'The industry is full of politics'

Leelavati plays Mary, an Anglo Indian matron, in Yaaradu? She tells HiT LiST how it feels to face the camera after a long break

Leelavati plays Mary, an Anglo Indian matron, in Yaaradu? She tells HiT LiST how it feels to face the camera after a long break

Picture of peace: Vinod Raj and Leelavati with one of their 14 dogs

"My fans have been a great source of support. I prefer them to people in the film industry. I can act in front of thousands of people, but I cannot make speeches in public. I simply freeze!"

"I came into the industry when acting was a bread-and-butter profession, not a glamourous one. The new crop of actors are good looking, but they need to hone their acting skills."

"I don't expect my son to be signed on by big banners because there is too much politics in the industry. We are capable of producing our own films with good scripts and qualified directors."

"The title of the film (Yaaradu?) was chosen long ago. It was not intended to be controversial. The recent attack on us has disturbed me a great but I am sure truth will prevail."