The lissome beauty Radhika entered the collective conscience of film lovers as Rasiya in the blockbuster film Classmates. To many, the film classmates invariably brings to mind the image of the parda clad innocent Rasiya. As an actor Radhika will always be remembered for her character Rasiya in the film.
Radhika, who is busy with her marriage to Abil, is planning to settle down in Dubai. She took time off to share her marriage plans and talk of her character Rasiya with Onmanorama.
The wedding dress
Unlike other actresses, who recently got married, I am not planning to do anything to surprise my guests. It is just simple wedding and will be held on February 12 according to traditional Brahmin customs. I will be wearing a silk sari, ornaments and make up will be simple like that of any ordinary girl. Well I have purchased the wedding sari from Coimbatore. I am very fond of Radha and Krishna and the image on the invitation letter is that of Radha and Krishna.
The groom: Abil Krishna
It is not a love marriage but an arranged one. The proposal came through matrimonial and it was fixed by parents and relatives. Abil Krishna grew up and studied in Mumbai. He is now working in Dubai Properties, a quasi-government firm. It is an event management company. Abi’s father Krishna Kumar is a businessman and his mother Usha Kumari hails from Thrissur. After marriage I will accompany Abil to Dubai.
Leaving Kerala
From the beginning I was firm that if at all I was to accept a proposal from outside Kerala it should be from Dubai. I am very fond of that place and it is just three-and-half hours from here. I have lived there for many years and I always felt that it was very near. My elder brother Arun is in Dubai and the greatest joy is that I can spend some good time with him. People used to call us Tom and Jerry and from that you can guess our relationship. I never felt that I am leaving my native place and I am not feeling any sadness in it. I am pretty comfortable to be in Dubai.
A self imposed exile from films
I honestly thought Rasiya would land me good characters in films but that didn’t happen. The roles that came my way were similar to that of Rasiya. I hated doing the same character again and again and I gave up a few films because of this. The last film which I acted was released in 2013. I don’t feel sad about the break in my career. To tell the truth, I didn’t have time to feel sad. I am crazy about panting. I have done a lot of painting. Now I do mural paintings and I am pretty busy with it. Of course, I like all the character which I acted in films.
Remembering Rasiya
Don’t ask me about Rasiya or else you won’t be able to finish this interview. That is because I have a lot to tell about the character. She still lives in me. Not only Rasiya but also all those moments which happened during shooting of the film Classmates is still etched in my mind. Not a day passes without me remembering those moments and it will always be like than for rest of my life.
On good memories of Rasiya
I saw Classmates at Kavitha theatre in Ernakulam and it was second show. There was a huge difference between my personality and the character which I did in the film. After the film I was talking with the some people associated with the film when an elderly Muslim women came up to me and asked if I was the one who acted in that film. When I said yes she hugged me and cried. I felt very uneasy and it was then I realized that how much my character had influenced the common man. It was the biggest award which I got in my film career. My brother saw this film in Dubai two or three months after it was released. After seeing the film he told me that he didn’t see me in that film and it was my character which was in his mind throughout the film.
After marriage
I am a jovial person and love to have a lot of fun. I didn’t have any pre-conceived notions about my future husband. I wanted a person with whom I could communicate freely and someone who can understand me. I have become friendly with Abhi and he is someone who has met my two conditions. Abhi is a businessman and I am a painter. I have sold a lot of my paintings. I will be the same person after my marriage there will be no change in my personality or in my character. I will surely act if a good character comes my way.
Friends from film
I have only got positive experience from the industry. Bhavana is my dearest friend and I chat with her almost every day. Bhama and Indrettan (Indrajith) are other two close friends. I am inviting everyone for my marriage. I hope they will all come.