Since her first film Arike, she has been surprising the audience with her acting prowess. Now, though having completed over 10 films and six years in Mollywood, Asha Aravind still gushes about every new role, the latest being Kalyanam for which she has been getting positive responses. Super excited about her M’town stint since her low-key but much-hailed debut in Shyamaprasad’s Arike, Asha says, “The role in Arike made me more responsible. I wasn’t very serious about movies and hadn’t decided about an acting career till then. The appreciation for the role changed my life,” says the Kootayam native.
In Kalyanam, Asha plays the wife of Mukesh, whose son Shravan makes his acting debut with the film. “I chose Kalyanam because it was a Rajesh Nair movie and the subject was very appealing. I have known Rajesh since Salt Mango Tree. He is a good friend and the whole shooting was fun. Rajesh’s wife Usha is the creative director of the film and she made sure that all of us, especially female artistes, felt at home on the sets. That is something I proudly tell everyone!” Asha made an entry to cinema through a reality show and went on to play memorable roles in Friday, Annayum Rasoolum, Lokpal, Miss Lekha Tharoor Kanunnathu, Vegam, Swargathekkal Sundaram, Kumbasaram and Pullikkaran Staara. She also featured in various TV commercials and the telefilm Vaikitentha Paripady directed by Prasanth V. Menon earned her more recognition.
Having done roles of substance, she can’t thank enough everyone who helped her. “Till now, I have done good and bold roles, ones close to real life. I have been really lucky. Opportunities came my way before I knew it. Whatever role I do, I do it with full commitment and want to do it in full spirit. If you can’t enjoy what you are doing and if you don’t like whom you are working with, it will affect your performance,” feels Asha, who has acted in over 100 commercials and several telefilms.
In the upcoming film Mohanlal, which will hit the screens soon, Asha plays an important character alongside Manju Warrier and Indrajith. “Offers are pouring in. Some projects are in the pipeline. But I would like to do roles that are apt for me and personally satisfying. I cannot act just for the sake of acting,’’ she concludes.
