Actresses had a short shelf life. That is only till they married. Those who sizzled on the screen tapered out quietly to settle down to marital bliss and conjugal harmony. Yesteryear superstars became demure housewives and doting mothers. Well, the scenario is changing now. Nadia who was a reigning queen in the 1980s married and left for London. She came back to play the chic mother of Jeyam Ravi in M. Kumaran. Following her lead, many of the former heroines are ready to play the sophisticated mother instead of the traditional weepy one. Devayani charges Rs. 5 lakhs and Roja Rs. 10 lakhs for such portrayals. Manthra is ready for sistser roles.