Chandra Lakshman on 'Swantham Sujatha': This serial is my answer to everyone who asked about my comeback

Actress Chandra Lakshman, who became the epitome of negative roles with her character Sandra Nellikadan in 'Swantham', is finally back to Malayalam TV after a decade. This time, the actress is gaining laurels for her layered titular character Sujatha in the show, 'Swantham Sujatha'. In a candid chat with ETimes-TV, Chandra spoke about her comeback, playing 'Sujatha' and the changes in the industry over the decade.Excerpts...
An actor can't live without 'action and cut'
The actress took a break from the industry after the show 'Mazhayariyathe' and she was working actively in other languages. Lately, she was even on a sabbatical for a couple of years. Now, she is back with a bang as Sujatha.
"The reason I couldn't do Malayalam shows was because of my busy schedule in other languages. As I settled in Chennai, I got more projects from other languages and my schedules started clashing. A couple of years back, I gave a pause to other languages too and decided to concentrate on our family business. It was going good but I started missing acting. An actor can't live without 'action-cut' and the vibe of the shooting sets. That's when this project came. I loved the plot and my character, so I decided to take it up," she said.

Sujatha proved to me that I can handle this
Talking about Sujatha, Chandra shared that it is the first time that she is doing such a matured character and she is enjoying every bit of it.
"I haven't done something like this before. Sujatha is a very matured character, who has many variations in her. It is like proving to myself that I can handle such roles," the actress shared.
However, it was not easy for Chandra to get adapted to the character. From doing the household chores to putting on weight, the actress is happily embracing each challenge for the character.

"The most challenging thing I had to do for the serial was milking the cow. I love animals but I am a city bred girl and I had no idea how to do it. Milking, bathing the cow, cleaning the hen house etc was so new to me. My anxiety was well evident in the scenes too, but I loved my scenes with Paru (the cow). Even though I am not a workout freak, I use to maintain a fit body. But, when the project came, I had to gain weight to portray a housewife. I had a moulding period; thanks to our director, I am enjoying the transformation. It's just like the efforts you put in for a movie," Chandra added.
The industry is more casual now
When asked about the changes in the industry, Chandra finds it more 'casual and less stressful' now.
''I was taught in a different school where we have to be punctual and well-disciplined. The sets were more serious and we were tamed accordingly. Now, the sets are more casual and the stress is less compared to the olden times,'' she said.
The audience also has a responsibility
Chandra is thankful to the audience for accepting her as Sujatha within a brief time. However, she has a request for the viewers.

"I have always been blessed to get some genuine support from the audience and it's the same in Sujatha's case, too. Many people who contacted me shared that they could easily relate to Sujatha. This serial is my answer to everyone who asked me, 'When are you coming back?'. 'Swantham Sujatha' is an experimental work; it doesn't have the masala or colour of the usual serial making. It is a raw and realistic depiction of the life of an ambitious and doting homemaker. She is not glorified or magnified; she is one of those characters you come across in your daily life. I request the viewers to take up the responsibility to accept this humble attempt for a change. Please do watch the show on TV, as TRP is the hero here," Chandra concluded.