Acting beyond legacy: Kalyani Priyadarshan carves her own identity| INTERVIEW

Four films were released this Onam, with Kalyani Priyadarshan playing the heroine in two of them. Her films were 'Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra' and 'Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira', and her performances have been widely praised.

The daughter of Malayalam cinema’s all-time favourite director and actress, Kalyani, has carved out her own identity beyond her parents’ names. The daughter of Lissy and Priyadarshan, Kalyani has emerged as a favourite heroine in Malayalam cinema. She challenged the assumption that her debut would be in Malayalam, first making a mark in Tamil and Telugu films.

Fans welcomed her portrayal of Nikki, a hot-tempered character, in 'Varane Avashyamund' with thunderous applause. She has also played Nithya in 'Hridayam', Anna in 'Bro Daddy', Beepathu in 'Thallumaala', Pathu in 'Sesham Mike-il Fathima', and Annie in 'Varshangalkku Shesham'. Audiences have seen many facets of Kalyani on the silver screen. She continues to open new chapters in her life, a blend of dreams and aspirations.

How do you choose characters?

There is no standard when it comes to choosing characters. With every film, I try to step out of my comfort zone and push my limits. When I acted in my first film, I wanted to act alongside leading heroes and grow as a heroine. I got the opportunity to dub through 'Hridayam'.

When I acted with Lal uncle (Mohanlal) in 'Bro Daddy', I had to evolve as an actor and was also given significant screen space. In 'Thallumaala', I changed my personality, as the character was very different from me. In 'Sesham Mike-il Fathima', I had to adjust my language, and in 'Antony', I had to change physically. With every role, I try to transform myself to suit the character.

After release, the film belongs to the audience, and I do everything I can to convey the character to them perfectly. When selecting a film, the story must be strong, and there should be scope to grow as an actor.

It seems that the new generation does not want to stay in the film industry for 40-50 years like Mohanlal or Priyadarshan. Do you also have the same opinion?

If I get characters and scripts that I like, I will do. I don’t count the years. I love cinema. I work out of passion, not for money. Perhaps that is why I never calculate how long I have to work.

You're also very meticulous when it comes to choosing films, aren't you?

I take my time in choosing each film, and perhaps that is the reason for this approach. For many people, cinema is their profession and a way to meet their responsibilities. I don’t have such responsibilities at the moment.

Would you like to act in a comedy film with your father?

I enjoy doing comedy films. I have always enjoyed my father’s films a lot. But if the same film were made today, I’m not sure it would be successful. Jokes change over time and across generations. My brother’s humour may not be the kind I appreciate, and my father’s jokes may not be the jokes I like either. Everyone is different.

The character, life circumstances and language in 'Sesham Mike-il Fathima' are all different. Isn't it a challenge to do such unfamiliar characters?

I like challenging characters. I try my best to bring to life the characters they give me, believing in me. To grow as an actor, you have to be willing to take on challenges. The main challenge in 'Sesham Mike-il Fathima' was the language. Until then, I had not portrayed characters representing the lives of ordinary people, so this role was entirely new to me.

Who do you feel most comfortable acting with?

I am comfortable acting with anyone. Pranav and I have been friends since childhood, so I feel most at ease working with him.

Do you want to act in a remake of any old movies?

It is a remake of the movie 'Kilukkam'. But if I play the role of Lal Uncle and Pranav (Appu) takes on the role of Revathi Mam, it will feel different.

Have you felt like doing characters from classic movies?

I didn’t feel that way. However, Karthumbi’s character in 'Thenmavin Kombath' has inspired me. Still, I didn’t feel I could take it on, because I don’t think I could even achieve ten per cent of what Shobana ma’am did.

How do you look at your father's creativity beyond being a director?

I look up to my father’s hard work. He is my biggest inspiration. I have seen him continue working even when shivering with fever. When we are together, he often shares stories from his past, which are very funny. Many of his jokes are based on those experiences, though only about ten per cent of them make it onto film.

What is feminism in Kalyani's view?

Feminism is very simple. If you believe that men and women are equal, then you are a feminist.

The secret to fitness?

Hard work—there is no other secret. I did a lot of physical training for 'Antony', working out whenever I had the time. That is when I understood the importance of fitness. I am very careful about my diet. Whether I have a shoot or not, I make sure to work out for at least an hour and a half. Initially, I felt more stressed before shoots, so I started meditating.

Who does Kalyani resemble more? Lissy or Priyadarshan?

I have 90 per cent of my father’s humour and 10 per cent of my mother’s beauty.

Can you tell me about your friendship?

Since entering cinema, I have made many friends. Jagadish Palanisamy, the producer of 'Sesham Mike-il Fathima', is a close friend who understands my talents. I also have childhood friends, including Keerthy and Pranav.

What would Kalyani have become if you had not come to cinema?

I will answer this in Tamil. 'Cinema thaan en vaazhkkai. Enakku therinjadhu Cinema mattum dhaan' (Cinema is my passion. I know only cinema). Even though I studied architecture, I told my father that cinema was my path. I did not mean to become an actor, but I said I would achieve something in cinema.