Rupesh is a rare talentboth as an actor and a producer. His dedication to Shashtipoorthi was unwavering. He made this film with heart, without cutting corners.” – Archana, National Award-winning actress
Playing a tribal woman in Nireekshana without a blouse wasn’t an easy decision. But the role had purity, not vulgarity. That made all the difference. – Archana
I truly believe Shashtipoorthi will earn Archana garu her third National Award. She deserves it. – Rupesh, Actor & Producer
Chaitanya Prasad: You've acted in several languages. What’s your mother tongue? Where do you consider home?
Archana: I’ve acted in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Hindi, English, and Oriya. People often wonder which state I belong to. My mother is Telugu, but I was raised in Chennai. So while I absorbed Tamil culture, I speak Telugu fluentlythanks to my mother.
Chaitanya Prasad: You started your career quite early. What was your childhood like?
Archana: My first dream was to be a dancer, not an actress. I trained in Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi from a young age. People said I had expressive eyes and a pleasant smile, and nudged me toward acting. Nassar and I were classmates at the William Grace Film Institute, and he introduced me to Balu Mahendra. In Telugu, my journey began with a small role in a film by Dasari Narayana Rao garu. Nireekshana was my first lead role.
Chaitanya Prasad: Nireekshana holds a special place in your career.
Archana: Absolutely. Balu Mahendra first made it in Malayalam. For the Telugu version, he wanted someone with a dusky, tribal look. The role demanded that I appear without a blousewhich was bold. But it wasn’t done for shock value. There was no obscenity, only innocence. That’s what drew me to it.
Chaitanya Prasad: You mostly acted in critically acclaimed, performance-driven films.
Archana: I did only about 30 films, but people still remember me. I always gravitated toward natural, meaningful roles. I didn’t want to be seen as a “star”just as the girl next door. That’s the image I chose, and that’s how audiences embraced me. I won National Awards for Veedu in Tamil and Daasi in Telugu. People welcomed me into their homes through my characters, not glamour.
Chaitanya Prasad: Were you someone who used a lot of makeup on screen?
Archana: Not really. In Nireekshana, I wore no makeup at all. I actually had to look darker. For Shashtipoorthi, I used a little because my character had to look presentable next to a stylish son. But in general, I only wear what the role demandsminimal and realistic.
Chaitanya Prasad: You didn’t venture much into commercial cinema. Why?
Archana: I was always drawn to content that had soul. Nireekshana wasn’t purely commercial nor entirely art-houseit was balanced. I’ve always been selective. Even during tough times, I never walked out of a project. I finished what I started.
Chaitanya Prasad: Were there any uncomfortable experiences during your career?
Archana: Honestly, no major ones. If things felt uneasy initially, people would warm up to me in a couple of days. On Shashtipoorthi, I felt like an actor on Day 1but by Day 2, I was truly Rupesh and Akanksha’s mother. They treated me with so much respect.
Chaitanya Prasad: How did it feel to reunite with the Ladies Tailor team?
Archana: That reunion happened because of director Pawan and producer Rupesh. Their passion is rare these days. Rupesh didn’t treat this like just another film. He poured his heart into every detail. No compromises. The entire experience was heartfelt.
Chaitanya Prasad: You’ve worked with the legendary Ilaiyaraaja for many films…
Archana: Yes, he composed for my first film. His music elevates everything. For Shashtipoorthi, he’s given such soothing compositions. And Keeravani’s contribution was a lovely surprise. The lyrics you penned fit beautifully too!
Chaitanya Prasad: You and Rupesh seem to share a warm bond.
Archana: He truly feels like a son to me now. He’s sincere, committed, and a very talented actor. His role in Shashtipoorthi demanded emotional range. I’ve seen his processand I can confidently say, Rupesh is an artist with real depth.
Chaitanya Prasad: Pawan dedicated the film to his mother by crediting her name “Prabha.” That’s quite touching.
Archana: Yes, and there’s one thing Pawan said that really struck me. He told me, “A mother should look like a mother beside her son, and like a wife beside her husband.” That’s such a nuanced way to describe a woman’s emotional spectrum. He brought that out so beautifully in the film.
Chaitanya Prasad: What are your thoughts on Piravi?
Archana: Piravi was a landmark film by Shaji N. Karun. It was the first Indian film screened at Cannes. It even received the Charlie Chaplin Award. That same year, Daasi won five National Awards. It was a proud moment for Indian cinemaand for me personally.
Chaitanya Prasad: Daasi was a bold film. What was that like?
Archana: It was a hard-hitting film. Back then, Daasis were women brought into households to serve, but they were exploited by the men. The role was intense and emotionally draining. B. Narsing Rao garu directed it with raw honesty. We surrendered completely to the director’s vision.
Chaitanya Prasad: Despite being a National Award-winning heroine, you seem very grounded.
Archana: I come from a humble background. I used to take two buses to reach my film institute. Even after success, my lifestyle never changed. Awards, famethey come and go. But your identity and values? They should remain constant.
Chaitanya Prasad: What keeps you inspired these days?
Archana: Music. And acting againbut only the roles I truly connect with. I wouldn’t call it a comeback. I’m just choosing projects that speak to me. I’m doing a few films in Tamil now.
Chaitanya Prasad: What’s your real name?
Archana: It’s Sudha. But when I entered films, Jayasudha garu was already a huge star in Telugu. I didn’t want to come with the same name and create confusion. I wanted to earn my own identity. When I shared this with Balu Mahendra, he named me Archana. It meant a lot to me. Jayasudha garu is a phenomenal actressif she hasn’t won a National Award, it’s only because she deserves dozens!
Chaitanya Prasad: Tell us something about Balu Mahendra’s process.
Archana: He flowed with nature. If there was no light, he simply moved the scene to where there was light. I remember during Veedu, it suddenly started raining. I assumed the shoot would stop. But he captured the moment as it wasnatural and raw. That was his genius.
Chaitanya Prasad: What was it like receiving the National Award?
Archana: It was overwhelming. That year, Veedu won Best Actress and Nayakan got Best Actor for Kamal Haasan. Kamal had done hundreds of filmsI’d done barely five or six. Yet I was chosen. It was humbling and inspiring.
Chaitanya Prasad: Working with you has been an honor. I believe Shashtipoorthi is a special film. Any final thoughts?
Archana: Rupesh has poured his soul into this project. I truly wish it brings him the success he deservesboth artistically and financially.
Rupesh (Actor & Producer): I say this from the bottom of my heartShashtipoorthi will bring Archana garu her third National Award. She’s a treasure to Indian cinema.
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