This doctor seems to know the pulse of her audience. Or how do you explain actress Aishwarya Lekshmi’s winning streak that has taken her straight into the big league. After making her debut in Njandukalude Naattil Oridavela, the doctor-turned-actor performed impressively in Mayaanadhi, Varathan and the recently released Vijay Superum Pournamiyum.
Argentina Fans Kaattoorkkadavu is all set to release soon and she is gearing up to play the heroine opposite Vishal in the Tamil film directed by Sundar C. Life has taken an unprecedented turn, says Aishwarya to Friday Review. Edited excerpts from the interview...
After completing a degree in medicine, how did acting enter your scheme of things?
It was never a plan. I used to model while I was studying medicine. I applied for a role after seeing a casting call for Njandukalude Naattil Oridavela and got selected after an audition. I was clearly told that it was a brief role and that my character would not even be taking the story forward. Honestly, I felt good then because even if I were to make mistakes, it wouldn’t be projected all that much. It was after doing the film that I became serious about acting.
Your next film, Mayaanadhi, had an intense role and some intimate scenes and bold lines. Were you ready for it by then?
I really wanted to work with Aashiq Abu, as I have loved all his films. I knew that certain scenes in Mayaanadhi could be construed by some in a different way. But I trusted the team and so there were no doubts. I knew they were not making anything vulgar. I was only thinking about how I would present it to my parents. To my relief, they loved it and told me to select such good scripts. I was also told that I were to let them know beforehand if I had to do such scenes in future.
The wife that you played in Varathan was the bolder character almost till the end. So did you feel left behind as the husband took over towards the second part of the film?
Not really. I agree that it is also her story. Even then every cinema has its own flow. Each character has its own journey. I believe the journey of my character was decided like that and I am happy about that. I understand the cinematic perspective of the story. My logic is that if something like this had happened to me in real, I would be shaken. It might be tough for me to react at that instance. I am sure the same might have been the case of the character that I played as well. Maybe she would have been relieved when her husband took charge.
What difference, if any, did you try to bring into your character in Vijay Superum Pournamiyum, which was inspired by the Telugu flick Pelli Choopulu ?
I had already watched Pelli Choopulu, when the role came to me. It was obvious that I couldn’t perform the character like the way it was presented and so there was no point in getting worried about it. But then the similarity between the two films is there only in its basic premise and the making styles are different.
What is Argentina Fans Kaattoorkkadavu like?
It is a complete commercial movie made in a celebratory mood. It’s the kind of film where you may not take your brains along while going to watch it. Instead, come with your heart and fall in love with it.
So you are having a dream run as an actor?
Definitely. I am extremely happy with the way my career has shaped up. I should be stupid to say I am not happy. A career as an actor was never there in my wildest dreams and here I am getting such good roles and doing films that are so appreciated.
How did modelling help you as an actor?
I got used to the camera because of my modelling experience and got a better sense of style. There is also a certain clarity on fashion regarding what is good and what is not.
Is there a confusion now on what to focus on, medicine or acting?
I am focusing only on acting now. Maybe when good films stop coming, I might go back to medicine.
What do you think is your strength as an actor?
I can’t read a scene, plan it, go there and act. I may do some homework to know the character. But I try to be spontaneous, which I would like to believe is my strength. I can’t do method acting. I feel there is a different energy that comes when an actor is spontaneous.
What do you look forward to in a script at this point of time?
I have been doing a lot of urban characters. ArgentinaFans Kattoorkkadavu is a little different. I am looking forward to roles that might give me a different dimension. Or else I might get stuck in this pattern of acting. I have become a little comfortable here. I want to break out and try different things.
Has the #MeToo movement given more confidence to women in the industry?
I was shocked by the things that came out as a result of the movement. I feel all have become more conscious now. But only potential predators need to be scared.
Is there any actor you look up to as an inspiration?
I love Parvathy (Thiruvoth). I keep watching her films repeatedly. I saw Qarib Qarib Singlle for the third time recently. I am mesmerised by the inquisitiveness in her eyes in Charlie , which became formidable in Take Off . I absolutely adore her.
