Kochi: A defiant school girl took her teachers by surprise when she demanded to know why she was only a vice captain and not the captain because she had democratically won the election and was voted by her fellow students. She also added for good measure that she did not see the need to assist anybody! The girl was termed a feminist and a rebel and many years later, that tag still remains.
This bold girl was none other than Rima Kallingal. Sitting in Café Papaya dressed in a white top and jeans, her face devoid of any makeup, Rima smiles as she narrates the incident and states, “Until that incident, I thought being a feminist was bad but I realised that if this is what it is, I didn’t mind being one. I realised at a very young age that it was quite cool to be a feminist. I am happy being branded arrogant or a feminist. In fact, being arrogant helps ward off unwanted attention and people keep their distance!”
The fiery actor is all set to give wings to a long-cherished dream of opening a dance school, called Mamangam. A trained Bharatanatyam and Mohiniattam dancer, Rima says that the dearth of dance schools in Kochi set her thinking on those lines. “We need to offer a platform for students who aspire to be dancers to learn from the best masters, interact with them, grow and see great performances. I am very serious about dance but am also equally serious about having fun while learning it.” Rima will not teach, but has roped in expert teachers from Bengaluru, Chennai and Kozhikode to train students.
Rima was associated with a fashion line earlier, which she soon realised was not her cup of tea. She explains, “Fashion is very personal for me! What I wear is a reflection of my personality and I don’t think I can design for other people. My art lies in acting!”
Her ‘art’, as Rima calls it, has won her accolades galore. 22 Female Kottayam, directed by her husband Aashiq Abu, is the role she is remembered for. Unfortunately, no such power-packed woman oriented role has come her way after that. Remarking that it is the directors and the scriptwriters who need to change their mindset, Rima says, “I think I have set the benchmark for filmmakers to know what I expect from my roles. I don’t want to give the audience something that doesn’t work for my sensibilities; I cannot compromise on my role. But I am also open to doing the weirdest of roles as long as something great comes my way.”
Rima reveals a hidden desire to grow in the industry. “Filmmaking is in the offing! I want to learn all there is to know about cinema. As an actor, you do the director’s bidding or follow the demand of the script. I want to present my own ideas, work on my own subjects and characters. I would like to direct and script my first film.”
Referring to hubby Aashiq, she says that she would love to assist him. In fact, Rima hopes to assist her husband on the Hindi version of Idukki Gold when it does take off. Rima is planning to enroll for a direction course in London too.
The actress, who is very active on social media, is aware of the power she wields as a celebrity. Parents have talked about wanting their daughters to be like her. Admitting that the thought freaks her out, Rima mentions that she was a very responsible youngster even when she was given immense freedom. “I understand that my words and actions might influence youngsters in some way. That is a huge responsibility and I take it very seriously being a public figure.”
Rima will be seen in an upcoming social satire directed by Santosh and in Aashiq Abu’s next.
