'Marriage saved me from cinema's trap, even thought about suicide'; 'Dada Sahib’ actress Ramya opens up after 20 years

Ramya, mostly known by her cine name Athira was among the popular faces that graced m-town back in 2000. She has long bid adieu to the glittering world of cinema but is yet to come out of the mental torture she suffered during her time in cinema. Ramya debuted in ‘Dada Sahib’ opposite Mammootty in the year 2000. She played the role of Athira, a cherubic village girl in love with Mammootty’s character. The movie gifted the actress a debut and also gave her a new moniker—Athira.

The actress had her kitty full of movies till 2002, but she immediately called it time to end her cine career and went into oblivion; even changing her mobile number, to detach totally from the film milieu.

Ramya:

"I was raised in a Namboothiri family and had zero know-how of films. It was at that time that I got an opportunity alongside Mammotty Sir. The film set was fun such that even Mammootty sir used to taunt me and ask someone from the mess department to serve me fish (Athira is a vegetarian).

But it was after marriage that I breathed a sigh of relief. Life was good again and it gave me immense joy to start a family life. I later embarked on a catering business with my husband. I can confidently boast about our prowess; such that we two can easily prepare a wedding Sadhya for more than 500 people without any difficulty. Working tirelessly in my present job and earning good money brings certain satisfaction that is unmatched by any other work I have done before.

The film industry is a trap. Many actresses working there will face difficulty in leading a family life. It is better to detach away fully from it. Cinema is not like what you see from the outside. Most people are good but some take advantage and indulge in vile talks and offers. At one stage I even pondered suicide. Even after I stopped acting, the depression haunted me for a long. I just wanted to move away from cinema. I told some people about my decision and left the place, even changing my phone number."

Ramya was also seen in Director Vinayan’s Super hit movie ‘Karumadikkuttan’ and alongside Suresh Gopi in ‘www.Anukutumbam.com’.

Ramya is mostly remembered among fans for her performance in the song ‘Alliyambal Poove’ from ‘Dada Sahib’.