A Bold Move: Revathi Weds Revathi

Indian actress and director Revathi, known for her work in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada films, has had a very different personal life to her flourishing career. Revathi, born Asha Kelunni, rose to fame in the 1983 film Mann Vasanai. She married cinematographer and director Suresh Chandra Menon in 1986, but the couple separated in 2002 and divorced in 2013. Revathi revealed in 2018 that she has a biological daughter through in vitro fertilisation.

Revathi's career in cinema

Revathi, born Asha Kelunni, is an Indian actress and director known predominantly for her work in Tamil and Malayalam cinema. She has also acted in Telugu, Hindi, and Kannada films.

Revathi made her acting debut in the Tamil film industry with the silver jubilee hit "Mann Vasanai" in 1983. She was rewarded with a Filmfare Special Award – South for her performance. The same year, she made her Malayalam debut with "Kattathe Kilikkoodu", which was one of her biggest hits of the 1980s. In 1984, she ventured into Telugu films with "Seethamma Pelli" and gained recognition for her roles in "Kai Kodukkum Kai" and "Vaidehi Kathirunthal".

Revathi's big break came in 1986 when she portrayed a spirited and headstrong girl, Divya, in Mani Ratnam's "Mouna Ragam". She achieved critical acclaim for her performances in films like "Punnagai Mannan" (1986), "Kakkothikkavile Appooppan Thaadikal" (1988), and "Kizhakku Vaasal" (1990). She won a National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Thevar Magan" (1992). In the early 1990s, Revathi continued to deliver hits such as "Kilukkam" (1991) and "Marupadiyum" (1993). Her success extended to Hindi cinema with films like "Love" (1991), co-starring Salman Khan.

Revathi's golden era persisted until the late 1990s, marked by notable films like "Anjali" (1990), "Magalir Mattum" (1994), and "Thalaimurai" (1998). She showcased her directorial skills with two feature films, "Mitr, My Friend" and "Phir Milenge". She also contributed to anthology films like "Kerala Cafe" and "Mumbai Cutting".

In addition to her acting and directorial achievements, Revathi has been involved in a variety of social organisations, including the Banyan, Ability foundation, Tanker foundation, and Vidyasagar. She has also served as a member of several film festivals, including the Chennai International Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India.

Revathi's marriage to Suresh Chandra Menon

The marriage of Revathi and Suresh Chandra Menon lasted 27 years, from 1986 to 2013. The couple first met during the film shoot of Marumagal Tamil in 1986 and fell in love. They tied the knot in the same year with their families' blessings. Revathi, whose real name is Asha Kelunni, is an Indian actress and director, predominantly in Tamil and Malayalam cinema. She is one of the most successful leading actresses of South Indian cinema, having won several accolades, including three National Film Awards and seven Filmfare Awards South.

Revathi's life after divorce

Revathi's life after her divorce from Suresh Chandra Menon in 2013 has been focused on motherhood and her career. In 2018, five years after her divorce, Revathi revealed that she had a five-year-old biological daughter, Mahee, conceived through in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

In a media interaction, Revathi shared that becoming a mother had made her life more comfortable and that she enjoyed witnessing her daughter grow. She also stated that her parents had been a great support in helping to look after Mahee. Revathi also opened up about her daughter because of rumours pertaining to her identity, which she didn't want to affect Mahee in the future.

In addition to motherhood, Revathi has continued to pursue her successful career in the film industry. She has acted in various Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi films, and has also worked as a director and producer. Revathi has won numerous accolades for her performances, including three National Film Awards and seven Filmfare Awards South.

Revathi's motherhood

Revathi, the Indian actress and director, became a mother at the age of 48, after her divorce from Suresh Chandra Menon. She gave birth to a baby girl, Mahi, through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) with donor sperm.

In an interview, Revathi revealed that she had initially tried to adopt a newborn, but when that didn't work out, she decided to conceive through IVF. She kept her pregnancy and the birth of her daughter private and only announced it to the world on her 48th birthday.

Revathi has spoken candidly about the challenges and joys of single parenting and the importance of connecting with her child. She has also emphasised the need for self-care and 'me-time' for mothers, recognising that it can be overwhelming at times. Revathi's journey to motherhood and her honest account of it have likely inspired many women facing similar struggles.

Despite her successful career, Revathi's personal life has had its fair share of struggles. However, she has managed to navigate these challenges and embrace motherhood, finding support in her own mother and sister, who help her care for Mahi. Revathi's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the strength of a mother's love.

Revathi's career as a director

In addition to her acting career, Revathi has also directed two feature films: Mitr, My Friend and Phir Milenge. She also contributed to the anthology films Kerala Cafe and the unreleased Mumbai Cutting, directing an episode for each.

Mitr, My Friend, released in 2002, is a drama film that explores the complexities of friendship and love. The film received positive reviews, with critics praising Revathi's sensitive handling of the subject matter.

Phir Milenge, released in 2004, is a social drama that revolves around a woman living with HIV/AIDS. The film was well-received and garnered several accolades, including a nomination for the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi.

Revathi's episode in the anthology film Kerala Cafe, titled "Makal," tells the story of a mother's love and the lengths she goes to protect her child. The episode received critical acclaim and is considered one of the standout segments of the film.

In an interview, Revathi shared her approach to directing, stating that she strives to create an inclusive and collaborative environment on set. She values the input of her cast and crew and believes that filmmaking is a team effort.

In addition to her feature films and anthology contributions, Revathi has also expressed interest in exploring other avenues of directing, including web series and short films. She has mentioned that she enjoys the creative freedom and unique storytelling opportunities that these formats offer.

Overall, Revathi's career as a director has been marked by her sensitive and thoughtful storytelling, with a particular focus on exploring complex social issues and the strengths of women characters.

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