Former actress Sarika, who recently separated from her husband Kamal Haasan, makes a comeback to films after 17 years.

She has just completed a song and dance sequence for producer Kalaipuli S Thanu's new Tamil film. Interestingly, Thanu had produced Haasan's film Aalavandhan (Abhay in Hindi) last year. The film bombed at the box office.

Sarika's move has surprised the Chennai film industry. According to a Tamil tabloid, she took this decision in order to financially support her two daughters and herself. Reluctant to speak on the matter, Haasan relents, "I have heard she is done a song in a film. I wish Sarikaji had decided to come back to films while she was still with me. I would have provided her with a role more worthy of her."

Does he approve of her returning to films? "I am neither in a position to approve or disapprove. I will soon be her ex-husband. My concern is the children. They should be given a proper upbringing. I am willing to support them in every possible way, provided they want me to. My fear is their education. They should not be allowed to suffer."

When pressed to comment on the nature of the vehicle chosen by Sarika for a comeback, Haasan shrugs, "I don't know the mindset of the industry or the way actresses think."

Apparently, Haasan's visiting rights to meet his daughters have been curtailed. He says, "That is a very personal hurt. I do try to visit them. But I am invariably told they are busy with exams or some other pressing activity. I visit them once a week. I was very upset initially. But now I have adjusted to the new condition in my life. Hopefully, they will grow up to understand the situation better than they do now."

As to whether he would like a film career for his daughters, he says, "Only after they get a formal education. They should not make the mistake of being uneducated like their parents. Sarikaji may have had no choice in the matter. I was offered the best of opportunities to be educated but turned my back on them. It was a decision based on a personal philosophy which I now regret. I am trying to make amends by educating myself constantly."