Gautami will be seen in a film after almost 2 decades with Kamal Haasan in 'Paapanasam' and in a recent exclusive interview, she opened up a lot about herself.

About the gap in acting, "Nineteen years to be exact. Though Sasanam released in 2006, it was shot in 1996. So, it has been close to two decades since I last acted," said Gautami and the reason for the comeback, "For the first few years of my daughter Subbulakshmi`s life, I was a single parent and I took a break as she was my priority despite my love for acting. It is a responsibility I love. That`s why I never understand when people exclaim at my dropping her in school. Oh, you managed to make time from your busy schedule!` Why is it a big deal? Interestingly, it was my daughter who suggested recently when she turned 15 that I return to acting. A woman, no matter how emancipated she feels when around her family, also has to do things for herself," she explained.

On leaving films for so long she added, "Thankfully, I was never in films for fame. So long as my bills are paid and my basic needs met, I`m happy. I never was a fan of cutting ribbons and being a chief guest at an event. When I decided to stop acting, I eased my way back into everyday living by getting used to being in crowded places. I`d walk to the neighbourhood supermarket and buy vegetables," and when asked about public mobbing, "See, that`s the thing about people. When they see you trying to be a regular person, they let you be. If you throw attitude, you get different responses. I thank my family for keeping me grounded. Even when I was an actress, I made my own bed," said Gautami.

About Kamal, "As an actor, he is fantastic to have around. He is a great team player. You can see that his commitment is the same regardless of whether he is directing or acting. He also has the rare quality of getting everybody to give their best. I have always believed that my performances have stood out when acting with him."

About her surviving cancer and the media attention it got, "We are all defined by the important things we have seen in our lives. I consider this an important episode in my life. I don`t tire talking about it. If I`m able to help at least a few women get tested early for breast cancer, I will have succeeded. There are some women who refuse to confront the idea of mortality due to silly fears like potential hair loss! What`s hair if there is no head?" was the brave actresses response.