No Filter: Abhinay keeps alive Savitri-Gemini legacy

I still remember sitting on my grandmother’s lap and watching Thiruvilaiyadal and admiring Savitri’s expressive eyes. I came to know that actor Abhinay Vaddi, grandson of Savitri and Gemini Ganesan, who never got to meet his grandmother has watched the movie several times. Abhinay tells, “It’s a very proud moment for me and my family and this movie teaches me that there is more to life than stardom and having all the money in the world. What matters is how you manage your personal life. My grandmother passed away a year before I was born and I have grown up hearing stories but Keerthy has brought those stories to life. It was almost like meeting my grandmother and having a conversation with her.”

The film team has been working in tandem with their family for over two years to get all aspects of her life right and portray it with accuracy and sensitivity. “During the casting of this film, several actresses were being considered and to be honest we didn’t think Keerthy looked like her. The filmmakers took a gamble and boy, it did pay off because when she walked onto the set for a look test it felt like she had transformed and my grandmother was there in person. We were all stunned. I told Keerthy whenever I want to talk to my grandmother I am going to call her. She is a down-to-earth person and a very sweet girl. She did her research well and was always open to suggestions and that’s why the director-actor combo has worked out so well,” Abhinay says proudly.

Speaking about the movie has reminded Abhinay about the several stories he has heard about his grandmother, who was known for her hospitality as well as her mischievousness. “She used to be early to the sets and would make sure everyone had food. Once, she climbed a mango tree and plucked mangoes for everyone..these are the stories I grew up with. Her favourite food was crab and once she bought dozens of live crabs and let them loose on the set and pranked everyone. She was one of the first female car racers in India,” he explains. 

After listening to all these interesting stories, I wish I had known her because she sounds like a fun, engaging and an absolute cool person. She used to challenge random drivers on the road to race her to Marina Beach. Can you imagine any of your favourite actresses daring to race now? Social media would have a field day. If Savitri had lived today, she would have definitely broken the internet.

The acting bug skipped a generation but Abhinay Vaddi is proud to carry on the mantle of Savitri and Gemini Ganesan. When Kamal sir and Rajini sir advice you to enter the cinema, your answer would be a yes. His debut film directed by Dasi Narayan Rao released at the same time as the recoloured version of Maya Bazaar released. To me, that’s a sign that his grandparents are with him and I’m sure they would be very proud of their grandson. 

Have you ever flipped the pages of those glossy interior design magazines and wondered whose home can look like that unless they were rich, with a bevy of designers a phone call away and a retinue of staff to maintain the space? Recently, a national magazine featured one of Chennai’s popular bridal makeup artist Shrutilaya Ramanathan and I was stumped. I figured I had to get her to share the secrets with all of you because I know she did it all herself. “I was very surprised when the few pictures I had posted on Instagram caught a magazine editor’s attention and she messaged me. My house is not swanky and I did everything myself on a low budget. I’m a huge DIYer. So, when I got the message I thought nothing of it. A few months later I messaged her and to my surprise, she tells me it has been featured,” says Laya as she is still laughing at her own story. 

Comfort and functionality were her husband’s focus. Like most couples, they had several arguments while designing the interiors. Laya tells me, “I was more interested in the aesthetic and he was more pragmatic and together we built a home for us.”

Most freelancers go through phases where they are overworked and sometimes, they have nothing to do. Laya put her creative juices to good use. From the doodles on the wall to all the artwork in the house is done by her. “I don’t plan on monetising this. Everyone is suggesting me to do, but there is this misconception that if you love your job you won’t work a day. When money is involved there would be a lot of expectations and pressure. I want this to be a fun outlet for me. I take up the occasional order. Also, people buy paintings that I have done during my free time,” she says. Doesn’t that make you pause and re-evaluate things? For absolutely free tips, follow Laya on Instagram (@layamakesthings) and feel free to DM her. I am really grateful for all the lovely suggestions she gave me.