So Much of it Was Relatable: Ramya Krishnan on Playing ‘Queen’

The Quint caught up with Ramya Krishnan (Rajmata Sivagami Devi of Baahubali), while at a press tour to promote Queen, her upcoming web series that is set to stream on MX Player, on 14 December.

She is at ease, no matter which role she essays. You could call her the 'Rajamata' of Indian cinema, for having acted in over 200 films across three decades in five languages. Or she could be the Ammoru, the character of a Goddess, which continues to be worshipped in villages in Andhra Pradesh and TN. Or she could be a soft-porn star turned single mother from Super Deluxe.

She speaks on how her character 'Shakti Seshadri' - based on Jayalalithaa's life and times - turned out to be extremely relatable. Don't miss her reminisces of some 90s classic films and her ability to play a goddess and a glam-girl.

Queen marks Ramya Krishnan's first foray into the digital space. The series is directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon.

How do you not let your characters bleed into each other? Because you know, there is the Neelambari and then there is Rajmata Sivagami Devi and then I saw you in Super Deluxe. And nowhere have I been able to, you know, draw a parallel saying, “Oh, this Ramya Krishnan is the one that I saw there.” So how have you managed to do that?

Ramya: Each scene is a different scene, you react differently in front of the camera for the required scene the way you do. So it just happens. Whatever happens in front of camera happens. It’s not something I plan and do. So I’m happy you feel this way, but it wasn’t a conscious thing.

1995 that was the year Ammoru released and Ammoru is this iconic film where you play a goddess. 1995 Alluda Majaka also releases. I remember watching Ammoru and getting goosebumps. And I also remember, you know, watching Pappi and the usual ups and downs.

Ramya: Whatever worked for me, and for me to sustain and do different kinds of roles is all because what you said – both totally different roles Ammoru, and an absolutely glamorous role. Both worked for me and it’s not it’s... the thing is, getting these offers is not a big deal. Both reaching the audience with the same intensity in spite of being totally diverse is what I feel I’m lucky about. That is not in my hands.

Queen is basically your first foray into the digital OTT platforms. And it’s based on a book by the same name. And you’re playing a character that is inspired by Jayalalithaa. So how is Shakti Sheshadri different from Rajmata Sivagami Devi?

Ramya: As far as being a strong woman, I would say they are both strong women. But as far as Queen goes, the character is like a person who was, you know, pushed into this world and she was forced to become an actress. And then she was reluctant, but she reigned. She was so successful. She gave it her all, in spite of being reluctant. But she was a reluctant politician also, but she gave it all and she rocked. And that’s where I feel her strength comes from. Other than the politics part, there were so many relatable moments for me too, as far as this character goes.

Is that because of the film background or...?

Ramya: Being from a very orthodox, Indian middle class family, it was a shock for me to suddenly see these many people. And because I was shy and an introvert, I was always considered to be arrogant. But when I heard the script, it was the same with her too; and there were so many small, small incidents, which I could relate to so well. So I would say Queen is really close to my heart.

You’ve done over 200 films, and you know, there are a couple of roles that I could cherry pick. You know, we have Neelambari and you have this character in Chahat, and you have Aayanaki Iddaru.

Ramya: That was my first film and I had to do a negative role. I was basically very reluctant to do Aayanaki Iddaru initially, but the director convinced me and luckily it was appreciated and it was well received. And so with Padiappa. If given a choice I would actually wanted to have done Soundarya’s role but everything turned to my advantage. I know people in Panchatantram – there were few calls telling me, “You are doing a call girl’s role? You are a mainstream heroine, how can you do a call girl’s role?” But I did it because I wanted to be a part of the film. But even there I would have wanted to play the conventional role, which Simran was playing, but I was offered this and I didn’t want to refuse it. But I gave it my best and that was also appreciated, luckily.

Has Neelambari changed, you know, your career or was it Baahubali that, you know, opened up a larger gate?

Ramya: Like you said, because of Aayanaki Iddaru because that film was so well appreciated that Neelambari had also these negative traits. So, you know, one led to another, one led to another, and it’s just a chain reaction of one film to another to... you know, so that’s how it all worked.

Producer: Abira Dhar
Editor: Veeru Krishan Mohan