Two Female Stars in a Comparative Perspective.
Tamil
film industry, like world cinema, has generally cherished the status of heroes
more emphatically than that of heroines. However, some heroines have outlived
their positions with their unique star status and this blog has already gloried
the proud star status of some heroines, who proved to be special and
indispensable like most front line heroes. Again this writer has also made
comparative references to Savitri and Vanisri and Sarojadevi and Bharathi particularly in terms of their looks and
demeanor. However, there were two actresses of two different generations, who
magnificently ruled Tamil Cinema, with identical attitudes and similarities, in
sharing screen space, with great heroes of their times. They are P.Bhanumathi
and J.Jeyalalitha.
When one thinks
simultaneously of these two female
stars, the first thing that would strike their mind, is their innate zeal for
aspiring independent womanhood, coupled with an obviously fiery attitude
towards retaining their individual space and position, as reflected quite often,
in the roles that they happened to don periodically. Both these women could
dynamically portray courage and clear levels of self- confidence, as the
essential characteristics of the feminist brand. There was an exemplary
fighting spirit revealed in their role play, as Bhanumathi performed in films
like Chandi Rani, Manamagan Thevai,Makkalai Petra Magarasi,Malaikallan,Sadhaaram
and Arivaali and as Jeyalalitha took up in films like Pattikkaadaa
Pattanamaa,Savaale Samaali, Paattum Bharadhamum, Kanavan and several other films.
Though they belonged to two different decades, they were the chosen co- stars
of the most popular hero MGR. Both had
shared screen place between MGR and Sivaji Ganesan not only with a clear mark
of equality, but also without letting down their proclaimed right to their own unique positions, as female stars.
Both had a charming voice for the musical
core, though Bhanumathi would have rendered more number of solo and duet songs.
They had certain amount of facial resemblance too. When it comes to performance,
both were highly capable of establishing their positions in the given roles
with absolute understanding, involvement and dedication. But Jeyalalitha was
certainly a more impressive dancer than her senior and in respect of dialogue
delivery, she scored more points in rendering her dialogues with force and
clarity. Though Banumathi’s voice carried an equal amount of force, when it
came to emotional outbursts, her voice
would quite often break down resulting in a screeching, jarring note,
particularly whenever she had to cry and shout out her emotions. Whereas
Jeyalalitha would make it a point to deliver her emotions, in a voice that was
clear, demanding as well as submissive.
The
comparison between these two epoch making actresses, has been the outcome of
the writer’s observation, that when Tamil cinema was in the long standing grip
of meek and submissive womanhood, subjected to chronic male supremacy, these
two women definitely reflected a different profile, one that of an iconoclast,
breaking the shackles of traditional womanhood. The point here is that heroines
of those days, like Ranjani,[known for her pathetic role play in films like
Parasakthi,Devaki and Rathakanneer} Anjalidevi, Padmini,Savithri, Sarojadevi, Devika and
K.R.Vijaya could not be thought of playing rebellious roles, celebrating the
pride of women’s place in society.
Whereas these two women time and again, put
up a brave face, to reach the audience with the brighter side of belligerence,
that women are capable of. Vijayanthimala could also be brought into this
category; but she was more a classical dancer of merit and her contribution to
Tamil Cinema was comparatively much less than that of Bhanumathi and Jeyalalitha. The
other fact that needs a special mention is that, both these female stars, could
effectively transmit positive energy, through their sparkling body language and
verbal grandeur, with casual ease and a mood of celebration in acting. It is in this respect these two female stars deserve a comparative tribute.
When it comes to number of films, duration of acting tenure and stable as well as longstanding contribution to Tamil Cinema, Jeyalalitha was certainly far ahead of her senior.The most unexpected demise of Ms.J.Jeyalalitha set in a nostalgic mood in the writer about the dynamic and daring acting caliber of a great star whose acting career culminated long ago, paving the way for her taking up the mantle of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in the line of her political mentor,MGR.Both her celluloid image and political legacy were factors that influenced the thoughts and imagination of the Tamil society to a large extent. Her unforeseen death is bound to make her immortal, through a striking absence of openness and exemplary courage on the political front, so vibrantly reflected by her attitude and behaviour, throughout her life time.
When it comes to number of films, duration of acting tenure and stable as well as longstanding contribution to Tamil Cinema, Jeyalalitha was certainly far ahead of her senior.The most unexpected demise of Ms.J.Jeyalalitha set in a nostalgic mood in the writer about the dynamic and daring acting caliber of a great star whose acting career culminated long ago, paving the way for her taking up the mantle of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, in the line of her political mentor,MGR.Both her celluloid image and political legacy were factors that influenced the thoughts and imagination of the Tamil society to a large extent. Her unforeseen death is bound to make her immortal, through a striking absence of openness and exemplary courage on the political front, so vibrantly reflected by her attitude and behaviour, throughout her life time.
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