2 days ago
Meet The Grandmother Of Malayalam Cinema: Stylish Then, Stunning Even Today
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In a world where youth often steals the spotlight, some souls shine with a brilliance that defies the passing years. Let us delve into the story of one such timeless icon. Behold, a portrait of an actress, renowned for her portrayals of grandmothers in Malayalam cinema, during her youth.
Even now, in her seventies, she continues to astonish all with her most superlative and dashing appearance. Once, the whole of Kerala was taken aback to find that she, the grandmother of Malayalam cinema, did live and experience foreign lands in her youth.
Rajini Chandy gained recognition through Jude Antony Joseph's film Oru Muthassi Gadha (2016). Before that, this beautiful woman from Aluva, Kerala, had no notable film background. Rajini Chandy portrayed the character Leela, or Leelamma, in Oru Muthassi Gadha. Remarkably, she made her film debut after turning sixty.
Although now in her mid-seventies, Rajini Chandy's face still resembles that of someone in their thirties, aside from a few grey hairs. The photos shared by Rajini Chandy are displayed above, including one from her very first trip to the US in 1976.
Rajini Chandy was also a contestant on the popular Malayalam reality show Bigg Boss, but was eliminated on the fourteenth day when it aired in 2020. Despite this, Rajini Chandy maintains a strong presence through her film work and social media activity.
A photoshoot she did in 2021 went viral, with many criticising her for dressing too glamorously at the age of 68. Rajini Chandy responded confidently, challenging those who labelled her old and outdated through anonymous accounts. Following this, she released a series of photos.
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In a country where shorts and sleeveless attire have only recently become fashionable, Rajini Chandy was already embracing these styles decades ago while living abroad, and she confidently shared those moments. She has even been featured on the BBC.
In the film Oru Muthassi Gadha, actress and dubbing artist Bhagyalakshmi took on the role of the mother-in-law to Rajini Chandy's son, portraying the characters of mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother. Rajini Chandy's most recent film, Mr. Hacker (2023), further showcases her talent, alongside her successful career as a television host and actress.
