Samyuktha Viswanathan On Meme Culture, Says 'It Means You're On The Path to Success' | Exclusive
From theater dreams to viral fame—Samyuktha opens up about her journey, challenges, trolls, and things beyond Katchi Sera and Suzhal Season 2.
South Indian actor Samyuktha Viswanthan’s journey into acting wasn’t all conventional. From defying her parents’ expectations to studying acting abroad and finally making a name for herself in Tamil cinema through Katchi Sera [trending song from 2024], her story is one of passion. Samyuktha, in an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, spoke about her early days of struggle, dealing with comments on body-shaming, and her exciting lineup of projects such as Suzhal 2 and Mr Bharat.
Excerpts from the interview:
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Tell us about your life before Katchi Sera.
I studied Visual Communication, which itself was a tough decision since my parents wanted me to pursue engineering or architecture. When I told them I wanted to act and be a model, they were confused—like, ‘Where is this coming from?’ But I started doing ads, and my first was a Parachute ad. I don’t even remember how old I was, but I still have it. It was a sweet ad, and seeing it made me realise how much I enjoyed being in front of the camera. Then I joined Little Theatre, a creative theatre group, and that’s when I knew that this is what makes me happy.
What did your parents do professionally?
Both were bankers. One studied Bachelor in Physics, the other Bachelor in Chemistry, and somehow, they both ended up in banking. Naturally, they had concerns when I said I wanted to be an actor. They asked me to complete my Master’s first, so I studied acting at New York University on a scholarship and then did a Master’s in Performance Studies at TISS. I worked for a year, then came back during Covid. Just as I was figuring out my next step, Katchi Sera happened.
Many who study abroad don’t return. Your peers might be earning more than Rs 24–36 LPA. Does that bother you?
Honestly, when I was in New York, I didn’t want to leave. I loved the city, its energy, its people. I’d do cheesy things like standing in Times Square at 3 am just staring at the lights. But for me, wherever I am, I have to act. Nothing else gives me that happiness. If I couldn’t do it there, I had to do it here. So I came back, ready to see where life would take me.
How did Katchi Sera happen?
It came out of nowhere. I was with my family, probably around Christmas, when Abhay (Sai Abhyankar) called me. He sent me his profile, and I was immediately drawn to his musical talent. I also loved Ken Royson’s (Katchi Sera director) work. It took a while for things to fall into place, but when we finally started shooting, it was a fantastic experience. We wrapped in just one call sheet. When Ken called “pack up," I was convinced we didn’t have enough footage—but we actually had extra!
Aasa Kooda or Katchi Sera?
Of course, Katchi Sera! I’m biased because the song got stuck in my head from the moment I heard it. Even before its release, it kept playing in my mind. So yes, I have a special love for it.
In an interview, you mentioned facing body-shaming comments after Katchi Sera…
Yes, there were many. It’s strange how the human brain works – you can receive ten positive comments, but one negative one lingers. I’m naturally self-critical, so even when I saw the nice comments, I’d question if I deserved them. But the negative ones? They stuck.
What were the comments about?
Some were outright body-shaming—saying I looked pregnant or was too fat. At first, I tried to ignore them. I even started deleting and blocking comments. But I realised this was part of the game. People told me, ‘If they’re making memes about you, you’re on the path to success.’ If nobody cared, they wouldn’t talk about you at all. It was tough, but it taught me to develop thick skin.
Tell us about your role as Nachi in Suzhal 2.
Being part of Suzhal 2 was a dream come true. I’ve admired Pushkar-Gayatri’s work for years. I used to take notes while watching Vikram Vedha! When I saw Suzhal 1, I never imagined I’d be in Season 2. When they approached me, they made it clear it was an ensemble cast, not a single-lead project. But I was completely on board.
With Aishwarya Rajesh and other eight key characters in the series, how do you stand out as an actor?
The credit goes to the creators. The characters are so distinct and well-written that you can’t confuse one with another. Half the work is already done for you as an actor. The directors and writers had a clear vision of what they wanted, which made our job easier.
Nachi faces sexual assault and handles it boldly. How does her resilience compare to yours?
I don’t think I’m as bold as Nachi. She’s sensitive and emotional, but she also acts quickly. That scene was empowering for me—when she directly confronts her assaulter. There’s even a line where she tells Aishwarya Rajesh’s character, ‘This is not about sex. It’s about power.’ Saying that felt powerful. If I were in Nachi’s shoes, I’d react differently. I’d break down first, but eventually, I’d fight back.
You’re part of Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Mr Bharat and a film produced by Khushbu. Tell us about them.
Mr Bharat is a unique comedy. If you’re familiar with Finally (YouTube channel), you’ll get the vibe. I love their sense of humour—it’s simple, effortless, and just makes you laugh. I play Bharat’s love interest, so imagine a quirky guy like him trying to woo a girl—that’s the film.
The other project is a fantasy rom-com, directed by Ashwin and produced by Khushbu ma’am and Sundar C sir. It blends genres in an interesting way, and I’m excited about it.
Do you want to break out of the Katchi Sera mold?
100%. I’m grateful for the song, and I always will be. People even call me ‘Katchi Sera’ on the streets. But as an actor, you want to be known for more. At a recent event, some fans said they loved me in Katchi Sera, while others mentioned Suzhal. That’s what I want—to be recognised for different roles.
Suzhal 1 was a fan favorite, but some say Season 2 didn’t match up. Your thoughts?
I get it. When Suzhal 1 came out, Tamil web series was still new. It was released during the pandemic when people needed an escape. Naturally, they got emotionally attached to it. But some people have told me they loved Suzhal 2 even more. Others felt it didn’t match their connection to the first season. At the end of the day, it’s all about how the show resonates with each person.
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