Veteran actress Shanthi Williams, who began her film journey as a child artiste at the age of 12, has opened up about her painful experiences with the Malayalam film industry and her strained ties with superstar Mohanlal.
In a recent interview with Master Bin, she alleged that the actor took advantage of her family’s financial struggles during her husband J Williams’ illness.
Shanthi, who married cinematographer J Williams, once a familiar name in Malayalam cinema, said the family was pushed into dire poverty when her husband fell ill, but no one from the industry stepped in to help. Williams died in 2005 following an illness.
Changing relationship with Mohanlal
Recalling her interactions with Mohanlal, Shanthi said, “The Lal I once knew is very different from the superstar he is today. Back then, he had the innocence of a child. He was a good person who would come home, talk to us, laugh, and share things. But after he became famous, his behaviour changed. Many others began to say the same.”
She then narrated an incident involving a Krishna idol that once adorned her home. “We had a Krishna idol in our house that was about ten to twelve feet tall. Today, that idol is in Lal’s house.”
According to her, the family’s struggles made them vulnerable. “Williams had mentioned that the idol was in our house, but at the time, he said he didn’t know if we could maintain it properly. He was the kind of man who would give away any good things we had to others. Those were extremely difficult days for us, and Lal took advantage of that situation.”
She alleged that Mohanlal took advantage of their need for an air conditioner. “Williams also told him that our house had no air conditioner and that it was difficult for the children. Lal then took away the Krishna idol, worth lakhs, and in return brought an old, broken-down air conditioner from his office, which he left in our home.”
The actress added that the appliance was of little use. “That air conditioner did not work for even ten days before breaking down. People told us it was unsafe for a home with children, as it could even explode. When we sold it, we got only two thousand rupees. Now, everywhere I turn in my house, there is Krishna…”
Absence during husband’s death
Shanthi expressed her deepest hurt over Mohanlal’s absence during her husband’s final days and after his death. “The lasting pain for me is that, despite all we had done for him, he did not come when my husband passed away. Each time I speak of it, the anger wells up within me”
She recalled how others from the industry stepped in to offer support. “When Shankar sir heard of my husband’s passing, he immediately sent me ₹25,000. Director Thirumurugan comforted me, telling me, ‘Amma, don’t be upset, don’t be tense, don’t get emotional, we are all here for you.’ He spoke with me for over two and a half hours as I travelled from Pondicherry, knowing I had already suffered a mild attack while Williams was alive. Later, Shankar sir called again and said, ‘Amma, if you need any help, call me.’ Even today, it is the people of Tamil Nadu who give me strength.”
Though she identifies as a Malayali, the actress admitted she felt abandoned by her home state. “My homeland is Kerala, and I am a Malayali. Yet I feel ashamed to call myself one. It is only when we have nothing that people should step forward to support us. I never asked anyone for money, but I was angry that no one even asked what had happened to Williams.”
Her disappointment extended to the industry’s indifference. “No one from Kerala looked back at us. Not a single person even considered helping me by offering a role. Lal knows very well that I have four children.”
Struggles after husband’s illness
Shanthi also revealed how she worked relentlessly to keep her family afloat during her husband’s illness. “After Williams became bedridden, I had to run around, dubbing and acting to support the family. There were days when the children had no food, and sometimes they went to sleep pressing wet cloths to their stomachs. I have never told anyone about this until now”