I won't marry a stranger again

Facing ocriticism with grace and handling controversies smothly, Kavya Madhavan continues to impress the Malayali audience, even after being in films for 25 years.
The zesty actress, who debuted as a child artist in Pookkalam Varavayi in 1991 has done it all, from the cute Anuradha in Azhakiya Ravanan to the maid in Gaddama, who has to struggle in an Arab country for a living.The two-and-a-half decades in the industry have not changed Kavya, she still remains the same simple innocent village belle from Neeleswaram, the archetypical girl-next-door for Malayalis all over the world. In a candid chat, Kavya opens up about her thoughts on life, marriage, movies and Mollywood.
You just completed 25 years in M-town. How has the journey been? It is quite tough for me to believe that I have been in Mollywood for the past 25 years. Everyone around me tells me that it is a big achievement. But for me, it is more of a realisation than an achievement; something to be happy about. I grew up along with Malayalam cinema. My viewers have been seeing me from age five till now. I have nothing to hide from the viewers and my life is an open book for them. Yeah, I enjoy it, but the flip side is that I never have a private life. I was in class IX, when I debuted as a heroine in Chandranudikkunna Dikkil. Everyone told us that we were taking a big step and a huge risk. We trusted Lalu Chettan (Lal Jose, director of the movie) and thought that it would be my first and last outing in the film industry. I feel myself lucky to have worked with many, who later went on to become stars. It's a matter of pride and happiness for me too.
If not an actor, what would you have been? I started my film career when I was five. I never got a chance to even think what I would have become if I were not an actress. After my SSLC examination, cinema took over my life. Cinema was my school which taught me about life. My experiences, my knowledge and what I am today is because of that. It's the characters I have essayed and the friends I made through cinema that gave me immense insights into life. And now, when I meet my school classmates who are professionals, I feel that I know more about life than them.
Among the roles you have done so far, which one is closest to your heart? It is tough to name one character from the big list. However, I have a soft corner for Radha in Chandranuddikkunna Dikkil as it was my first role as a heroine. The role had too much depth for a 14-year-old beginner but I never worried about it. I just did it with the trust I had in Lalu Chettan.
Tell us about your transition from the naadan girl to the fashionista? My outward appearance might be modern but I am still the same naadan girl inside. The image that people have of me is still that of a pattupaavada wearing girl, running through the paddy fields, wearing sandal paste on her forehead and tulsi leaves on her hair. The change in me happened gradually. I prefer to keep myself updated. Who will not love to go for a change? But I have made sure that I wear only what suits me instead of blindly following fashion trends.
It has been long since we saw you on screen. Are you being selective? Of course, I am being highly selective. I am not bothered about the gap between the releases of my movies. If I start doing every other film that comes my way, my 25 years' efforts in the industry would go waste. Also, these days good stories are hard to come by. Earlier I was spoilt for choice and all the scripts were worth doing. I had to say no to some really good movies at that point of time. But now, most of those who narrate the scripts to me are taking bits from other languages and just weaving them together. Today, I would consider myself very lucky if I am able to take back home a character after watching a movie.
Have you ever regretted leaving the industry at the pinnacle of your career to get married? It wasn't easy for me to leave the movie industry. As I told you, cinema is always a part of me. But, it was never my aim. So when I decided to marry, I knew I am not going to come back ever to this field. I guess nobody would ever understand how tough it was for me to leave the limelight and become a housewife. Not even my parents! But, since I had always dreamt of becoming a homemaker who would stay at home happily taking care of her husband and kids, I prepared myself mentally. It was painful for me to delete cinema from my heart, which is like a part of my body. But even when I returned, I never wanted to do films. My parents were fine with my decision to not join films again, but what my mother told me really made me think. She said, 'You are not a 50-year-old lady to stay at home doing nothing. You are in your 20s and you have a life ahead. If you want to try a different profession, you need education, which you didn't get time to pursue. So you think about it.' And I kept thinking. That was when director Joshiy sir called me up and I decided to come back. And now whatever roles I get, I consider them a bonus.
Will we see you complete 50 years in the industry? I am aware that the stories that are trending now are of teenagers. I know my age; I cannot ever do a teenager's role. But, I can always be part of films that suit me. So I wish to do good films and roles as long as I stay in the industry. And I have been always thinking of an alternative career. In 2015, I gave a foundation to my dreams by beginning an online designer portal.
Who is your biggest support in the industry? I do not have a godfather as such and nobody has ever planned a career path for me. But, during the beginning of my career, I had Lalu Chettan and Dileep ettan supporting me. But later on, I never bothered them much as they have their own lives, career and busy schedules. So eventually I learnt to manage by myself, and my dad deals with my call sheets and the financial aspects. What I am today is because of the viewers. I feel lucky and proud about surviving in this industry without even trying my luck in other language films.
Marriage and link-up rumours about you keep popping up. How do you look at them? Even day before yesterday I got married (laughs). Recently someone called me up and asked whether I am getting married on the 16th of this month? I asked them, is it so? OMG! It's only two more days ahead. I have no idea why people spread such rumours. Earlier I used to feel really bad but now I have started taking it lightly. What hurts me is when close relatives and friends call up and ask about the rumours. That is when I feel like reacting! I have better things to do now.
Marriage plans? I still cannot believe that I said 'yes' to a stranger whom my parents showed me. I am not thinking of marriage right now neither do I want to enter into wedlock fearing loneliness. And I will never take the risk of marrying a stranger again. I need time. The day I feel that I want to share my life with someone, I will think of marriage. As of now, I am happy and engaged with my life. Let's see how it goes. I don't plan anything and believe in embracing the surprises life throws at me.