PARVATHY

Yes, I started out as an anchor on television, but that was just 'me being me,' trying to make some pocket money.

I have committed myself to giving quality work.

Working with any senior actor is a learning experience, so getting to work with a thespian like Kamal Hassan was a memorable one.

I was not somebody who watched a lot of films. We couldn't afford to. We came from struggling family background.

Bollywood marketing is larger-than-life. Honestly, it amuses me.

I want to make the work space more dignified and safe for women.

Yes, I am happy that my work is recognised, and it is wonderful to be acknowledged.

The 'Qarib' team was energetic with an intimate way of working.

If you want to do something, you'll find the space to do it.

I'm not a big fan of just cultivating an image.

In the 11 years I've worked in films, I've realised that no one is indispensable, and that has actually been very comforting to know.

For me, talking about the casting couch in the Malayalam film industry was like calling the sky blue. There is nothing new about calling a spade a spade. My intention was not to create an effect; I just wanted to pluck a few weeds in the system and throw them out.

The writer and the director are ultimately responsible for what is portrayed and glorified in a film. Then comes the producer.

I reserve the right to be a participating citizen and artist.

As an artist, I feel you can have a debut just once.

I grew up watching films that presented male perspectives of women.

I discovered that there was no difference between playing a real-life character and a fictional one.

I don't feel genres have helped me as an actor. Movies can be of any genre. But if you give me slapstick, I may not do it.

Women need to tell their stories from their experiences, and that may not mean that it would be all stories with women as protagonists.

Reviews are extremely subjective, but I have respect for them.

Cinema is very important to me. I derive a lot of strength from this art form, and I believe that it is very impactful socio-politically.

My mother had sent my picture for a TV contest seeking anchors, and I won.

I have been shocked at some senior actors who made lewd comments on my body. They think it is normal, and in fact, I thought it was normal. But, much later, I failed to see how that is a normal thing.

I can never go back to a workspace where there's no dignity.

We need storytelling from all angles. We need men, women, and trans people participating in all aspects of filmmaking; this is the only way we can depolarise the age-old standard of singular perspective.