She is the new toast of the town who has swept the state of its feet with her defining role in Kalimannu but when I meet her at the studio Shweta Menon is playing the graceful real role of mommy dearest to her daughter Sabaina, whom she dearly calls Sabby!
Shweta Menon created quite a stir with the Kamasutra ad eons ago and once again shocked the culture cops of Kerala when her live delivery was filmed for the movie Kalimannu. Now six months after all the hoopla and its release, the lady is having her last laugh as the movie is receiving rave reviews that have put an end to all the commotion around.
As your father was with the IAF, how were your childhood Onam celebrations up North?
My childhood was spent in North India where Onam is hardly celebrated. The day of Onam used to begin at 4.30 am with my dad chopping veggies for aviyal and olan that used to be my favourites and mom preparing delicacies. The celebration continues till the evening with a visit to nearby temple and merriment with the Malayali Samajam.
Shweta’s Onam sadya as a child…..
I used to kill time restlessly waiting for my father to return from work with a roll of banana leaves in his hands. I used to have this big question for my father. ‘Why is there a prescribed pattern in serving sadya? As I was too young to grasp details, he said, ‘Sadya is like a choreographed meal’.
Celebrating motherhood, this Onam is special for you. How different is this festive season going to be?
Yes this Onam is dear to me as our family has a new member. The day will be set aside for a family get together with my parents coming down from Thrissur.
A better cook; you or your husband….
We both are quite good at it. Sreevalasan is an expert when it comes to preparing authentic Kerala cuisine. I am good at making North Indian dishes. For me cooking Kerala curries with coconut is next to impossible, the best I can do is frying pappads.
How do you react to ‘Kalimannu’ controversies….
People are already under the impression that the movie is weird and vulgar. It’s a movie that has got a U/A certificate. Yesteryears Malayalam cinema had fantastic scripts with strong characters portrayed by actresses, which was widely accepted by the crowd, if so why not Kalimannu. Keeping that aside how can the audience doubt the creation of a talented director like Blessy, who had gifted blockbuster movies.
Your suggestions for moviegoers who haven’t watched Kalimannu yet….
Before you label the movie as a cultural shock, please do go watch and point out the filth in the movie. It’s about the message of eternal bond between a mother and child.
A good response you got to hear about the movie…..
My husband was approached by a lady who said, “I’m so proud about the husband in you. You supported your wife in conveying a message to the crowd. This movie will hopefully make a difference in men who take pains of womanhood for granted.” It moved my husband.
You being busy with the promotions of the movie, talks are on about Sreevalsan quitting job for babysitting….
No that is absurd. Three months after my delivery he was totally around me and our baby, after which he continued to be a freelance writer. Wake up and smell the coffee people….he is not at home killing mosquitoes.
Upcoming projects…
100 degree Celsius, a semi commercial movie is ready for the release. I’m also back in track hosting the show ‘Veruthe Alla Bharya’ Season III. And rest of the time I’m busy replying to the comments and controversies of ‘Kalimannu’. That is taking a good share of my time.
Excerpt
Now if you get to do a Kamasutra ad, would you go for it?
Why not, but after trimming down a bit.
How did your mother react to the delivery scene?
My mother was totally supportive; in words and deeds.
Quickies
Once Sabaina grows up, if she finds that her birth had lost its privacy, how would you convince her?
I do admit that even as a newborn she had her rights. Like other child artistes who make their screen presence at a very young age without questioning their parents’ decision, she too will go with the flow. After all parents will never do something awful for their children.
After all controversies, a conclusion you have come to….
Referring to a few, I think Kerala is an opinionated place. People come to conclusions before they experience something, be it good or bad. Few women stooped down with uncouth statements for which I gave no response.
How does your baby cope up with your hectic schedule?
Days back I had to leave for Mumbai and couldn’t take Sabby along. When I was back, she threw some baby tantrums and I felt so hurt. At night as it was time for her to sleep, she gradually came back to me. Now I suppose she’s getting accustomed to it.
Photos : Tansen Ponsek