Mammootty and I don't hide our age, we share a youthful spirit: Viji Venkatesh
![viji-venkatesh Viji Venkatesh and Mammootty. Photo: Instagram](https://img.onmanorama.com/content/dam/mm/en/entertainment/interviews/images/2025/1/29/viji-venkatesh.jpg?w=1120&h=583)
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Cinema was never in the cards for Viji Venkatesh, who has been working in the field of cancer care for over three and a half decades. Even when she unexpectedly got the chance to act in the Malayalam film 'Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum' directed by Akhil Sathyan, she never imagined she would step in front of the camera again. However, following her impressive debut, Viji has been receiving intriguing movie offers.
She is currently thrilled to be garnering praise from both critics and audiences for her portrayal of Mrs Madhuri in the latest Mammootty starrer 'Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse'. Meanwhile, she is eagerly awaiting the release of 'Shantamee Rathriyil', directed by Jayaraj, and is also working on her first Tamil film in Chennai.
With roots in Kerala, Viji is settled in Maharashtra and serves as the Asian region head of Max Foundation. Despite her demanding schedule, she now finds time to explore her newfound passion for cinema.
Mrs Madhuri
Gautham Vasudev Menon offered Viji a role in his first Malayalam film through a text message on June 19 or 20 last year. Introducing himself as a Tamil filmmaker, he informed her that Mammootty was the lead in his debut Malayalam project, which was being produced by the megastar’s own production company. Menon also mentioned that Mammootty, who often has a say in casting decisions for his productions, had personally recommended her name.
"I was attending a meeting when I received Gautham Menon’s message. I replied that I would return the call after 6 PM. When I called him back, I immediately said ‘yes,’ and we began shooting in July," Viji recalls. "After 'Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum', I got the opportunity to act in three more films, all without auditions or screen tests. The makers cast me based on my performance in 'Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum', so the credit for that goes to Akhil Sathyan."
Viji also shared a light moment from her first meeting with Menon. "I was wearing a T-shirt and jeans when I met him, and he asked if that was my usual attire. I told him I wear both saris and casual outfits. Interestingly, Mrs Madhuri, my character in 'Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse', shares many similarities with me. The costumes, jewellery, footwear, and even the nose pin I wore in the film were all from my own collection."
Reflecting on her roles, she noted the contrast between Ummachi in 'Pachuvum Athbutha Vilakkum' and Mrs Madhuri. "While Ummachi is bold, she still relies on her son to some extent. Mrs Madhuri, on the other hand, is fiercely independent and lives alone. I, too, have been living alone since my husband passed away, so I could connect with her more than anyone else. However, both Ummachi and Mrs Madhuri share the same kindness and motherly affection," Viji says.
Bonding with Mammootty on set
Although excited to share screen space with Mammootty, Viji was nervous on the first day of filming. However, Gautham Menon, known for his warm and supportive nature, reassured her. "He told me it was his responsibility as the director to bring out my performance," she recalls. Interestingly, Akhil Sathyan, the director of her debut film, had given her the same assurance.
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Viji is deeply impressed by Mammootty’s keen observation on set. "He notices everything and knows everyone, from the still photographer to the assistant directors," she says. She also admires how he actively contributes creative suggestions during filming, making every scene better.
Her biggest cheerleader, however, was her mother. "She was the most excited when I told her I was acting alongside Mammootty. She is 97 years old," Viji shares. When she mentioned her mother to Mammootty, he immediately suggested clicking a selfie to send to her. "He was genuinely curious about my work, and we had long conversations about it."
Beyond their professional bond, Viji found a personal connection with Mammootty. "We are almost the same age—he was born in September 1951, and I was born in July 1952. We don’t hide our age; instead, we embrace life with a youthful spirit. That created a great sense of camaraderie between us."
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Although she didn’t share any scenes with Vineeth in the film, Viji was glad he was part of the project. "He calls me ‘didi,’ and I see him as a younger brother," she adds.
Shantamee Rathriyil
Viji revealed that she will be playing a romantic character in 'Shantamee Rathriyil', set to release this year. She noted that her role in this film is vastly different from Ummachi and Mrs Madhuri, the characters she portrayed in her previous films. Director Jayaraj approached her for the role only after consulting Akhil Sathyan and Vineeth.
Viji is particularly impressed by the senior filmmaker, praising his remarkable clarity and confidence in his vision. Meanwhile, the filming of her first Tamil movie is currently underway in Chennai.
A pleasant surprise
Viji believes that cinema was a stroke of luck that found her in her seventies. “I entered films quite unexpectedly, but now, I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience. Even when a shoot started at 9 PM and continued until 7 AM, I never felt tired because I love the process. My field of work is quite demanding, and everyone respects my job. All the directors I’ve worked with have been considerate enough to adjust shooting schedules so that my work remains unaffected.”
She watched 'Dominic and the Ladies’ Purse' at 10:30 PM on January 23 in Chennai. The theatre was packed, and the audience erupted in applause and cheers when Mammootty appeared on screen. Director Gautham Vasudev Menon, who has a cameo in the film, also received a warm reception from the Chennai crowd, where he enjoys a strong fan base.
Since the film’s release, Viji has been receiving appreciation and well-wishes from around the world, including places like Singapore and Saudi Arabia. “My family and colleagues are thrilled. Had my husband been alive, he would have been the happiest person. I miss him a lot,” she says.