How was it, doing Ishtam ?
I was very much optimistic and confident right from the very beginning. There were obvious reasons for my confidence. Firstly, the film was a Dileep-starrer. Secondly, the director was Sibi Malayil and Sibi sir has a reputation of his own. And last, but not the least, I had faith in God. I was sure that I was going to get noted.

Nandanam has made you quite a sensation. Could you share with us your views on the film?
I am quite thrilled about getting the State award. The character of Balamani that I did in Nandanam was nothing short of interesting. The scenarist Renjith sir, who directed the film too, had etched out the character with master strokes and it was great experience doing the role. Balamani is a talkative and understanding, yet simple and innocent girl. Looking back into her past, she is a big zero. She has waded courageously through the mire of sufferings and miseries. Balamani is an expert in doing household chores. A major highlight of Nandanam is that Balamani is presented as an ardent devotee of Lord Guruvayoorappan, the presiding deity of the famous Guruvayoor temple. And though she lives and works in a house that is very near the Guruvayoor temple, she never succeeds in making it to the temple to render her prayers to the Lord. So, she goes on complaining, of course in a light-hearted manner to God about this. This aspect of the character appealed to me very much. And it was an unforgettable experience doing the role of Balamani.

You have done five films already with Dileep, including Gramophone, which is just released. And now, you are doing a sixth film with him, Pattanathil Sundaran . How is it, working with him?
When I met him for the first time, I saw him as a star. But now, we are great friends. We became friends during Ishtam itself. It’s great fun working with him. He is friendly, co-operative and encouraging in every way.

And how was it working with Mohanlal, in Chathurangam ?
At first I was scared, because he is so big a star. I was all tensed up. But he eased off all my fears and anxieties. He was friendly, co-operative and encouraging and his casual and friendly manner was comforting indeed.

Can you name any actress who had inspired you? Any role model?
I have loved all the god artists of Malayalam-Revathy, Suhasini, Manju Warrier, Karthika, Kalpana, KPAC Lalitha etc. I adore all of them and many others too, whom I have forgotten to mention.

Any dream role?
The role that I played in Nandanam was of course sort of a dream role for me. I’d also love to play a character who is a classical dancer, especially since I am a dancer myself.

You seem to be interested in taking up challenges in acting. Is it?
Yes, of course. That’s why I did Nandanam. I want to try out all sorts of roles and would try to avoid getting stereotyped. And whatever roles come my way, I do my job with utmost sincerity, devotion and seriousness.

What’s your ultimate ambition in life?
As an actress, I’d like to become someone who is liked and loved by all. I’d obviously want to become a popular actress. And, as an individual, I’d also like to continue my studies properly and become a doctor or a fashion designer. I’d also prefer doing MBA and become a business professional. (Navya has just written her plus two exams.)

What are your hobbies?
Now that I am busy with my acting career, I don’t get enough time to pursue my hobbies. But anyhow, I like watching TV, listening to songs, especially by Yesudas and Unnikrishnan, Seeing and performing classical dance etc. And, I like watching movies. Honestly speaking, seeing films is the only thing for which I get time these days.


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