There is such insecurity in loving that we see all the pros and cons and then decide how much we want to invest in relationships.

Unfairness is everywhere.

I believe that cinema is not only an artistic industry, but there is also a political activity.

For me, talking about the casting couch in the Malayalam film industry was like calling the sky blue. There is nothing new about calling a spade a spade. My intention was not to create an effect; I just wanted to pluck a few weeds in the system and throw them out.

My humble request to journalists - It only takes one phone call or an email to check facts.

The lack of exposure to right perspective has caused me to be in abusive relationships. When a boy stubbed cigarette on my leg, I thought it was out of love. You know why? Because our films taught us slapping in the face was a way of expressing love.

I think cyberbullying someone who states their opinion, especially a woman, is sadly a norm these days, and it happens daily to not just stars/actors. We have to consistently condemn and shun it so that it never gets the power it doesn't deserve to have over the society.

Everybody has a priority. Mine is simple and clean acting, and my work, irrespective of the industry I am in, will not cater to anything else.

Working with any senior actor is a learning experience, so getting to work with a thespian like Kamal Hassan was a memorable one.

I want to do only those films which come from a real place.

I grew up watching films that presented male perspectives of women.

Yes, I am happy that my work is recognised, and it is wonderful to be acknowledged.

When I look back, there isn't a single film that I would disown becaus,e with every film, I've learnt a lot.

My talent is universal, and acting is a craft that can be used anywhere, unless ethnicity comes into play, and then, looks matter.

I only do few films, so when one comes out, it is a big deal for me.

Awards are like a pat of appreciation from the jury and viewers. It is almost like them saying, 'So, you have done well; we expect you to carry on doing good work.'

The 'Qarib' team was energetic with an intimate way of working.

In the 11 years I've worked in films, I've realised that no one is indispensable, and that has actually been very comforting to know.

We need storytelling from all angles. We need men, women, and trans people participating in all aspects of filmmaking; this is the only way we can depolarise the age-old standard of singular perspective.

As an artist, I feel you can have a debut just once.

I'm not saying I'm perfect. But I'm someone who analyses and reflects on what I do, whether it's in keeping with the ethics that I talk about in public. That's how I've been all my life.

Women haven't stood together enough because women have been pitted against one another.

Acting is very anthropological for me. It makes me less judgmental.

Survival is not just a physical thing. It's a constant mental affair. So, I kind of really draw a lot of power from that word.

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 believe that women have the right to wear any attire that suits their comfort. And above all, every individual has the right to wear an attire of their choice, and no one can deny that.

Yes, I started out as an anchor on television, but that was just 'me being me,' trying to make some pocket money.

My mother learnt Mohiniyattam as a child, and my father loved singing.

My career strategy has never been the most important thing; my conscience is.

I did one print ad and thoroughly disliked the experience.

I have nothing but immense respect for my peers.

I believe we need to learn from our past.

The commercial success that came with Anjali Menon's 'Bangalore Days' helped me in getting my work noticed.

As an actor, my body is my tool to flesh out the roles I play.

It is important to set an example.

As an artist, my only relationship to my audience is through my work. That relationship is sacred to me.

I don't believe in looking like a mannequin. I like my bulges and love handles, but fitness is important for me.

To be honest, I am not really excited by most of the offers I get.

We only fear what we don't understand, and I hate to be scared.

I don't feel genres have helped me as an actor. Movies can be of any genre. But if you give me slapstick, I may not do it.

If I am going to be phased out by whatever powers, then I want people to know that it is not because I am bad at my work.

My career has been driven with the hope of telling stories, as it helps me to judge people less.

I believe all of us should have the freedom to have our personal take on how art affects us.

I play Sophie in 'Koode': a very strong and soft woman who has been through many atrocities yet holds herself together through conviction in herself.

I will keep repeating it until people get it - misogyny and violence and everything that's bad in our life and society should be reflected in our films. It's the glorification that is wrong.

If you want to do something, you'll find the space to do it.

There is absolutely no wrong way to find love.

Until 'Bangalore Days' happened, a huge commercial success had not happened to me.

If I don't get work, I'll create it.

Even with me, there are so many things I have bottled up.