‘I have seen my father work even while shivering with fever’: Kalyani Priyadarshan

Kalyani Priyadarshan, one of the busiest actors in South Indian cinema, has a slew of films lined up for release — including Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira alongside Fahadh Faasil and Dhyan Sreenivasan, a lead role in a film produced by Dulquer Salmaan co-starring Naslen, and Genie with Ravi Mohan. Enthralling her audiences, Kalyani continues her captivating journey in cinema.

In a recent interview given to Grihalakshmi, the young actor revealed that she truly enjoys working on each film. “It has boosted my confidence. I’m open to doing any project as long as I connect with the character and the script,” she said.

When asked whether she would like to do a comedy film with her father, the legendary filmmaker Priyadarshan, she responded, “I love doing comedy films. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my father's movies. But I’m not sure whether the same films would work if made today. Humour evolves with time and generations. What I find funny may not be to my brother’s taste, and what he enjoys might not appeal to my father. Everyone’s sense of humour is different.”

Talking further about her father, she said, “I see the sheer hard work my father puts in. He is my biggest inspiration. I’ve seen him work even when he’s shivering with fever. When we sit together, he often recounts stories from the past — they’re fascinating. Most of his jokes are rooted in those experiences. What we see in films is just 10% of that.”

When asked who she resembles more — her mother, yesteryear actor Lissy, or her father Priyadarshan, she replied, “I think I’ve inherited 90% of my father’s humour and 10% of my mother’s grace.”

Kalyani, a much-revered actor within a short span of time, is sure to have a long run in the film industry, winning laurels, love, and recognition.