Tamil theatre has grown by leaps and bounds: Madhuvanti Arun

Thillalangadi Mohanambal, the fifth production from the Theatre of Maham (TOM), headed by Madhuvanti, is a breezy comedy about how a conwoman Mohana plays around with three uncles of Appusamy, the hero of the play, to help him inherit his mother’s legacy and money. Madhuvanti and Sureshwar play the principle leads.

The play, that will be staged on April 8 and 9, and every weekend through April, at venues across the city, is a tribute to YG Parthasarathy. Recalling her fond memories of her grandfather, Madhuvanti says, “My grandfather wore his heart on his sleeve. He was a very transparent person, you got what you saw. 

That’s a trait that I hope to keep imbibing from him both as a person and an artiste.” Thilalangadi Mohanam bal much like her earlier plays Perumalae and E.Va. Ka, has a liberal dose of humour and satire. “I strongly believe that laughter is the best medicine and sharing a message or creating awareness about any situation, especially about current affairs through comedy, reaches masses successfully and that’s what we at TOM strive to do through all our plays,” explains Madhuvanti. 

Madhuvanti has been in the forefront of a Tamil theatre industry, that’s both provocative and sensitive, dealing with issues like corruption, politics and feminism. Observing the transition in the industry, she says, “Tamil theatre has grown by leaps and bounds and the misconception that Tamil theatre is dying is humbug. 

Yes, the challenges faced are monetary as many people do not understand the value of investing or spending on theatre and that has to change.” The stage apart, Madhuvanti also made her screen debut last year, playing a police officer in Dharma Durai. She will also be seen in the upcoming films Kadamban and Shivalinga. However, she says she had been offered film roles even as a young teenager. 

“The choice was my family’s then, not mine. Now, it’s my decision and I’m glad I have entered cinema where I get to play myriad roles. And yes, you will see more of me in cinema,” she muses. 

As a classical dancer, choreographer, stage actor, the owner of Maham, and the Convenor of State Education Cell, Tamil Nadu, Madhuvanti manages to squeeze all of it in 24 hours. 

“When I do something, I give my 100 per cent attention. I love multi tasking and give the right amount of time for everything that I do.  Most importantly, I don’t stress on how much I have to do,” she concludes.