd films to her credit, not many might know of the talents and potential of actor Anjali Nair.
Over the phone, Anjali, who has accompanied her daughter and child actor Avani for a shoot, ponders over "the luck" that has now made her Sundari's (Sahasra Shree) Amma and Eeswaran's (Siddharth) Anni in Chithha. And the same good fortune had previously granted her a significant role in the much-celebrated Mohanlal film, Drishyam 2. "Drishyam 2 paved my way for Chithha. After a look test, director Arun finalised me for the role. When they mentioned the names of some well-known artists in the industry who were also considered for the role, I felt honoured and considered my selection as nothing but pure luck."
Anjali's role as the mother to the kidnapped kid in Chithha has won her laurels. In fact, this is not the first time Anjali has played the role of a mother. "Given the history of my earlier films, many people mention me as a luck factor for the kids, who go on to win multiple awards. Some have already predicted Sahasra will win all the top awards. However, I find all this talk about luck quite unlucky for me."
The film industry is subject to unpredictability, and as Godard once stated, it is a "beautiful fraud". However, from a more pragmatic standpoint, it is a fraud that creates different realities for people working the same job. Anjali points out how despite repeatedly playing a teacher or a mother, she has not yet been typecast. "Being typecast is a privilege. For me, it is my profession that provides for my survival. When people question why a State Award winner opts for insignificant or repetitive roles for income, I am always aware that life awaits beyond these reels. However, I am not here to insist on what should have been given to me; I am here to do what I have been offered, and I'm grateful for whatever the role comes my way."
When often offered the same roles, the deal lies in the intricacies of portraying them with distinctiveness. While most of it is secure in the actor's hands, sometimes the universe may have some other surreal plans. Interestingly, it was during the filming of Chithha that she realised she was pregnant. "On one of the shooting breaks, I came to know that I was carrying. That scene in Chithha where I fell on the road while chasing after Siddharth was all shot without me being aware that a heart was beating inside me." Explaining how she tapped into her own emotional turbulence to sail through Chithha, Anjali says, "Playing the role of Anni was both easy and challenging at the same time. It was like a space for introspection and reflection. As I have a daughter myself, I could easily relate to the role, but at the same time, the thought of what if I had a girl child again inside me and I had to bring her into a world that is not always fair to women was truly daunting."
The magic of cinema ensures that the honesty of an actor is translated to the audience too. The adulation to the film is an apparent testimony to the reverberations it has caused in the public domain. But can an artist still be recognised outside the realm of art? "I arrived in Chennai for a show and could only catch the film's last few minutes. After the show, I waited outside the theatre, hoping someone would recognise me and give me feedback on my performance. However, no one approached me, and I was left waiting for real-time validation. Eventually, one of my acquaintances who happened to be at the theatre approached me, and we spoke. Other than that, no one else recognised me," sighs Anjali.
The Wheel of Fortune is indifferent to one's questions and confusions. Its stops are random, leaving people to make sense of their surroundings, like what cinema often does to Anjali. "Despite my long tenure in the industry and collaboration with many notable personalities, I remain a stranger to many. But it is not the case for other actors with such a journey. I wonder if people could name more than five films that I have worked on."
Anjali excuses herself from the call to attend to her daughter Avani, who has completed a shot. "I am a proud mother. I hope, at some point, I would be known as Avani's mother...And I hope she will have films that people will remember, and she will not grow up to be a stranger." with a firm hope in that voice that reminds us of how the fortune wheel will never be about assurances. It is all about staying in the game and being on the move.