Kochi: If you ask a movie actress what they do in their free time, you are sure to get some interesting answers. However, if you ask Annice Abraham about what she does in her free time, she would smile and drive away in her auto rickshaw.
Her life is a busy shuttle between the auto stand and film locations. Annice, an auto driver at the Vennala Aalinchuvadu has so far acted in 10 movies. She would park her auto in the stand and leave when she gets a call from the location. However, Annice doesn't find it too difficult to leave her character and the magical world of cinema behind once she is back in the auto stand. Here, she is an auto driver who struggles to make her two ends meet. Annice also washes the cars in the Federal Park and does many odd jobs, away from the sets.
Cinema dreams
Annice was the star of Puthenpally St George High School as she mesmerized everyone with her singing and dancing talents. She was just a class 3 student when she was elected the best actress in the school drama completion. This made Annice realize that acting was her calling. "The situation at home didn't permit me to look for opportunities in movies or meet directors. So, I gave up my film dreams and decided to work," says Annice. However, it was her job that paved the way to the movies.
Newspaper luck
Decades ago, a 12-year-old girl supplied newspapers, early in the morning, riding her bicycle. The villagers who knew about the little girl's efforts to support her family appreciated her. There was a filmmaker, too, among the villagers who gathered to congratulate the girl. It was none other than hit maker Thampi Kannanthanam. He also showed his appreciation by offering her a small role in his movie Janmantharam, years later. That is how Annice became an actress for the first time. She was only an 18-year-old girl when she appeared in front of the camera.
Many a roles
Annice had played many roles in her real life to survive. From supplying newspapers and selling fish to working as a house maid, Annice has done quite a lot of jobs to earn her living. "I said goodbye to my passion for acting after getting married. It wasn't a successful union. He abandoned us when my daughter was just 3 years old. However, I couldn't think of giving up," says Annice.
She never forgets to smile even when she explains her struggles and hardships in life. Annice brims with confidence when she says, "I was not ready to cry or commit suicide. I couldn't afford to quit as I had already decided to live. So, I started doing all kinds of jobs that I could find. I am happy right now. We just live once. So, work hard until you realize your dreams. Then, life will be easier."
Life reloaded
Annice began doing all kinds of jobs when the responsibility to take care of her kids and her brother fell on her shoulders. Besides working as a house maid, she began washing cars in the Federal Park as well. It was her love for vehicles that made her an auto driver. "I have been driving autorickshaw here for the last 9 years. I park my auto in the stand and go when I get a chance to act in movies. I become an auto driver as soon as I am back at the stand," notes Annice. She built her house at Varappuzha by availing loans and also with the income that she earns by driving auto and doing other jobs. "The income I earn from Federal Park is directly transferred to the account to pay back the loan. So, the installments could be paid with any defaults. I start my day at 4 am and work till night. There is no particular time; I work until I feel tired," explains Annice.
From Janmantharam to Nipa
Annice has essayed significant roles in around 10 movies. Nadirsha, who heard about Annice's story, gave her the role of an auto driver in his movie 'Kesu Ee Veedinte Naathan.' Her role as Eliayamma, a house maid, in Revathy Varma's 'Mad Dad' had won her much appreciation. Annice also acted in Thuramukham, Ka, Thottappan, Kappela, Kalippu, Vellam, Thamarakunnile Bhadrapuranam, Street Lights and Chaalakudykaran Changathy. She is awaiting the release of the movie 'Nipa.' She plays the role of an auto driver in that movie too. Annice is currently acting in the movie directed by Martin Prakat.
