‘I could do it because it was Fahadh...’ Samvrutha Sunil on Diamond Necklace

Over a decade after its release, Diamond Necklace remains one of the most memorable films in Malayalam cinema — and for actress Samvrutha Sunil, it also marked one of the most challenging roles of her career. In a interview with The Cue Studio, Samvrutha opened up about her experience playing Maya, the emotional climax scene, and the influence of co-star Fahadh Faasil. 

Directed by Lal Jose, Diamond Necklace (2012) starred Fahadh Faasil in the lead, with Samvrutha, Anusree, and Gauthami Nair playing key roles. Samvrutha’s character Maya, a cancer patient with a complex inner world, demanded restraint and a subtle emotional palette — a significant shift from the roles she had done before.

“The moment I heard the story, what excited me most was the climax,” Samvrutha said. “But I wasn’t ready to completely shave my head for that scene. It was a personal challenge. People are used to seeing me with long hair, so I wondered how that new look could be created.”

She recalled that she and the makeup team tried multiple looks and finally settled on a non-invasive approach after several trial runs. “After two or three sessions, we were able to achieve something that looked convincing. When Lalu ettan [Lal Jose] approved it during our shoot in Manali, everyone felt relieved.”

Samvrutha described her character in Diamond Necklace as “very subtle,” noting that the depth of her performance came from the give-and-take she shared with Fahadh Faasil. “Fahadh expresses so much with his eyes. When you act alongside him, you automatically respond in that wavelength. That’s why I could deliver Maya the way I did.”

The actress also recalled the hospital scenes — especially the one involving the stolen necklace — as emotionally intense. “There was pin-drop silence on set during those scenes. Everyone could relate to that feeling. And when we shot the climax on a bus in Manali, the people with us were real locals — not even junior artists.”

She added that director Lal Jose didn’t need to explain much to them at that point. “Emotionally and mentally, we had all shifted into the story. Now when I look back, I feel incredibly blessed to have done such a role.”

Samvrutha’s portrayal of Maya is still remembered for its quiet strength and emotional gravity — and for her honest reflections now, fans are reminded why the film continues to resonate.