His success in films overshadowed and dwarfed his literary achievements-or so his critics felt. He composed several truly original ‘story poems’ in folk refrain and diction and also wrote a sprawling novel Thillana Mohanambal with dozens of very deftly etched characters. He quite successfully recreated the mood and manner of the Devadasis of the early 20th century. He was an amazing actor-he never aspired to the lead roles-but whatever subsidiary role he played in any of the films, he performed better than the supposed main players. He had a genuine love for anyone he came across and his house was a permanent residence for dozens of near and far relations and acquaintances.
i Which of these statements is NOT TRUE about Subbu?
a) His literary accomplishments stole the limelight from his films.
b) He was a gifted poet and writer and his literary works were noteworthy.
c) He was selfless in nature and was empathetic towards others.
d) He never hankered after lead roles and performed minor roles in films.
ii The word ‘sprawling’ has been used with the word ‘novel’. Pick the option with which the word ‘sprawling’ CANNOT be used.
a) metropolis
b) handwriting
c) campus
d) portrait
iii The phrase ‘deftly etched’ shows that Subbu
a) created the roles delicately.
b) was skilful in creating the characters.
c) pondered beyond necessity about the characters.
d) gave very little thought to the characters.
iv Pick the option that best describes Subbu according to the extract.
1. benevolent
2. powerful
3. accomplished
4. witty
5. generous
6. temperamental
a) 4, 5 & 6
b) 2, 3 & 4
c) 1,3 & 5
d) 3 ,4 & 6
