I don't believe in the numbers game, I prefer characters: Parvathy

The actress who is currently making waves in South Indian cinema is the bold and charming Parvathy, who is on a roll. Parvathy is currently the numero uno actress in Malayalam cinema, and does the occasional Tamil and Kannada films. She specialises in doing films, which are different within the commercial format and strong female characters, which have struck a chord with the youth audiences. Towards the end of 2015, Parvathy came out with back to back super hits in Malayalam, such as Ennu Ninte Moideen with Prithviraj and followed it up with Charlie, with Dulquer Salmaan. [caption id=“attachment_2574454” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  A file photo of Malayalam actress Parvathy.[/caption] Ennu Ninte Moideen is based on a 1960 real life love story set in Mukkam, in the suburbs of Kozhikode, and is probably the best love story to have graced the screens in the last decade in Malayalam cinema. The highlight of the film is the love story of a Muslim youth Moideen (Prithviraj), and an upper caste Hindu lady Kanchanamala (Parvathy). Parvathy got into the skin of the character, and proved that she is an actress of substance. Subsequently, Parvathy’s Christmas release Charlie also went on to become a super hit. She is earnest and convincing as Tessa, a bold and inquisitive youngster in search of the bohemian artist Charlie (Dulquer) whom she has never met but starts admiring after reading his diary. In real life Parvathy hates to be typecast as the typical glam girl on screen and is very choosy about the films that she signs. In a Facebook post she had spoken about dropping her last name as she doesn’t believe in being labelled, “First and foremost my name is Parvathy. I have nothing against anyone who holds caste as their surname by default or by choice, as long as they do not use that as a weapon of discrimination.” Last week Parvathy took on a troller who abused her, by saying “What a great day, people! Here, let me introduce you to Alfred. When I posted a photo of Kanchanamala and I watching Ennu Ninte Moideen together, this most cultured boy felt the need to ask me to “go poop”. Proud moment for his family! Proud moment for us, we seem to churn out cyber bullies at such a tender age! Taking cue from my fellow soldier @swati194 (thanks bub), here I break my silence. No more of this, people. No one is taking this anymore.” Parvathy, who completes 10 years in the industry, spoke exclusively to Firstpost about her career and movies. “I do not believe in the number game. In 10 years, I have done just 17 films and I’m happy that I got to play some memorable roles like Kanchanamala (ENM). I always look at characters that push the envelope in more ways than one. I know commercial films can be fun but they aren’t my cup of tea. Some people may call my films serious or off-beat, but I love doing them,” she said. She is looking forward to the remake of her super hit film Bangalore Days in Tamil as Bangalore Natkal. Speaking about her doing a remake in Tamil, Parvathy said, “RJ Sara in Anjali Menon’s Bangalore Days is one of my favourite characters. When I signed the Tamil remake, I made it clear to Bhaskar, the director of Bangalore Natkal, that he essence of the original should remain the same. The film has come out well and Bhaskar has kept his promise. As of now, I don’t think I will ever reprise another character of mine.” Parvathy has not signed any new films for now. She is one actress who dares to be different, has no managers, make-up people accompanying her, no personal trainer or maid, travels by public transport and stays alone. Prod her on her preferences, and she concludes, “Yes I’m a very private person and will decide on my next film only if the role excites me irrespective of the rest of the star cast.”