At the age of 22, Alina Padikkal is a veteran on the small screen. She started her career as an anchor when she was studying in class three.
A livewire in front of the camera, she has hosted shows on almost all the leading Malayalam channels. She made her debut as an actor in Bharya , currently being aired on Asianet, and will soon be hosting D4Dance Junior vs Senior on Mazhavil Manorama. Alina speaks to Friday Review about her space on the small screen.
Tell us about your first tryst with the camera...
I am a chatterbox and that is what got me my first show, Butterflies , a children’s programme on Asianet. I won the Kerala State Television Award (2005) for the best anchor for that programme! I was too young to understand the significance of the award then. Later I found that the jury had observed that I was spontaneous and a natural in front of the camera. Soon television became an integral part of my life. After my school hours, I was shuttling between channels, hosting shows. I have been a VJ on Kiran TV, Surya TV, and Asianet Plus.
Alina Padikkal
In 2012 I took a three-year break to concentrate on my studies. After that I did Aarppo Irro on Kairali TV, Smart Show on Flowers TV and Komady Circus on Mazhavil Manorama. Currently I am doing Hot n’ Spicy , a cookery show on ACV, and can’t wait to host D4Dance .
What are your preparations for a show?
I believe in myself, that’s about it. I can never be formal in front of the camera. I don’t have a role model. My friends are my biggest critics and their opinion means a lot to me.
How did acting happen?
I have been getting offers to do movies, but I am not keen on it. I can’t romance on screen! As for the serial, the plan was to do a pilot episode of Bharya and they were pleased with the result.
I play Nayana, a character with negative shades. She is different from the usual vamps on the small screen and that’s what I love about the role.
A lot has been written about your love for vehicles...
My craze for driving comes from my parents. It was my mother, Bindu Philipose, who taught me to ride a bike. We have three cars, all of them altered for a sporty look. I ride a Bullet and Duke as well.
Your ambition?
At present, I am pursuing my MBA in Bengaluru. My aim is to get a job, preferably in the automobile industry. I want to try for the civil services, just once, and if I clear it, I want to opt for the Indian Police Service. Now I am enjoying being in the limelight, but I am also aware that television and the perks that come with it are not permanent.
