The Tamil audience would happily immerse themselves in nostalgia, fondly remembering films from the 1990s and early 2000s, until recently. Abishan Jeevinth's Tourist Family then arrived on May 1. The movie has grossed over Rs 75 crore worldwide and is still going strong in its fourth week. Simran's Vasanthi has captivated audiences everywhere, including the star herself. "It's like going 20 years back in time." This love, this reception, reminds me of the reason I entered the film industry in the first place," claims Simran.

When Rahul V Chittella's Gulmohar was released on Hotstar two years ago, some reviewers and a segment of the audience "re-discovered" Simran, whom they had last seen in the "Aankh Maare" song from the almost 30-year-old movie Tere Mere Sapne. In her defense, cinema enthusiasts and fans from the South softly, and in certain cases loudly, highlighted her two decades in Tamil, which included smash hit movies and chart-topping songs. Additionally, the discussion revolved around why contemporary filmmakers were not producing roles for someone with evident talent and a strong background in film.

"It seems that the solution to that is Tourist Family," Simran says with a laugh. "I'm so glad the audience is pleased to see me in a role with a well-defined arc. I had opportunity for romance, comedy, performance, and other things in this movie. It reminded me so much of the late 1990s and early 2000s. I thought Vasanthi was written specifically for me.

In the film Tourist Family, Simran made an intriguing cameo appearance only a few weeks prior, evoking memories of her 1990s persona in the movie Good Bad Ugly, which starred Ajith Kumar. Her Priya was a fusion of the classic 90s Simran, with lovely allusions to her Tamil songs.

The actress discusses the trajectory of her career, the gravitas that age brings to a performance, and the reasons why she believes it's crucial to choose a script carefully in this interview. Edited excerpts are shown below:

Simran, welcome back!

Thanks a lot. It's nice to be back. It seemed as though this part was written for me when Abishan told the tale of the movie. Following Kannathil Muthamittal, Vaaranam Aayiram, and Petta, I believe it has given me a new lease on life in front of the camera. After waiting for a meaningful part, one eventually became available.

Its character arcs are so compelling and it has such repeat value. Every character is well written, and there is humor and emotion. Since I had been missing these, I simply made the 

This movie brings back memories of how clean comedy was in the past. The fact that it has achieved economic success makes it all the more pleasurable.

What have you received from Tourist Family?

The fulfillment of seeing myself return to the big screen in a fantastic part. Furthermore, there is nothing like the joy of getting audience love.

In 2023, you played a part in Gulmohar that required a high level of maturity. Do you believe that your age and life experiences enhance the performance?

Sure, it's possible that they enhance the attributes I've previously given a character as a seasoned actor. I've been selecting roles with some potential since Gulmohar. I'm anticipating some drama, comedy, and maybe even action, even if I do a Good Bad Ugly in between.

You've let age affect your facial features, which is uncommon in movies.

But that's who I am. I believe we should learn to accept our age gracefully at any age. We should accept that every age has something to give.

I've never placed too much emphasis on my appearance or the feel of my skin. I have always enjoyed yoga and have maintained a healthy diet. My photogenic face is a genetic gift.

My overall confidence levels are likely the reason I've never gone overboard with my cosmetics. I don't play a part that makes me uncomfortable, so there is no stress, and I believe that shows on the screen.

You're also one of the rare performers that chose to portray an on-screen mother at the start of your career.

Indeed, but as you can see, none of them were mothers who only gave their children one message. They had other objectives to accomplish, other relationships to nurture, and other priorities to prioritize. Vasanthi is the adhesive that holds the family together. She is the one who starts things off with the community. She establishes relationships with cuisine. Additionally, she is a contemporary mother who is aware of her son's affection for a certain female and is close to him. Even with everything life has thrown at her, she is still a warm person.

Additionally, director Abishan informed me everything about Vasanthi, gave me a few tips and references, and advised me. To complement her uncomplicated sarees, we opted for a modest hairstyle and a no-makeup appearance. The image was completed with a single bracelet. This made sure Vasanthi was in the crowd.

Furthermore, I don't believe that you have to be a mother in real life in order to fully understand the nuances or be able to communicate yourself more effectively. Everybody shares love and compassion. Whether or not you are a mother, you will respond if you see a little child weep. It's natural for people to want to comfort a youngster. I also enjoy applying that empathy in my life.

Speaking of compassion, you spoke something at a public event about a fellow actress commenting on ‘aunty’ roles. That was very unlike you.

I agree. But when that was the reaction I got to a perfectly civilised conversation, I was deeply hurt. I could not sleep that night. I’ve always been this quiet person who does not solicit trouble, and who stays silent. If people speak, I usually move away. I have been busy with my work, even if I have been doing ‘aunty’ roles. But many people tend to misunderstand silence for weakness. I got an apology the next day. I moved on.

We should all learn to be happy with the work we are doing. We should live a life without judging others; that’s the only way to get a good night’s sleep. And that’s the most precious thing in the world.

You mentioned once, Simran, about newer teams not recognising the work one has put in over the years…

Yes, it is deeply frustrating. As a director, you cannot ask me, after all these years, to come for an audition to check if I might fit a role, and not even be present. I’m all for workshopping, but you already know what I am capable of. If you don’t, it means you did not even check who you’re calling to audition.

In some web series, I had no idea what I was doing. I regret taking them up, but they offered learning too. I have now decided to never work with people who don’t tell you the story in one go. I will work in Hindi again only if I find someone like-minded and with whom there is a genuine connection and respect.

I am happier with my identity in the South, where I have a legacy and a body of work. I am not the ‘Aankh Maare’ girl here, thankfully! (laughs).

Would you have had it simpler if you had worked then and now?

Without a doubt. We were permitted to make mistakes and learn from them. The world is a lot less nice now. Careers can be ruined in a flash by social media. We still had a personal life at that time. No one bothered us when we went to beauty salons, luncheons, and dinners. It may have been necessary for us to sign autographs, and few people would have even requested a picture. Today, the paparazzi may be found even outside of gyms. The camera is always watching you, and you are being devoured as material. I find this all quite odd.

You've always championed improved writing for women's roles.

In retrospect, to be honest, I believe that the heroines in the 1990s and early 2000s had more substantial roles. We first demonstrated our skills in a variety of genres, including romance, action, comedy, and drama, before selecting a direction for ourselves. As a result, we produced star vehicles and female-centric movies, but we also had important work to do. For this reason, I advise women to focus on what will help them in the future. Because there is no funding, as there is now, you cannot have talented actresses sitting at home after a few decent movies. Because of this, women need to be incredibly resilient in order to succeed in the sector, and they shouldn't accept anything less than what they are capable of.

Name five of the characters you've portrayed that you feel most connected to.

Priya (Gulmohar), Indra (Kannathil Muthamittal), Malini (Vaaranam Aayiram), Rukku (Thulladha Manum Thullum), and Vasanthi.

Read Also: Dipika Kakar in Recovery After Extensive Surgery for Stage 2 Liver Cancer

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!