"She is so used to the arc lights that she cannot think of a life without films," could be the most apt quote to describe Tamil veteran actress Manorama, popularly known as Aachi (Grandmother). It is worthwhile to scan Manorama's golden years in the Tamil cinema world, as she completes 50 years in films in 2008.
It was not an easy climb for Gopishantha (Manorama's original name) to become the supreme comedienne Manorama in the history of Tamil films. She was born on 26th May 1943 at Pallathur near Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu. Quitting school after Class VI, at the age of 12, she joined a traditional folk art group as a singer. The name 'Manorama' was given by the harmonium player of that group. 'Palathur Paapa', as she was fondly called, was soon into amateur drama. Later, S.S. Rajendran invited her to Madras to act in Kalaignar's drama 'Manimakudam' (1958), the success of which established her as an actress.
Later, she faced the camera for the first time in a film with Rajendran and Devika in the lead roles. But the movie was never released. Maalayitta Mangai (1958), produced by famous poet Kannadasan, brought Manorama on the silver screen for the first time. Now, this actress is a Guinness record-holder for acting in the maximum number of films – more than 1200 films – and still acting in many Tamil films. She completed 1000 films in 1985.
Further, she is the only actor who has acted with four Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, namely Annadurai (Naan Kanda Hindu Rajyam), Karunanidhi (Udaya Sooryan), M.G. Ramachandran and Jayalalithaa (Nidhi and Galata Kalyanam). She still calls Jayalalithaa as “Ammu”! She has also acted with the legendary NTR, who later became the Chief Minister of A.P.
In fact, acting was not Manorama's original ambition. She wanted to be a singer. She accidently became an actor, when a lead actress refused to take the stage. But she never missed a chance to sing in her plays or films. Manorama's first song was 'Thatha thathakodu kodu' for Magale Un Samathu (1963). The typical folk number 'Pokathe pokathe en kanava' which she sang for Rathathilakam became a huge hit. Then she went on to sing in many movies and released an album ('Vaa Vathiyare' in 1991) of her collected songs. Manorama has sung in around 60 films.
Initially, Manorama was reluctant when she was asked to appear in a comedy role. The reason was that she had never done a comedy before and was scared. But Kannadasan convinced her into accepting the role. Making her debut as a comedienne at a time when comedy was considered the domain of male actors, it was not easy to be accepted. But she evolved a style and carved a space for herself. Her dream to act as a heroine came true in Konjum Kumari (1963). Her other films as heroine include Alangari and Periya Manithan. She was honoured with the National award (Best Supporting Actress) for Puthiya Pathai in 1988 and with the Padmashree Award in 2002.
