It was exciting to do Mari's role - Parvathy

Chennai, Dec 13 (NR)Parvathy Menon, six films old, makes a mark in Tamil Cinema with her brilliant performance in her debut film, Poo. As Mari, the village girl in love with her cousin, Thankarasu, Parvathy is a natural. A trained Bharatanatyam dancer, this native of Trivandrum was a television anchor for Kiran TV before films happened. Her maiden film was Out of Syllabus, a Malayalam film. Her other films in Malayalam are Notebook, Vinodayatra and Flash. She entered Kannada films, with Milana and is presently working on Malebareli Manju Irali, directed by Vijayalakshmi Singh.

In a telephonic interview with Mythily Ramachandran, the young actress talks about the preparation that went into Mari's role.

How did Poo, happen?

I had returned from Switzerland after a shoot for Milana, when I received a call from Sasi sir's office. I went for the audition in my jeans and tees but there I had to change into a davani-pavadai. I had to enact the scene where a little Mari is teased by her brother for bed wetting and who hides her face from Thankarasu. Sasi was pleased with my performance and said, 'You are Mari.'

Tell us how you prepared for this role.

It was exciting to get into the skin of this village girl. Two months before the shooting began; I stopped visiting beauty parlors and did not use moisturizer or sunscreen lotion. I wanted to get the tanned look. We stayed at the village and lived in one of the houses there. Early morning, we accompanied the girls who worked at the fireworks factory in their bus. I observed their body language and learnt to sit down and tie the crackers in a particular way. I talked to them. Inbanila, my co actor would translate my questions for them.

How was it working with Sasi?

Sasi is a very passionate and emotional person. And this is reflected in his films. He read out the story to me first. Sasi sir was open to discussion. He gave importance to every member of the cast. We could talk with him about our roles and discuss our ideas.

What about Srikanth?

He is very professional and a good human being. He had no ego problems working on a film that revolved around the heroine. Srikanth is very dedicated to his work and when not shooting he would be working on his character. You couldn't find him gossiping.

Did you grow up with films on your mind?

Yes that wishes for glitz and glamour has always been there. When I was in the 9th, I told my father that I wanted to be like Sushmita Sen. He told me, 'You are too young now.'

What do they say about your films?

My parents are both advocates. They were overwhelmed with my performance in Poo. When they visited me on the sets, they could not recognize me. They were enquiring for me, while I was standing close to them.

How was it working with Mohan Lal in Flash?

He has great presence of mind. He might have been joking on the sets, but once it is 'action,' he becomes the character, oblivious to things around.

Your dream role?

I liked Susan Sarandon in Dead Man Walking, Jodie Foster in The Silence of the Lambs and Smita Patil in Arth. I am not thinking of my dream role right now. Every role is important to me. I do one film at a time so that I can experience the character. I am satisfied creatively with my role in Poo. And it felt good when some directors compared me to Shoba, Sarita and Jyotika.

Your future projects?

I am working on a Kannada film Malebareli Manju Irali. It is a role so unlike Mari. I play Sneha Sivappa an MBA and an independent girl who has her priorities in life right. I am doing my final year of graduation, in English literature. I intend taking a break once this film is done to prepare for my examinations.

How do you unwind?

I am not a party person. I like walking down the streets of Trivandrum. I read books and watch films. Click the Movie button below for more info:
Poo