Up close - 'I came here for privacy'

The popular TV show host says its not quite the neighbourhood it once used to be

Chatting up: Actor Malavika Avinash discusses her feminist roles and how it’sloves histrionics and how they are far easier to pull off negative characters. Photo: K.Murali Kumar

A lawyer-turned-actor and now a household name, the star of popular Kannada films and television serials, Malavika Avinash has many more dimensions to her.

A feminist, lover of classical music and a voracious reader, Malavika now has her mind set on entering politics. The host of the popular television show, ‘Baduku Jataka Bandi', said she moved from Basavanagudi to Rajarajeshwarinagar eight years ago as this neighbourhood in the suburbs offered her greater privacy.

Why the move

“I was looking for privacy. When I was residing in Basavanagudi I couldn't step out without people coming up to ask me about my life. I wanted a quiet place where I could take a nice long walk without being disturbed!” she says. But things have changed over time, the artist observes.

“The traffic is increasing and so is the noise. Malls are springing up and it is not quite the neighbourhood it once was.”

Being a popular face in Kannada films and serials, and known for her feminist roles, the artist is pleased to have inspired her viewers — especially women — through her show.

“TV has a huge impact on women. The show offers rational solutions to problems faced by women. The important thing is for viewers to learn from it… Will they be able to make decisions if they were faced with similar situations?”

Asked about her choice between films and television, she offers an interesting perspective: “You stay longer in people's memory through films, but television creates a greater impact on people's minds as a serial goes on for two or three years.”

Negative roles are easier!

The actor also enjoys doing negative roles. “I love doing negative roles! There is more histrionics to them and they are far easier to pull off than positive roles. There is a lot more you can do. And being evil is easier than being good and nice,” she says with a chuckle.

Future in politics

As for the near future, Malavika sees herself as a member of the Legislative Assembly in the coming years.

“For the larger good of the country, you need an Indian who has complete knowledge of every edge of the country and who can offer a better understanding of it. I would like to make a mark in politics, and hopefully, in the next five years be a member of the Assembly,” she says.