Interview With Poornima

Poornima had completed ten years in the film industry. She was seen in a mother’s role recently in Graduate and says she wants to return to films, now that her children have grown up. Born and brought up in Chennai, the actress became popular with Nalugu Stambalata, Mudda Mandaram, Srivariki Premalekha, Maa Pallelo Gopaludu, etc. She didn’t wait for her career to flourish and got married at the 21.

“Ye age lo jarige mucchata aa age lo jarigipovaali, if you postpone your marriage people will think you are career-oriented and that will send wrong signals to people,” says Poornima firmly and is immensely happy at her decision.

Poornima says even while working in the industry she was detached with the film people, never had an artist’s number in her diary, maintained a perfect professional relationship. She had wrapped fifty films that includes Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam, the last film being with Savitri in Harischandrudu. The golden period of her career she cites was during 1981-1988, she was particularly appreciated for popularizing half sarees and having worked without make up in Jandhyala’s films.

After her wedding, Poornima shifted to Chennai, then Vizag and now she is Gujarat. She had a child immediately and couldn’t work and after ten years did a TV serial Kavyanjali, “I successfully completed 50 episodes,” she avers.

“I’m pining to work in films, but my husband is on a transferable job, people think that travelling from Surat to Hyderabad takes time, money so they are desisting from giving me offers, but I’m sure to chalk out a way. An artist can’t stay without work for long,” says Poornima.

The Telugu community when they see Poornima at family gatherings break into, “Tholi saari mimalni choosindi modhalu, kadilayi madhilo yenneno kalalu..” and the actress is amazed that her films have made such an impact. Currently she is waiting for the release of a film opposite Bhanuchander, Mr. Lavangam starring Tanikella Bharani’s son.