Renowned director CV Sridhar was known for his pioneering contributions to Tamil cinema, often launching new talent into the industry. Many of his directorial projects, written and produced by him, served as pivotal career milestones for numerous actors and actresses. Notably, Sridhar’s 1964 film “Kaadhalikka Neramillai” was a resounding box office success and marked the debut of the legendary superstar Ravichandran. While audiences have celebrated the on-screen chemistry of Rajasree and Balaiah in this romantic comedy, it’s less known that Rajasree was not Sridhar’s initial choice for the film – it was originally Nirmala.
After the triumph of intense dramas like Sumaithaangi and Kaadhalikka Nermaillai, Sridhar decided to shift gears and direct a lighthearted romantic comedy featuring newcomers. PS Raman, a medical student, took a shot at the audition for Sridhar’s film, eventually securing the role of Ashok. He would later adopt the stage name Ravichandran.
In his search for the film’s leading lady, Sridhar encountered Vasundhara Devi, a flight attendant, during a flight. Enchanted by her beauty and charm, he cast her as Nirmala in the movie, renaming her accordingly. It’s rumoured that Sridhar chose her partly due to the resonance of her name with his favourite actress, Vijayanthimala, whose mother was also named Vasundhara Devi.
However, Vasundhara Devi’s inexperience in acting became evident during a crucial romantic song in the movie, leading to her replacement with Rajasree. The actress was chosen due to her ability to convey the required romantic expressions, a crucial element in the film’s narrative.
Nirmala’s talent was not overlooked by CV Sridhar, as he later launched her in the 1965 film Vennira Aadai.
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