Now celebrated as one of the leading veteran artists in Indian cinema, this superstar has skillfully maintained her stardom through a series of challenges and triumphs.
An actor’s life may seem perfect on screen, but behind the glamour lies a world of hard work, dedication, and personal challenges. Today, we shine a light on Sarika, a National Award-winning actress who gave up her childhood to support her family from a young age, showcasing her resilience and commitment to her craft.
Now celebrated as one of the leading veteran artists in Indian cinema, she has successfully maintained her stardom through numerous highs and lows. Her remarkable journey is a testament to her extraordinary resilience and unparalleled talent.
Now celebrated as one of the leading veteran artists in Indian cinema, she has successfully maintained her stardom through numerous highs and lows. Her remarkable journey is a testament to her extraordinary resilience and unparalleled talent.
According to media reports, Sarika became the sole breadwinner for her family at the tender age of five. As a child artist, she captivated audiences in several hit films, including Majhli Didi, Hamraaz, and Satyakam. Making her adult debut with Rajshri Productions’ Geet Gaata Chal, she rose to stardom by just 15, solidifying her place in the industry.
During the late 70s to mid-80s, Sarika rose to fame for her remarkable performances in films. Reports indicate that during this period, she developed a romantic relationship with Kamal Haasan, which became controversial when she became pregnant while he was still married to Vani Ganapathy.
This relationship drew significant criticism and backlash against Sarika. The couple married in 1988 and welcomed two daughters, Shruti in 1986 and Akshara in 1991. However, a few years after Akshara’s birth, they parted ways, with their divorce finalized in 2004.
In a candid interview, Sarika shared the financial struggles she faced during the lockdown, revealing that she earned less than ₹3,000 from her theatre performances. Speaking to News 18, she reflected, “When the lockdown hit, money ran out, leaving me with few options. I turned back to acting, but in theatre, you typically earn only Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,700, which isn’t enough to sustain yourself. It was a very deliberate choice for me to step back, thinking it would last a year, but it ended up being five. Those were indeed significant five years.”
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