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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Unfairness is everywhere.