Parvathy Menon is a simple and a hassle free person. Once you get to talk to her, it feels like you’ve known her for ages. Work wise, her priorities are very clear: she will not do formula movies, it doesn’t matter if her role is not the lead, who else acts in it is of least importance to her. Her past three films Bangalore Days, Uttama Villain, Ennu Ninte Moideen have all been very enriching experiences
She shares: “I know commercial films can be brilliant but they aren’t my cup of tea. Some people call my films serious but for me it is fun. I did a few formula films in Kannada and I realised I don't look good doing it. When I spend 70 days with a bunch of people, I’m psychologically attached to them; I guess this is what art does to a person. I want the dignity to be maintained while editing. I need to unwind and recuperate positively after the shoot.”
Parvathy believes that an actor works 24x7, even when not in front of the camera, by seeing films, observing people, going to theatre etc. She has no fixation for lead roles and says it should be of some consequence; if you take out the character from the film and it doesn't get affected, then you don’t need the character.
Parvathy says, “I always take up work thinking his is my last film and I will find some other work like dancing, painting etc. Then people call me and say ‘take up this film’ and sound as if it is a matter of life or death, it is a great movie and that I will never get a chance like this. I listen to a project and sleep over it. If I am still curious the next morning, I will explore it. It doesn’t matter who acts in the film because I have to work on my own and with my character. After each character I want to be a better human being,” she avers.
The actor claims that most of the time she is absolutely jobless and lives on minimum finances, travels by public transport, does her shopping, and has no cook or maid. “My phone doesn’t ring, I have no manager, I take care of my bills, taxes and when I get a call I go for a meeting. Life has its lull periods and I prefer to space it.”
Unwinding in her hometown Kozhikode, she says the breathing space is essential for her: “Right now I am drained and I can’t give a film anything now. I want to eat a lot of food without worrying that my clothes won’t fit, till I am ready for the next film. When you shoot for 95 days at a stretch your system goes for a toss.”
Finally Parvathy signs off with: “I have no Bollywood aspirations..only movie aspirations..any language.. as long it doesn’t invade into my private space.”
