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 It was a procedure in the olden days to follow grandma's remedies to cure common ailments. Drinking buttermilk with methi was a sure cure for stomach pain. But now the scenario has changed. A visit to the doctor even for ordinary ailments is the order of the day.
Vijay TV's 'Mudhal Vanakkam' has focussed on such remedies and has brought them to the limelight through a special feature called 'Patti Vaidhyam' by Revathy Sankaran. The programme can be easily understood and followed by the common man. It is doubtful whether anyone other than she can present this feature in such an entertaining manner.
Born in Madurai, Revathy Sankaran finished her graduation and got married to Sankaran who was working for a private firm. Because of the nature of his job she got the opportunity to travel the length and breadth of the country and learn many languages, which she speaks with fluency. She learnt Carnatic music from Vidhwan 'Pathamadai' Sundaram and 'Thevaram' from Dharmapuram P.Swaminadhan. While in school, she participated in Thiruvasagam and Thevaram competitions conducted by Thiruppanandhal Aadheenam and won scholarships twice.
 Hers is a small,close-knit family. She lives with her husband, who retired as a chief executive, in Mandaveli while her two sons live in the US. Her first venture into acting was through advertisements and later on she entered television to act in plays. She got the opportunity to prepare the script for Karur Vysya Bank advertisement for which Dilip (now known as A R Rahman) scored the music. She has also given the background commentary for 'Ulavarum Olikadhir', telecast by Chennai
Doordharshan.
She was first introduced in small screen by P R Vijayalakshmi, daughter of director Panthulu in her serial 'Meendum Kuttichathan', in which she played the role of a grandmother. Director Balachandar who was surprised at her resemblance to actress Sowcar Janaki cast her in his megaserial. Thus her journey in acting continued via his megaserials like 'Kasalavu Nesam', 'Jannal', 'Anni' etc and they proved her acting prowess beyond doubt.
The best aspect of her programmes is the songs she renders. At present her programme 'Mangayar Choice', being telecast in Sun News Channel, is drawing praise from all quarters especially from women. She is an expert in painting,cooking and Rangoli and last but not the least is a Harikatha exponent. She has written and recorded one on Kanchi Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Swami called,'Madhuram Madhuram Mahaswami Charitham'. The CD will be released on July 13, on the occasion of his Jayanthi. The proceeds from the sale will be used to build a Manimandapa in village Orikkai, near
Kancheepuram.
 Revathy has also presented a Harikatha on Carnatic legend M S Subbulakshmi, on Raja Sarabhoji, Harikesa Nallur Muthiah Bagavadhar, a story on veena, Sruthi -- the list is endless. She was bestowed with the award 'The Role of Honour Award 1999' by the Mylapore Academy for her multiple talents. She has acted in a film too, as Prabhu's mother in 'Middle Class Madhavan'. She has also written and sung songs based on health, AIDS and environment. Right now she is busy writing, scoring music and singing for AVM's 'Engal Appachi AVM'.
Talking about this latest work, she says the idea was born when she was trying to talk about 'Periyava' meaning Mahaswamigal to costumer Balu and he misunderstood and asked her whether she was talking about 'Namma Periyavar' meaning A V Meyyappa Chettiar. She then realised that to him he was the Periyavar and so she decided to present a Harikatha on him.
 She does all her domestic chores herself in spite of a busy shooting schedule. She feels that she has more to achieve in life. She is also involved in social work. She meets poor people living in huts near her house, sings songs for them explaining the importance of hygiene, education and environment thereby creating awareness among them. May her endeavour in acting and social work continue for years to come!
K T Sri
Translated by Radha
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