For Lakshmipriya, life wasn’t as easy as on screen; actress to release book

Lakshmipriya has earned a name for herself in the entertainment industry with sheer hard work and her incredible acting skills. Be it the movies or the television serials, the actress makes sure that her performance stands out. The audience has only seen Lakshmipriya with her quintessential smile in television programs or even off screen. However, not many know that she smiles from her heart that has been purged with tears and the harsh experiences that the young actress has gone through in her life. Now, Lakshmipriya, whose life is as eventful as a movie screenplay has written a book titled ‘Kathayum Kathapaathrangalum Saangalpikam Alla’ in which she talks about the harrowing experiences she has faced since the day she was born.

On 7th November, her book, which could be called a memoir or an autobiography, would be launched at the Sharjah international literary festival. More than an actress, Lakshmipriya is a voracious reader and a brilliant writer as well. Through ‘Kathayum Kathapaathrangalum Saangalpikam Alla’, Lakshmipriya opens up about the many facets in her life that she hasn’t revealed until now in any interviews. Lakshmipriya opens up about her book and what prompted her to turn to writing.

“I have in my memory, a Lakshmipriya who is just two and half years old. The book narrates my life from then till now when I am 34 years old. I have written about many things that touched my heart. You could actually call it the story of my life. In this book, you will find a different Lakshmipriya whom you haven’t even been able to perceive,” notes the actress.

My life

Lakshmipriya says that her book is more than just a memoir. She feels that the children of her generation enjoyed more freedom that the kids now. However, she is someone who has gone through the extreme pain of loneliness in her childhood. She calls herself a girl, who grew up without having the comfort of her father and mother’s protective love. Lakshmipriya says that her book throws light on her thoughts and experiences as a young and lonely girl.

“When I say this, many might think that I would be exaggerating in my writing as I am an actress. This is not such a book. What would be the challenges faced by a young girl who grows up without her parents close by, or her thoughts or happiness and sadness; this is what I have said in the book,” explains Lakshmipriya.

Painful memories

“My parents are divorced. They were never with me. It is only after I turned 14 that I realized that my mother is actually alive. That was a big shock for me. My experiences were as scorching as the flaming coals that are covered in ash. I have never opened up about all these anywhere,” reveals Lakshmipriya.

Inspiration

Lakshmipriya says that film maker Sathyan Anthikad appreciated her excellent sense of language and often insisted to write. A self confessed lover of books, Lakshmipriya enjoyed reading from childhood onwards. She admits she had been working on, for the last two years, to write about a variety of subjects. It was a few news articles and reports that appeared on the media off late about the insecurities suffered by children that prompted Lakshmipriya to finally put her thoughts on paper.

Big realization

“I am someone who grew up believing that my mother was dead. When I was 14, I went alone to meet my mother, expecting that she would shower me with the love and care that she had been holding back for all these years. However, it was nothing like I expected. I realized that such things happen only in the movies. I learned that life wouldn’t be as easy as seen on screen,” recalls the actress.

Meeting father

Lakshmipriya was born in Kayamkulam and grew up in Nooranadu. She says it is from her childhood home that her memories begin. She was five years old when she met her father for the first time. And the next time she met him, Lakshmipriya was a thirteen year old girl. By that time, her father already had another family. However, her mother hasn’t remarried. “My father had always been away from all of us. I grew up with my grandmother and my paternal uncle and aunt. I call my uncle ‘tata’. I became an artist only because I grew up with them. I was raised at my father’s ancestral home where I received lots of love from everyone,” notes Lakshmipriya.

Tata

“As far as I am concerned I grew up surrounded by lots of relatives. I have 5 uncles, mother, father and two sisters as well. My book introduces a Lakshmipriya who was lonely even though she had all these people. My father’s name is Kabir and I do not wish to mention my mother’s name anywhere. It is my uncle who raised me, gave me good education and wished the most for me to become an artist. I see my uncle as my father. Now, my father visits me occasionally,” Lakshmipriya opens up.

No controversies

Lakshmipriyta says that families should read her book as life has been depicted in it in the truest sense. She vows that there is nothing in the book that would kick up a controversy. “Through this book I wish tell the families that if you have kids, please do not separate. Try to lead a happy life. Kathayum Kathapaathrangalum Saangalpikam Alla is published by Saikatham Books. Director Sathyan Anthikad has written the foreword for this book,” explains Lakhmipriya.

Family

“My family is my strength. My husband is P Jayesh and we have a daughter Matangi Jai. I and Jayesh got married after falling in love. It was only after he came into my life that you got to see the Lakshmipriya that I am now. That strength is my life and my driving force now,” concludes Lakshmipriya.