Sreekumaran Thampi Remembers Srividya: A Voracious Reader and Talented Actress

Renowned producer, director, and lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi has shared fond memories of working with the late actress Srividya. In a recent interview, Thampi recalled their first meeting in Chennai, where he saw Srividya as a young girl of 13 or 14, acting in a Tamil film.

Thampi revealed that Srividya had initially decided to leave acting after marriage but was forced to return to the industry due to financial constraints. He offered her a role in his film Venalil Oru Mazha, which she accepted without any hesitation, despite having a previous disagreement with co-star Madhu sir.

A Lasting Friendship and Collaboration

Thampi and Srividya went on to work together in six films, including Jeevitham Oru Gaanam, Puthiya Velicham, and Swantham Ennu Padam. He praised her performance in Jeevitham Oru Gaanam, which earned her the Kerala State Film Award, and described her portrayal of Thresiamma as unforgettable.

Thampi also shared a heartwarming anecdote about his son, who worked as a child artist in several of his films, including Swantham Ennu Padam. Srividya had requested a photograph with his son on her lap and Thampi beside them, predicting that he would become a good actor.

A Lasting Legacy

Thampi remembered Srividya's voracious reading habits, which greatly influenced her performances. He recalled how she introduced him to Ponniyin Selvan by giving him two books, which were later adapted into a film by Mani Ratnam.

Thampi's last collaboration with Srividya was on the television serial Amma Thampuraatti, where she played an aristocratic woman of around 45 from a tharavadu. Despite her health issues, including cancer, Thampi ensured that she was treated with respect and dignity, and her portions were shot without using a body double.

Thampi's tribute to Srividya is a testament to their lasting friendship and collaboration, which continues to inspire and influence the film industry.