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EXCLUSIVE: Qarib Qarib Singlle's Parvathy on online dating: I might try it
Parvathy Menon gets candid about her Bollywood debut, Irrfan Khan and how she deals with social media trolling.
The first time when you get to meet actress Parvathy, you get the 'friendly camaraderie' vibe. For the uninitiated, Parvathy is known for her work in movies down South like Bangalore Days, Notebook, Ennu Ninte Moideen and Charlie. She will be marking her stamp in Bollywood opposite Irrfan Khan in Tanuja Chandra's movie titled Qarib Qarib Singlle which is based on the concept of online dating.
With the youthful spirit and an intellectual mind, Parvathy sat down with PINKVILLA for a casual chat as she makes her big Bollywood debut. We spoke to her about the movie, working with Irrfan and how she deals with social media trolling.
Read excerpts from the fun interview below:
What was your initial reaction to being approached by Tanuja Chandra for Qarib Qarib Singlle?
It was quite unbelievable because it is Tanuja Chandra messaging you. First of all, I thought that anything which pertains to Bollywood comes from a channel. It may be a production person who would call. The kind of straight-forwardness she showed by calling up showed a lot more trust in just reaching out to the actor herself. My first impression was the feeling of trust that I felt for her.
As this is your Bollywood debut, what was it like working with Irrfan Khan?
For me, it was a major blessing. As much as we know, Tanuja would make sure that her characters, male or female, they are very meaty and powerful characters. But, that's a given. When you get a co-actor as versatile as Irrfan, the stakes are high because I have to up the game. But, it's also for the fact that he is giving me so much because he is the kind of actor who shares his experience, who would share his knowledge of his craft with you because he doesn't hold the story for himself as most of the people do in the industry - 'Yeh unka film nahin hai. This is our film.' It's the school from which Irrfan belongs to. In that way, it was a blessing for me because all I needed to do was be genuinely present. He would give me and all I needed to do was meet him halfway which I was happy to do. For me, it meant that 50 percent of my job was already done with just him being there.
Given that Qarib Qarib Singlle is about online dating, what is your personal opinion on online dating?
I, honestly have nothing against it. I've not tried it myself. But, I wouldn't say I am averse to it either. At some point, I don't know, I might try it. I think Qarib Qarib Singlle has changed my opinion. There is absolutely no wrong way to find love. Putting yourself out there to explore moments with another person, to spend quality time without having to worry about, 'Arre, kahan jaa raha hai? Where is it going?' That's a stage of mind, like what philosophers say about being in the moment, in the present but in a different way of handling that in the case of love. So, I would say that I am not averse to it. I've not tried it but friends of mine have and they've had successful stories which may have led to marriage or may not have but still successful because they are in love.
As you have worked in regional movies and now a Bollywood film, would you say there is a difference in the shooting style for both?
I've only done one Bollywood film so I don't know with other directors, how it's going to be. With Tanuja, the intention of filmmaking was very pure. There was integrity in it and that's what I liked is that, it never felt like it was Bollywood. I mean, Bollywood is there, the film industry is thriving and it's huge and it's everywhere. Anytime, I travel abroad and I say I'm an actor from India, they're like, 'Oh, Bollywood!' And I say, 'Umm, not yet!'(laughs) I would say that it's great to be here. It's great to now understand what's actually happening behind-the-scenes but filmmaking at the end of the day, in front of the camera, I have to do things exactly as genuine as I do in any other regional language. There's no discounting or there's no adding.
Recently, you were a victim of social media trolling because of your Instagram post about your accident. How do you deal with social media hate?
It's very simple. I'll just summarise it in one line is that my relationship with the audience is through my art. Everything else that I am is me as a person and as a citizen of the country. So, I have the same right as anybody else. Which is why I don't get affected, which is why I am an equal participant in the democracy in what's happening in our country. But, that doesn't have anything to do with my craft. My relationship with the audience will always be through my characters. That always remains very pristine and proper. It's very sorted in my head.
The younger generation has been inspired by you when it comes to fitness. What do you have to say about the notion that a South Indian actress has to look a particular way of busty?
I don't know where this is coming from. I honestly don't. I'm quite curious because people who have worked in South Indian films, I don't think they would ever say that. From my personal experience, I've put on and lost weight according to each character's requirement which has taken a toll on my health. My workouts and what I put on Instagram is completely because I just want to be strong and healthy. If I have to change for a character, I need really logical reasons to look a certain way. Otherwise, I have finally cracked the code in being comfortable in my own skin regardless of what's fed to you of how you must look. I still have issues, it's something that messes with your mind. My thing is that, if somebody is seeing my Instagram and "getting inspired", then might as well show that, 'Dude, I'm not perfect. I like my moustache. I like the freckles on my skin. It's fine. You're beautiful no matter what.' I like that. I'm not a big fan of just cultivating an image. I don't have the energy for it, is the truth!
Qarib Qarib Singlle is slated to release on November 10, 2017.
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