A good break

Actor Parvatii Nair first got introduced to director Ajoy Varma on the sets of her Tamil film in Chennai, then again in Mumbai where Parvatii was doing a course; it finally ended with her being a part of Ajoy’s debut Malayalam directorial vehicle Neerali. But it was not an impromptu confirmation. Parvatii explains, “About four months after I interacted with Ajoy in Mumbai, I was approached for a role in Neerali.” But wait, there’s more to come, as she explains, “I had to complete a look test first. There was someone who came and created an entirely new look for me and that look got approved. The look, hairstyle and clothes were very different from what I had ever worn.” 

The look was very important for Ajoy, who rates perfection above everything else. Parvatii explains, “My character in the film has this sharp corporate look and at the same time this soft side too. There are moments when you feel my character is very innocent and others when you feel she is totally eccentric. That combination of the crazy with the vulnerable is what the director was looking for.” Parvatii plays an urban Malayali with a childish possessiveness towards Mohanlal’s character in Neerali.

For someone who grew up idolising Mohanlal and Nadia Moidu, it was a double treat to be able to work alongside them in the film. “I have always looked up to them. In terms of screen space, my role can almost be termed the secondary lead. A chance to act opposite the actors I have always admired is inexplicable. I can call this a very special experience,” she gushes.

Paravatii has acted in Tamil and Kannada films too. Most of us would recall her role as the vengeful wife in the Ajith-starrer  Yennai Arindhaal. Her last Tamil release was Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga. Not only Tamil, her performance as a young journalist in her Kannada film Kathe won her an award. She says of her experience, “It was good and the people are very nice. You get a lot of supporters, fans and respect from these industries.” 

So will Mollywood take the backbench? She states, “Actually it is not about the industry but about the team and the subject. These factors are more important to me than the language, which will never be a barrier for me. If I get a Bengali film tomorrow, I might do that too if I like the subject!”

Parvatii is also a sought-after model. She mentions, “Since I am into modeling, I get a lot of invites to be the showstopper at fashion shows. I have walked for most of the prominent designers.” Added to her love for the arts is also a love for social work and animals. She simply says, “I love animals and work for PETA as well as support a campaign for adopting stray dogs in Chennai.”