With Gireesh AD’s 'Super Sharanya' running successfully in Kerala, along with heroine Anaswara Rajan, Mamita Baiju who plays her best friend Sneha is also grabbing eyeballs. Mamita Baiju who hails from Kidangoor in Kottayam is everyone’s favourite Sona Re. Her feisty portrayal has been widely appreciated. Youngsters are loving her thug replies and attitude. Though she has been around in Malayalam cinema since 2017, Mamita admits that 'Super Sharanya' has really done her career a world of good. She talks to Manorama online about the film and some super interesting tips.
Super Sharanya is a milestone
I never thought my character will get so much appreciation. Though I have been part of a few films, no one really remembered my characters in them. After Operation Java a few people started recognising me. But they still didn’t know my name. Now, things have changed, they finally know my name. They even know my character names (''Operation Java', 'Kho Kho', 'Colour Padam' (short film). Sona of 'Super Sharanya' is a milestone in my career. I don’t come from a cinema background. It was through my small characters that people started recognising me. It has been a gradual journey. Now that more people are recognising me, I am very happy.
Aren’t we also super?
After watching the film, I was told that they loved the entire gang. All were fabulous, so was Sonare. Maybe it’s my thug replies and fearless attitude that made such a connection with the audience. Aren’t we partial towards our friends who enthrall us with such thug replies? Maybe that love got passed on to my character as well. Though personally, I am more attached to Sharanya’s character. She is average in everything, and people are able to relate to her. It’s interesting how her character evolves into someone who is able to speak her mind. It isn’t necessary to be super in everything. You can still be super and special even otherwise is what the character tells you.
Being Sona
Initially, I was required to audition for all characters in that gang. Then came Covid and the lockdown. The next round of auditions happened months later. Even then I had to perform all the characters. That’s when I felt Sonare was such an awesome character. It was much later that I realised Sonare was meant for me. I had to learn the Kochi slang for the character. And Sona has a certain easy-going style, a special mannerism which I had to imbibe. Gireesh was particular that it shouldn’t look artificial. So I had to really work hard to make it look natural. He was also game for suggestions that would add to the character's naturality.
Did Sharu ditch Sona?
I am getting a lot of comments after watching the film. “Oh dear, that Sharanya really betrayed you, no?” seems to be the majority’s worry. While reading the script we laughed the loudest for that climax sequence. Honestly, anyone would have reacted the same way as she did. When you realise that even your best friend isn’t speaking for you, that can be a setback. Sona is also a softie at heart. We even ribbed her on the sets, reminding her how much we cared for her and how she eventually prioritized Deepu over us. Considering some of the credit for Saranya being super has to go to her gang, look how it all went to Deepu. Of course, I was a bit disheartened by Sona’s plight towards the end. She is even more shocked to her Deepu’s dialogues. Can he really talk like this? But then Sona has always been Sharu’s biggest cheerleader. She will agree to whatever Sharu says. If Sharu likes Deepu, they Sona won’t go against that. Sona is her best friend.
Why did no one fall in love with Sona?
How come nobody on that college campus fell in love with Sona was another frequently asked question. I think her attitude might have intimidated a lot of boys from expressing their love. Besides, it's not easy to like her. She is also not much into campus romance. You can see Sona trying to scare her friend Sherin when she is flirting with a boy. Sona can be rather temperamental, and that can scare the boys.
A campus like set
Not surprisingly the vibe you got on the screen was pretty much what was there on the set. I am studying at Sacred Heart College Thevara. The shooting was over by then. So I can say that even before joining a real college, I managed to get the college vibes through this film set. Everything looked so real, including ragging sessions. Somehow, we never felt like it was a film set or that we were working.
Some tips to be super
I think it's very important to be very open about your feelings. You don’t need to hold back. If there is something troubling you, better get it off your chest. We all have one life to live and let it be the way we want it to be.
Don’t let anyone rule you in any relationship. Don’t hand over your life’s remote to anyone else. Shoo away anyone who dictates terms with you. Imagine being told what to eat, wear, whom to talk to, whom to avoid, and things like that? Cautioning you about getting into the wrong company and ordering you around are two different things. It’s important that you realise it.
Don’t overthink about the decisions you took. It might be right or wrong but at least you can own up to it. Not many would own up to their mistakes. Most of us like to be in our comfort zones.
Anything you do, give it your 100%. Be sincere in your interactions with friends and family. Another thing is to be very generous in showing your love for them. You need to be with those who love and care for you. You should be able to do anything for them without expecting anything in return. That’s the beauty of relationships.