19th April 2004

I was shocked when somebody told me about the untimely demise of actress Soundarya. I felt that how good it would be if this news were false. It is unbelievable. Soundarya physically has left this mundane world. But she is alive in our hearts with characters she played in films and personality and personal behavior.

Soundarya is a great actress. Only Soundarya is capable of doing the roles that were donned by actresses like Savitri and Jamuna in the past. NTR is my inspiration for acting. If heroines have to take somebody as role model, Soundarya fills up that slot. She won Nandi award thrice. She feels that awards are motivating tools to choose better roles and work harder. There is no replacement for Soundarya. It is a great loss for Telugu film industry.

We worked for 'Top Hero' film in the past. She used to call me fondly as 'Bala'. She is very affectionate lady. I feel like a family member has gone away with the expiry of Soundarya.

She accepted the role of Droupati in my directorial debut 'Nartanasaala'. We completed one schedule so far. She is a thorough professional. She did her homework by repeated viewing the VHS of Nartanasaala to understand the character of Droupati and study the histrionics of Savitri in that role. She came to the opening of the film by dressing herself up in Droupati attire. She okayed all the shots in single take. I have not seen such a dedicated actress in the current generation. She completed the schedule meant for 4 days in just 2 and half days. I also remembered her words that she is very eager to see this Nartanasaala in public theater as an audience. Before packing up, she duly asked me the details of next schedule.

I am unable to digest that Soundarya is no more. I feel that every actress should take Soundarya as role model in histrionics and behavior. My deepest condolences to the family members Soundarya and Telugu movie lovers. May Soundarya and her brother Amarnath's soul rest in peace!