There was a time when Bhama was busy flitting across industries with back-to-back films but all that is in the past. After a break, the actress is returning to the limelight with Anoop Menon-starrer Maalgudi Days.
The actor reveals, “I had made a decision at the beginning of this year to cut down on my projects and take time out to relax. For some time, I was busy travelling between industries without a break and I missed out on a lot of things. I now feel at this juncture of my life, I need to slow down. I wanted a relaxed pace and decided to take up only those roles that really interested me. Every offer that comes to me need not be good and there should be something special about my role. Expecting the team, director, technical crew and role to be good is foolhardy, so I insist that there be at least one facet that allows me to work comfortably. The result is that I am totally calm now.”
The upcoming Maalgudi Days will see her pairing with Anoop Menon for the first time. “In Maalgudi Days, I am playing Janet, a housewife who has a positive influence on Anoop’s life.”
“And this is my first mother role. Though I don't have much screen space, my character is prominent and what attracted me to the film are the team and the experience of working with Anoop Menon,” she says.
Bhama debuted in films at a young age and the price she had to pay was her studies. Consequently, number one on her priority list was getting back to her studies, which she did. “I have always had a penchant for interior and fashion designing, but as fashion designing was something very common, I opted for an interior designing course. I have yet to decide if I should take it up as a career but I am happy that I am getting to learn something I have a passion for. Travelling is also something that I missed out on so I am also going globe- trotting.”
Mollywood is seeing an influx of heroines from other states as well as newcomers. Speaking about the increasing trend of fresh faces, Bhama opines, “For a long time, fingers were pointed at Mollywood heroines who went to work in other industries. The real reason for most Malayali heroines seeking greener pastures is actually the trend of casting other industry actors in Malayalam films. Nobody mentions that. What is wrong in Malayali actors acting in other industries? The film makers here should answer this question!”
She also has high regard for Mollywood. “As far as storylines go, nothing beats Malayalam in realistic scripts, especially for women-oriented films. I’m more comfortable in Malayalam which is very homely.”
Speaking of homely, most of her peers are tying the knot. Does Bhama have any such plans? She candidly reveals, “I have no immediate plans to get married. I used to have a certain image of my dream man like any other woman of my age. But as life goes on, your perspective changes so I do not have any expectations now, but just want someone who should understand me.”
Bhama is not someone who is active on social media platforms. “I do have a page where I update on my upcoming films or my new look. This gives me the opportunity to interact with my fans,” she says.
About her New Year plans, she reveals, “I will be in the UK for my month-long stage show. I do not do too many stage shows but only those whose team I am comfortable with.”
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