‘If Urvashi had said no, we would have dropped it’: Manoj K Jayan breaks down at daughter’s debut launch
Kochi: At the title launch event of the movie Sundariyayaval Stella, veteran actor Manoj K Jayan couldn't hold back tears as he spoke about his daughter Tejalakshmi’s movie debut.
Speaking at the event, Manoj revealed that when Tejalakshmi, lovingly called Kunjatta, got the offer for her debut film, the first thing he insisted on was that she seek her mother, actress Urvashi's blessing.
“Her mother Urvashi is the greatest actress South India has ever seen. Her blessings and opinion matter the most in Kunjatta’s journey. I sent her to Chennai to meet Urvashi. If Urvashi had said no, we would have dropped the project,” Manoj said, visibly emotional.
Manoj also recalled how Tejalakshmi first shared her desire to act with his wife Asha. “Kunjatta told Asha, who is not just her mother but also her best friend, that she wanted to act. When this offer came, I told her to speak to Urvashi first. Her opinion was crucial. And when it comes to my daughter… I can’t help but get emotional,” he said as his daughter comforted him during the speech.
He added that his late father had always wished to see Tejalakshmi enter the film industry, and it saddened her deeply that he wasn’t alive to witness her first step.
Taking the stage with grace and honesty, Tejalakshmi acknowledged the pressure of being born to two iconic actors but said she is ready to face it head-on.
“People have asked me since I was young, ‘When will you come into films?’ But I was scared. I only realised much later who my parents really are in the public eye. Before that, they were just my mom and dad,” she said.
She admitted that comparisons are inevitable, but believes in leaping anyway. “This is my first film. I know I have a lot to learn, but I will give it my best. I hope those who love my father and mother will show me the same love and support.”