Parvathy may be 18 films old down south, but she’s now eagerly awaiting the release of her first Bollywood film Qareeb Qareeb Single. This young actress has completed her education from Kendriya Vidyalaya and so does not have much of a problem mouthing dialogues in Hindi or any other language.
“Yes! Having studied in both Hindi as well as English from Kendriya Vidyalaya, I do not have much of a problem. In fact, I did not know my Malayalam. I learnt my mother tongue when I was in class XII. I have a flair for learning languages. Be it any language, I may take a little time, but can easily converse in the given language.”
Parvathy does not differentiate between any of the film industries. “For me, working in Bollywood is no different than working in southern films since I’ve done 18 films. Working in films is a pleasure and a blessing. Whenever you do a film, it’s the teamwork that brings a fantastic result. You first collaborate with the director and writer after hearing the story and thereafter, your partnership extends to the actors as well. If we get to work with great actor partners, obviously the outcome too is great. Working with Irrfan Khan, who literally strives to give varied dimensions to the character and the scenes, not only brought forth an exuberant partnership but we could portray our parts in authentic ways. I am happy to have worked with him.”
She adds, “I am not concentrated but a diluted actress. I always put in concerned and organic efforts. I have a simple formula, I love to participate in films that have a simple narrative on progressive society. I am open to working in Marathi as well Bhojpuri films for that matter. I can work in any language if the film has a good script.”
On her favorite actor, Parvathy says, “From the earlier lot of actors, I have always been fascinated by the work of Ratna Pathak Shah.” Remakes are probably not for Parvathy. “I did perform one of my characters from a Malayalam film in Tamil. Somehow, I was not too happy. I feel doing remakes is not my forte as I do not have to do much and thus feel very bored. There is nothing to explore. I always love to do something original.”
Having worked down south in Malayalam, Tamil and Kannada films, Parvathy has yet not worked in Telugu films. Ask her about a Telugu breakthrough and she says, “I do not need to break through as I have already broken through 11 years ago in the film industry. I have not got any happening or good scripts until now. And so I have not yet done any films in Telugu. But if I get a good offer, I would love to be a part of Telugu films as well.”
She asks instead, “But why are you so touchy about Telugu?” Amongst the Khans — Salman, Shahrukh and Aamir — who would she like to work with? “I really do not have a favorite and I’m not being diplomatic. I feel each one has his own strengths and weaknesses too. If I may have enjoyed some of their work, sometimes I feel some of their other work is bullshit. Now, isko controversy mat bana dena.”
Finally, quiz her about the age limit (from 20 to 30) of a heroine’s career and who she feels is responsible, she says, “The industry is responsible for this, of course. It is very simple. If they do not give us work, how will we change it? Well, we are trying to change it now by writing for ourselves. Also, I feel it is not wise to allow somebody else to decide the span of our working career. It is a chauvinistic view and is really disrespectful. Woman sirf khana banana ke liye hoti hai ya fir payar karne ke liye hoti hai. I totally disagree with this attitude.”
