Veteran actress Mallika Sukumaran has charmed the Malayali audience with a number amazing roles onscreen. Mother of leading actors Indrajith and Prithviraj, Mallika is however known for her perseverance that she had displayed during the hard times. She is also a successful entrepreneur who is proud of her achievements and loves her family dearly. The actress – business woman has lived in a number of houses, all of which are close to her heart. She currently stays in an elegant house, ‘Prarthana’, at Kundamanbagam near Pangod in Thiruvananthapuram. During the recent flood, water had gushed into Mallika’s house as well. But Mallika’s favorite house still stands firm and beautiful, having survived the deadly floods.
“My house is close to the city, yet it is at a serene location, away from all the bustle of the city. This plot perfectly suited my desire to settle at a place which has a courtyard and greenery around. The house was designed and built for me by Iyer and Mahesh Architects. Prithvi and Indran often say, ‘We can never sleep with such peace of mind anywhere else like we enjoy at amma’s house.’ A serenity and calmness that we can only enjoy at the woods can be perfectly felt here,” says Mallika.
The exteriors are built in the contemporary style with box like structure. There are two car porches in front of the house. The small front courtyard has been further made elegant by paving natural stone and grass. Unique spaces which invite lots of natural light and fresh air into the interiors are the most highlighting features of this house. Mallika has named the house ‘Prarthana’ after Indrajith’s elder daughter.
As you get into the house, the eyes are drawn to a huge picture of Mallika’s late husband, legendary actor Sukumaran. A figurine of Lord Krishna too attracts the attention with its grace. On the shelf nearby, a picture of Prithviraj and a few mementos too are arranged neatly.
The house has a family living space, formal living area, dining, courtyard, two kitchens and 4 bedrooms.
The formal living area is adjacent to the entrance and a family portrait on the wall draws attention. The interiors are in the semi open style which helps to make it look more spacious. The family living space is on the other side, and there is a door here which opens to the backyard. This door is kept open to let in refreshing breeze throughout the day. There are lots of trees and plants at this side of the courtyard and it offers a wonderful sight through the open door.
The beautiful courtyard is one of the most attractive features of the interiors. There is a water body that surrounds this courtyard. The skylight on the roof lets in lots of natural light into the house.
Mallika grew some ornamental fishes in the water body around the courtyard. However, she had shifted them to another house when the house was flooded. The small pond was dried and cleaned after that. Mallika wishes to bring her favorite ornamental fishes back into the pond, where they belonged.
Six people can comfortably sit on the dining table. The pooja room is adjacent to this. More mementos and awards are arranged on the shelf beside.
Mallika’s bedroom is on the ground floor. There is a guest room here as well. Indrajith’s and Prithiraj’s bedrooms are on the first storey. “Those rooms are used only when my sons are here. However, the rooms would be opened and cleaned once in a week. There are two kitchens in the house. One is a traditional kitchen where my domestic help can comfortably cook. The other one is a modern modular kitchen,” notes Mallika.
This plot was purchased after selling the house that the family owned at Vazhuthakkad. Mallika says that this house resembles the one that her late husband had bought for her years ago. She says, “This house makes me immensely happy. There is a positive energy here. These pictures assure me of Sukuvettan’s presence in every moment of my life.”
Indrajith is busy with the filming of his latest projects, while Prithviraj is thrilled to have donned the director’s hat for the first time. The movie Lucifer, directed by Prithviraj, starring Mohanlal, was shot mostly in Thiruvananthapuram. The brothers are delighted to come to Prarthana, along with their families whenever they get time. Just like Mallika, this elegant house too eagerly waits for the next ‘star’ gathering.
