At a time when most stay silent to avoid controversy, veteran actress Urvashi has chosen to speak not for herself alone, but for the generations that follow.
Despite delivering a powerful lead performance in ‘Ullozhukku’, Urvashi was awarded Best Supporting Actress at the 71st National Film Awards, a decision that has left not only the actress but many film lovers questioning the process. In a recent interview, she opened up with dignity and clarity: "I will decide whether to accept the award only after getting clarity from the jury."
She’s not alone in this. Many have echoed her concern, especially after outstanding works like ‘Aadujeevitham’ and artists like Vijayaraghavan were similarly sidelined. Yet, Urvashi’s voice stands out - calm, composed, but unshakably firm. Not for politics or praise, but for transparency and fairness in a field she’s dedicated her life to.
And what a journey that’s been.
She entered cinema at just 10 years old as a child artist. By 13, she was already a heroine, holding her own among veterans. While others paused education to chase stardom, Urvashi held onto her love for learning, juggling books and shoots with unshaken discipline. Her intelligence, wit, and unmatched comic timing won hearts across languages, and even today, she continues to break stereotypes about age, women, and roles.
It’s disheartening to see her performance questioned in categorisation, but it’s deeply inspiring to see her rise above it, not with anger, but with grace and a deep sense of responsibility.
"I’m not asking this for myself, but for those who will come after me. If I stay silent, how can they raise their voice?"
Source / Image Credit : India Today , Mathrubhumi, The Hindu, GQ India