The retirement of Manju Warrier after her marriage has created a vacuum in the Malayalam movie field. Has it helped other newcomers? How do you view this?

Yes, the retirement of Manjuchechi was a great loss. It did create a void. She was a talented artiste, a gifted dancer. She was a trendsetter. When she proved to be a big success, filmmakers tried to bring in new teenage faces, taking a cue. That is why actresses like Kaveri, many others and myself reached the film field. In my opinion, she should have stayed for some more time.

But one hears that she is leading a happy life at home?

That is exactly what I am saying. See, you cannot make a sincere comment. There will be unthought-of meanings for that. 'Let her live the way she likes' may be the disposition of many people. And if I say her decision to retire was a right one, the very same people may conclude that I am jealous of Manjuchechi, you know!

A big change is taking place in the star world. New teenage girls have reached the scene and many of them are getting a phenomenal welcome. For example, Samyukta Varma and Kavya Madhavan. Do you see this as a threat to your career?

No, I don't. All of them are my colleagues and why should I view them as threats? I keep no grudge against any of my colleagues. There were brighter students in my school. I have not envied them. I have the same mentality here too.

There used to be a class called vamps to do the soft scenes in the cinema of yesteryears. Now those women are rendered jobless as the lead actresses themselves are prepared to bare a bit or a bit too much. Is this a healthy development?

I think you are thoroughly mistaken. That evaluation is wrong, at least, as far as Malayalam movies are concerned. I don't think there is any lead actress who does sizzling scenes in the way you describe. And in my case, the main criterion is the character itself.

How do you select a character? Do you get the opportunity to do that?

Yes, I do get the opportunity. Being selective means being selective about the characters. I try to see how deep the character is. I choose performance-oriented characters. Who wants to be dumb as a doll? Not me, certainly.

Which of your characters is the one you like most?

Oh, you cannot have a particular liking for one if you have enacted them all. I like all my characters equally. They are all dear to me. People seem to like my performance in Pranayavarnangal, Ustad, Friends and Akasaganga.

Has any other actress influenced you?

No, and yes. I like Sobhana, Sridevi and Zareena Wahab. But it does not mean that they have influenced me. I have never tried to imitate them. I have my own way of acting.

Stars seem to put on a lot of weight once they are into films. But you are as slim as you were before the start of your career. How do you manage this? What is the secret?

Secret? No secrets. And no chocolates, ice creams. Just a strictly vegetarian menu. Exercises? Who has got the time for all that? I do no exercises other than my dance sessions. Isn't it enough to keep me going?

You have got a great deal of fanfare. How do you live with it?

Isn't it a pleasure? To know that you are being admired by others. I used to feel happy about that.

One hears that you are a disciple of Matha Amritanandamayi. Is there any particular reason for your being so?

Not only the Matha. I like Mother Teresa. I like Lady Diana. She was such a sweet soul. I like anybody with a service-oriented mind. I respect Matha Amrithanandamayi for her services to mankind. I used to visit Vallikkavu, the Matha's monastery, and I feel great in that divine atmosphere.

Do you have any inclination for service?

I do. I do it in my own way. I do financially help the students at the school for the mentally retarded in Thiruvananthapuram. I give financial help for certain students back in my college.

Have you ever been in love? What is your concept of love?

Wow! This is the nth time I am facing the question. What should I tell you? I have never been in love. I am not all that emotional to fall in love at the first opportunity. I am made differently. I have never felt any romantic stirring inside me hearing the songs of Titanic. Love must be a sweet feeling. But I have not experienced that feeling so far. I will tell you of my opinion if and when I happen to experience that.

What is your concept of your man?

I don't dream about my man. But there is no harm in giving my opinion. He should be a qualified person and nice human being too.

How do you manage your studies between the tight shoot schedules?

That is a bit of a problem. But I manage. My classmates help me a lot. Sometimes they prepare notes for me.

Do you read?

No, I don't.

Isn't it rather strange?

There is nothing strange in that. I read my textbooks.

----------- Updated August 9 ,2000

Do you come from a filmi family?

Not at all. My father Unnikrishnan is working in Cochin Shipyard and my mother is a teacher in Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan. I got my first break as a child artiste in Nee Ethra Dhanya  when I was in the fourth standard. It was followed by Pookalam Varavayi  directed by Kamal and Oh Faby  by Srikuttan. I also did a TV serial directed by Vinayan. My first feature film was Sowgandhigam  which I did when I was in the tenth standard. In fact, all these offers came as I am a trained classical dancer and had given many performances. I was given the Kalathilakam and Bhavans Jothi titles. This brought me into the notice of Kochi-based film directors and thus film offers came by.

Are you accepting films in Tamil because you have no films in Kerala?

(laughs) In fact, I was offered the heroine’s role in Suryavamsham  and Unnedathil Ennay Koduthaen  which I could not accept because of my exams. Pandu, the director of Kalvettu  is a good friend of my father and it was because of him that I agreed to act in it. However, a film by C Sundar got released first. One thing led to another and today I have four films on the floor in Malayalam including a film each opposite Manoj K Jayan and Dilip.

It seems you have no qualms doing glamour roles in Tamil?

Why should I? Wearing glamourous dresses are a must in songs for Tamil films, but I will not be doing revealing roles. Just because Tamil producers are giving me more money does not mean that I will do anything. For me the role is very important, not the money. I want to be known as a good actress in Tamil and like Sridevi, want to combine glamour and acting.

Are you still studying for the fun of it?

I am doing my first year BA in St Theresa’s College, as I don’t want to miss out on the joys of campus life. All my friends are in college and it is there that I can let my hair down and relax. Moreover, my friends see me as just a friend and not as a film actress.