A s she opens her second innings in Mollywood with Rosshan Andrrews’ How Old Are You , Manju Warrier is the toast of tinsel town. There are great expectations, hype, and excitement as one of Malayalam’s favourite actresses is back in the reckoning. An actress who made each of her roles memorable in the handful of movies she did, Manju has been in the hearts of Malayali viewers in spite of being away from the industry for such a long time. Meanwhile, amidst the buzz surrounding How Old Are You, Manju is keeping her fingers crossed as the movie hits theatres on May 17. Even as she spends a day in Guruvayur offering prayers, she took time off for an email interview. Edited excerpts:
What was your state of mind when you gave the first shot? Was it emotional?
Right from my first film I have been nervous about my first shot. Even after 14 long years I felt the same nervousness. It was definitely emotional for me, it had to do with the realisation that this is where I belong to.
What is your character in the film? you play
I play Nirupama Rajiv, an ordinary government employee and mother. It’s a character I think all Malayali housewives can relate to. After marriage, most women keep aside their aspirations and dreams as their priorities change. This film exhorts all those women to reclaim those dreams and aspirations, irrespective of age. In fact, age shouldn’t be a barrier at all.
How was it to be on a film set again?
Working with Rosshan Andrrews has been wonderful. Then there were the talented writers Bobby and Sanjay. Every one on the sets treated me with love and regard, because of which I didn’t feel that I was on a film set after a long gap. Then there was Kunchacko Boban who gave me lot of confidence. Sharing screen space with famous quizzer Sidharth Basu was another memorable experience.
Having stayed away from the arc lights for so long, did you find any significant change in the filmmaking process?
The transformation to the digital format is an important change. Otherwise, nothing much has changed in other areas of filmmaking. For example, acting is always acting and direction needs a lot of imagination. Technological changes happen from time to time. I think it should enrich the beauty of the film.
What are your expectations from the movie?
This is a simple movie about the life of a Malayali homemaker and mother. We, as a team, have done our part. It is over to the audience to evaluate.
Your look in the movie has been much talked about, especially the saris you wear...
Something on the lines when Sridevi made a comeback withEnglish Vinglish…
It was the director’s vision. I have been styled by Sameera Saneesh. I am really happy that people liked it.
Now that you are back as an actress, will dance take a backseat?
No. Dance is my passion. I would take ahead my dance along with acting. In fact, I am planning a world tour and I am also working on a couple of Kuchipudi dance drama productions based on the Ramayana and a Hindi poem.
You had a dream comeback – sharing screen space with Big B and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan… Definitely. It is every actor’s dream to act with Bachchan. I was fortunate to restart my acting career with him. He was very nice to me and I felt like I was standing in front of an encyclopaedia on acting. As for Aishwarya, I was in awe of her beauty. She is a thorough professional and that was a learning experience for me.
Upcoming projects
There are a few, but it’s too early to divulge the whole details. The next film I am going to do is produced by Toonz Animation. It is directed by Jaya Peter, an ad film maker from Mumbai.
SHORT TAKES
You have maintained yourself so well. Any secret?
Dance is the major reason, I practise almost daily. I also hit the gym on a regular basis. And there is no other secret.
Can we expect more books from you?
No way, I am not a writer at all. The book was a compilation of a column I wrote for a daily.
Best role of your career
I am in love with all the characters I have played. And it is impossible to choose the best.
