how has your life changed since
Significant changes have taken place in my life. People now recognize me not only by my name but also by my work. Whenever someone appreciates my work in a film, they often mention the monologue scene in front of the police officer. As an artist, this kind of recognition confirms my passion for my work, and it makes me very happy.
Do you believe that a film like The Kerala Story can bring about social change?
I believe the conversation has already started because of the impact of the film. As I interact with people, many express that they were previously unaware of some of the issues addressed in the film, while others share personal experiences related to such topics. For example, someone shared that a senior from their college had joined ISIS, and others mentioned incidents involving their friends. It is clear that the film has started a buzz and raised awareness.
Looking back at your journey in the film industry, do you feel you had to wait a long time for the right opportunities to come your way?
Before The Kerala Story, I worked on projects like AK vs AK and Vikram Vedha, So I don’t consider it a long wait. Progressing in the industry requires patience and growth as an actor. It’s not just about being available; You need to prove your talent and abilities. I am satisfied with the direction of my career and I believe that success comes with time and dedication.
Has your journey been challenging?
Considering I was independent from the age of 16-17, quitting my job was a significant challenge for me. The first hurdle was determining whether I could sustain myself financially for six months on my savings. If acting didn’t work out, I had planned to return to my job, as I didn’t want to burden my parents by borrowing money. Luckily, things worked out, and I found success in television, which provided me financial stability till I ventured into films.
The challenges they face in their journey depend on the type of projects they choose to work on. While I could have continued doing television and making money, I wanted to be a performance-oriented actor. Naturally, the path was more difficult and required extra time to get to where I am today.
Did you take a break from television to focus on films?
Yes, I did take a break from television. By that time, I had outgrown the medium. If I was still satisfied with this, I would have continued working in television. However, my interests had evolved, and television became a demanding 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. job. So, I decided to take a break and explore opportunities in the film industry.
Actors often need to spend money on their existence. Were you concerned with this aspect?
Yes it did. Luckily, I had saved money. I must admit that I am quite frugal by nature, being a typical “baniya”. I don’t spend much on myself and have even gone six months without shopping. Instead, I prefer investing in my personal development, like dance classes and acting workshops, to shopping.
Was being an outsider a challenge for you?
Being an outsider presented its own set of challenges. People didn’t know about my existence until they saw me perform. Directors are more familiar with individuals who are born and brought up in the film industry. However, I have never complained about this fact. I strongly believe that there are many talented actors out there who struggle to connect with the right producer or director. If they had the opportunity to reach out to the right people, we would see a pool of extraordinary artists.
There is a perception that TV actors are overexposed, and OTT platforms may not be keen on casting them. What are your thoughts on this?
I’ve come across this notion before. However, my experience with The Kerala Story changed that perception. Interestingly, the person who initially rejected my profile had a change of heart after seeing my work in The Kerala Story. This shows that while some people may hold this belief, there are others who do not. If one holds such a belief, it is always possible to prove him/her wrong through one’s own talent and determination.
Can you tell us about any new project you have signed?
I am thrilled to inform that I have signed a few films. One of them is the quirky comedy, which provides for a light-hearted and entertaining experience. The second project is completely different, offering a unique and opposite role.