In a largely male-dominated industry, Nimisha Sajayan has made her mark with some well-appreciated performances in movies such as Thondimuthalum Driksakshiyum, Eeda, Oru Kuprasidha Payyan and 41. She has accomplished all this in a matter of less than three years.
Without batting an eyelid, the actors says she “does not want to be like everyone else.” That is, perhaps, evident from the bold choices she has made, essaying characters that are real, mostly non-glamorous and, at times, even older than her.
In addition to winning the Kerala State Film Award for the best actress, her impressive line-up of upcoming releases include Thuramukham, Malik, Chola, Stand Up and One. The actor tells Friday Review that she is currently not thinking about turning to other languages as she is happy with the offers coming her way in Malayalam. Edited excerpts from the interview:
41 , your first release of the year, came in November. Why was there such a long gap?
It’s just that the movies I have been shooting for have taken more time than usual. But they have been fabulous projects and I have no complaints (smiles).
How do you attain the gravitas of characters older than yourself?
I always make it a point to understand the psyche of a character up close through numerous interactions with the director. Then it becomes easier to understand how my character would react to a particular situation.
Which role has been the toughest to perform?
That would be the one in Madhupal’s Oru Kuprasidha Payyan as I had to share screen space with such a powerhouse performer like Nedumudi Venu. I had to work hard to cope with his energy. But he was extremely supportive, which helped me tremendously.
You have some terrific projects lined up. How do you choose the right offers?
Actually, more than me choosing the roles, I was picked by the directors. They have been the kind of movies that no one would never say no to.
What’s your role in Rajeev Ravi’s Thuramukham?
All I can reveal now is that I am playing a character named Umani. I feel Thuramukham is even more special for me as it portrays some strong emotions.
And in Mahesh Narayanan’s Malik?
This is one role, I believe, has helped me grow, both as an actor and as a person. She has a world view and knows how to fight back, regardless of what state of mind she is in.
Your experience of the reception to Sanal Kumar Sasidharan’s Chola, which premièred at the Venice International Festival.
Absolutely wonderful! To have a movie of mine screened at such a big platform so early in my career was such an overwhelming feeling.
You play the title role in Vidhu Vincent’s Stand Up...
I play a stand-up comedian in the film that narrates the story of six friends. There are certain things that we don’t talk about in life, perhaps because they are considered taboo or just because we don’t want to. Stand Up speaks about some of those issues.
Santhosh Viswanath’s Mammooty-starrer One is another much-awaited film of yours...
Although I am not at liberty to talk about my role, I am extremely proud that I’m working with 'Mammookka'.
As an actor, how do you take criticism?
I am all ears for criticism about my acting, dialogue delivery or the merits of my movies. I try to work on it and improve on aspects that I feel do need improvement. Some of the suggestions, for instance, made me start dubbing for my characters, which I wasn’t doing initially.
Are you not interested in playing the conventional, glam heroine?
No. Those things have never fascinated me. As I have maintained all along, I want to do roles that people think about even after coming out of the theatre. All my movies have some kind of a social or a political message. I don’t have any particular liking to put on make-up or to look pretty on screen. Of course, if I am given a character like that, I would definitely change myself for it. Also, as an actor, you would definitely want to do some lighter roles after a series of intense roles such as the ones in Thuramukham, Malik and Chola . For me, 41 was relaxing, as my character was a bubbly youngster.
You had said that your effort is to break stereotypes in the portrayal of women. In an industry that tends to follow success formulas, how easy would be that process?
I feel that it is very easy. Earlier, we had this concept of heroines being dolled up and the heroes carrying the movie on their own. Now, things are changing. The old theories are not relevant any more. The viewers are ready to accept good movies and reject the not-so-good ones. It’s that simple.
