The Indian-born Hollywood pop singer, songwriter, producer, and actor Asha Puthli is being roped in by noted filmmaker Anil Kumar (who has several Malayalam and Tamil films to his credit), to play the protagonist in the Indian film Maiya. Asha was the female Indian pop star who vocalised the breathy Donna Summer numbers with all their stupefying trills, scats and roars in numerous recordings. She has also sung in various genres and in multiple languages. She was in the city recently and spoke to DC about Maiya, to be made in English and Hindi, which is set for a premiere at the International Cannes Film Festival.
“So far, I have acted in four Hollywood films. This is the first time I was offered an Indian movie, and I’m elated as well as excited to act in this. Dr Allen Mathews introduced me to director Anil; I have heard of his films earlier. As he was narrating the script, it was so poignant that tears started rolling from my eyes! Anil was taken aback for a moment and asked me if anything was wrong with the story. I told him that the story is full of life, and the reality in it touched my heart and I could not control myself,” said Asha adding that the film is about the emptiness of an aged mother, narrated through an orphan played by Syed Zaidi. “I portray a 65-year- old woman as the titular Maiya, and what transpires between her and an orphaned boy when she comes across him,” she said.
So how did Anil choose her for this role? “He was looking for an energetic woman for the role of Maiya for his script, which has an international flavour. He told me that he was impressed with the way I walk — which is fast. Being a pop singer, with my body attuned to dance movements, I am always active,” she explained.The film, to be dubbed in various languages including Tamil, will be shot extensively in Varanasi and is touted to expose the plight of senor citizens in old age homes. Also Maiya will premiere at the prestigious International Cannes Film Festival, Anil said.
