TV star Archana Suseelan at ease in Kerala

Noted mini-screen actress and model Archana Suseelan loves the greenery and tranquil nature of Kerala than the hectic life in cities. She has spent half of her life in different Indian cities, but today she regards Kerala as her favourite place.

The actress who was born in Madhya Pradesh has lived in almost all the North Indian states owing to the nature of her father’s job. Archana’s father worked in the CRPF and the family travelled with him whenever he was transferred to different places.

“I am half Malayali and half Nepali. My father hails from Kollam while mother is from Kathmandu. My maternal grandfather too was a soldier, and it was in Madhya Pradesh where he met my father to whom he gave his daughter’s hand in marriage. I lived in lots of rented homes, and studied at different schools. I began to get offers for mini-screen after we came down and settled in Kollam,” Archana recalled.

She began her acting career in 2007 with the Tamil film 'Tholaipesi'. She made her Malayalam film debut with 2010 movie 'Kaaryasthan'. Archana has been part of quite a number of serials and is much noted for her appearance in negative roles.

No cultural barrier

As a child Archana used to visit her father’s ancestral home in Kollam during the summer vacations or during Onam. She vividly remembers the long corridors and the huge front courtyard with lots of trees where she used to run around and play.

“Initially it was a little difficult for everyone to adjust with a different culture. But later all of us became really good friends. Everyone in my father’s family would gather at his ancestral home to celebrate Onam. We children would be busy playing on the swing and having a great time. We would be sad when we had to leave after the vacation. That house has influenced me a lot. The sweet memories of the amazing times that I have spent there may have prompted me to settle in Kerala,” noted Archana.

Her entry into 'Bigg Boss Malayalam' gave her huge fame. It was her strong attitude and viewpoints that won hearts. "One must have an open attitude to life. That's my policy," she said.

Beloved place

Archana recently bought a house at Vattiyoorkavu in Thiruvananthapuram. "It is in the city, but still is away from the bustle of it. There are lots of trees and beautiful greenery around. My elder sister Kalpana has designed the interiors of this house. I have arranged all my awards and shields in my room itself. My husband Manoj is in Delhi and now I have become accustomed to the Thiruvananthapuram–Delhi flights that I regularly take. Since I have spent half of my life in flats, I really don’t like to live in a flat. I love to step on the earth and live close to nature. It is difficult for me to adjust with the fast-paced life in Delhi. I really can’t express my joy when I return to my beautiful home in Thiruvananthapuram,” Archana explained.

In 2014, Archana started running her own fashion store in the Kerala capital. Her husband Manoj Yadav owns a flat in the national capital.

The actress who hasn’t been to Nepal, her mother’s home country, yet, however, hopes to visit there soon. “I have heard that it is a peaceful country. I must visit there at least once to see my mother’s place and ancestral home,” the actress said.

Interestingly, she is related to actress Arya. Archana is the sister-in-law of Arya. Olympian Suresh Babu is in fact her paternal uncle. Her father too is a former national-level athlete who excelled in javelin throw.