Veteran actor Lissy Lakshmi has reunited with filmmaker Priyadarshan for the first time in 38 years, returning before the camera for a new advertisement that also features their daughter, Kalyani Priyadarshan. Marking their first professional collaboration since the 1988 classic Chithram, the shoot prompted Lissy to reflect on the emotional milestone in a heartfelt social media post.
An emotional reunion after 38 years
Sharing a carousel of photographs from the set, Lissy offered fans a glimpse into the reunion. The images featured Priyadarshan, Kalyani, actor Prabhu Ganesan and members of the crew, capturing moments from the commercial’s filming.
“It’s been 38 years since I last worked with Priyettan, and I’m overjoyed to be working with him again! Our last film together was the iconic Chitram. And the best part, I’m playing the reel mother to my real daughter Kalyani Priyadarsan, in this ad film for Kalyan Jewellers!” she wrote.
Lissy also recalled an exchange that took place before filming began. According to the actor, Priyadarshan’s executive director Abhilash asked whether she was nervous about facing the camera again after such a long break.
“I said no, because Priyettan knows me inside out, from my best to my worst facial angles to make me look my best,” she wrote.
The filmmaker, who overheard the conversation, responded with his trademark wit. “Priyettan overheard this and quipped, ‘I know her best and worst behaviours too!'”
The experience proved to be deeply moving for Lissy. “I tried my best to hold my joyful tears. The whole shoot was a picnic spot. I’m deeply grateful to Kalyan Jewellers for this incredible opportunity to work with both Priyettan and Kalyani. My heart is full with several emotions. Life has come full circle for me,” she added, while also thanking fans for their continued love, prayers and support.
Kalyani later reshared the post on Instagram Stories, writing, “Here’s a day that’s got its own room in my memory palace.”
A cherished creative partnership
Lissy’s return to acting comes after a lengthy hiatus. A making video released by the jewellery brand showed Kalyani welcoming her mother to the set before Lissy joined Priyadarshan for script discussions and filming. The behind-the-scenes moments quickly resonated with fans, many of whom were delighted to see the trio working together.
Lissy made her acting debut in 1982 with Ithiri Neram Othiri Karyam before becoming one of Malayalam cinema’s most recognisable stars. She first collaborated with Priyadarshan in 1984’s Odaruthammava Aalariyam and went on to feature in several of his films, including Parayanumvayya Parayathirikkanumvayya, Onnanam Kunnil Oradikkunnil, Boeing Boeing, Aram + Aram = Kinnaram, Punnaram Cholli Cholli, Thalavattam, Mazha Peyyunnu Maddalam Kottunnu, Hello My Dear Wrong Number, Dheem Tharikida Thom, Cheppu and Vellanakalude Nadu. Their final collaboration before this advertisement was Chithram, which remains one of the most celebrated films in Malayalam cinema.
Priyadarshan and Lissy married in 1990 before separating in 2016 after 26 years of marriage. They have two children, including actor Kalyani Priyadarshan, who has since carved out a successful career in Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
The reunion also comes amid months of speculation surrounding the former couple, who have been seen together at several public events this year. While neither has commented on the rumours, their latest collaboration has struck an emotional chord with fans who fondly remember their long creative association and the many classics they created together.
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