I want to always be associated with some form of art: Sshivada

Sshivada has had an eventful first few months this year, winning the Kerala Film Critics Award for best actress (which she shared with Aattam actress Zarin Shihab) for Jawaanum Mullappoovum and her performance in Tamil film, Garudan, garnering her praise. The actress who is currently filming for a Tamil series, in a chat with us, spoke about life, films and mom guilt.

On the pace of her career and Garudan

It's been 15 years in the industry and I have only done a moderate number of films. That said, I am not rushing myself. I am taking it slow and steady, taking on good roles with potential. I have Oru Anveshanathinte Thudakkam lined up in Malayalam next. My recent work in Tamil, Garudan, was received well. I am very happy, because when I heard the script, too, I got that 'good vibe’. We knew it was going well even during the filming. That people are praising my performance is even more exciting; all thanks to my director.

'Always want to be associated with art'

‘I am happy with where I am. I have my own limitations, with regards to what I will wear and many other things. I also have a family to take care of. But I still get called the heroine in many projects, with important roles. I want to be connected to some kind of art form till the end of my life. That has been my wish forever.’

On getting typecast

Be it in Malayalam or Tamil, I get typecasted, as a girl next door. They see me as a mother or a wife. But I have done other kinds of roles, too. I have done a yet-to-be released Tamil film, titled Iravaakaalam, where I am a very modern woman. It may change your perception of Sshivada.

On feeling 'mom guilt'

‘My daughter, Arundathi, is very excited to see me on TV, magazines or in theatre. Before she started school, I used to take her along with me. In fact, when I did Maara, she was only two months old. When we commit a project we have to give our all. We can't tell them I have a child. At times, I feel guilty about whether I am doing the right thing. But the fact that she enjoys watching me on screen makes me feel better.’

'When people congratulated me on my award, I thought it was for my new house'

‘I was very surprised when I won the Kerala Film Critics Awards. For me, doing a job with 100 percent commitment is important. Awards and recognitions are bonuses. That day, I was at another job and people were calling me to congratulate me. For a while, I thought they were congratulating me on my new home.’

(Picture Courtesy: Facebook)

'Trying to break out of my shell'

As an actor, I definitely want to experiment. I want to do all kinds of roles and I am working on myself for that, too. I have worked on the way I dress and tried a different haircut. In some ways, I am trying to break out of the shell that is my comfort zone.