This year, Lekha Production celebrates its silver jubilee and its director Lekha Ratnakumar speaks about the milestones crossed.
"I have directed ads like Idhayam Nallennai, plus more than 10 TV serials, and I may be in a top position now, but would you believe that at one time I was out in the streets?" Such a statement naturally rouses our eagerness to know more.
"I was born into a rich family in Virudhunagar. My father is a businessman. From the age of 12, I've been good with my printing knowledge. During college days, I've been called as a 'pala kural mannan.' I have even spoken like Sivaji and MGR in their presence, and earned their appreciation. Things were going on smoothly, living in a rich family and getting a good name, but there came a sudden tsunami in my life. Because of misunderstandings with my father, I left home.
When I was wringing my hands in desperation, a friend named Shankar gave me 50Rs. With that money, I took a bus to Coimbatore . On reaching, I had no idea what to do and hung around the pavements for 2 days.
One day I saw an ad on oodhubathi and went to the company located in RS Puram. After a long wait, I met the owner and asked for a label order. He liked my approach and gave me an order for 3 lakhs labels. That was my first victorious step.
I took a hired cycle and roamed the place for ad orders. In time, my quest brought me to Chennai. I was making ads and now I turned my attention to television. I directed Rajesh Kumar's 'Iruttil Oru Vanambadi' for Doordarshan. It was a success and I continued to direct serials for Doordarshan.
From that day till now, I'm doing the ads for Idhayam Nallennnai. They were the ones who first believed in my talent and gave me an opportunity to use it. After that, so many oil companies approached me. They had all rejected me in the beginning. So, I stick to advertising only for Idhayam Nallennai. Jothika, Sneha and others have featured in my ads.
Now, I have business interests in foreign countries like Germany and America . I started my company in 1983 and we now complete 25 years this year," said Lekha Ratnakumar with great pride, looking as young as ever.
"Kaalathinaal seidha nanri siridhenum
Gnalathin maana peridhu."
Lekha Ratnakumar started his 25th anniversary celebrations by inviting to Chennai, his friend Shankar who had lent him the first Rs.50, and honoring him.
