'THE UNIVERSE GIVES EVERYTHING TO EVERYBODY; IT IS UP TO YOU TO PICK IT UP'

When you call Lakshmi, her caller tune is Bhool Gaya Sab Kuch from Julie, in which she made her Hindi film debut

"There is no caste or religion in this industry. There is only talent.'

It's a song that became popular nationwide 48 years ago, but people still listen to it.

Julie made her a sensation when it was released in 1975.

Lakshmi has been acting for over 50 years and still going strong.

Sweet Kaaram Coffee, which streams on Amazon Prime Video, introduced younger generations all over India to a magnificent actress who has won Filmfare Awards in Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi -- the only actor to do so.

"Most people my age are sitting at home, waiting for work. I am lucky I am working," Lakshmi tells A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com.

In Sweet Kaaram Coffee, your character goes through a journey of self discovery. In real life, what’s the biggest thing that you have discovered about yourself through the years?

I am not Sundari at all.

She is completely different.

I have traveled a lot, shot at foreign locations...

Lately, I was in Portugal for a month.

All those experiences helped with the role.

Have you had any regrets?

I have no regrets because I don’t have any wants.

I don’t go out to eat.

I don’t go to the theatre regularly.

All I have been doing is acting which I enjoy.

Very early in your career, you starred in a very bold role as Julie. It was far ahead of its times. How come you did not get typecast in bold roles after that?

In Hindi, I did get glamorous roles, but I did not take it up as I was busy in the south.

You acted in only six Hindi movies. Why didn’t you do more?