Scene one Take one

In a candid heart-to-heart, South Indian actress Suja Varunee reflects on her parenting journey so far, and tells us all about how she learned to view the challenges that came her way, in a positive light....

- KRISELLE FONSECA

Suja Varunee is a popular South Indian actress, best known for her work in Kannada, Telgu, Tamil and Malayalam language films. Not one to beat around the bush, she is much loved by industry aficionados and fans alike, for being bold, and outspoken, yet grounded and charming in her demeanour. “My motto is simple: give me respect and love, and I shall build you a temple. Spew hatred, and I shall be your worst nightmare!” she says.

Since taking on her new role of being mum to Adhvaaith, she reiterates that she saw a whole new meaning to life, one that taught her to celebrate the little joys. Here’s her story, in her own words...

A BLESSING IN DISGUISE

“I came from a family that wasn’t very well to do. We faced a lot of obstacles growing up, and life threw us a lot of twists and turns. I still experience some trauma because of that, to date. But I’ve always been a fighter, and giving up was never an option! I’ve fought and struggled to come to this position that I am in today. When I look back, I realise that it’s the journey that matters the most. I’ve learned to count my blessings no matter what, and my husband Shiva is the greatest of them all. We were together for 13 incredible years before we got married, and I consider myself very lucky to share my life with him.