I wanted the audience to forget the old me: Prayaga Martin

Prayaga Martin, who was on a break this past one year has now signed a new project, Dance Party, helmed by Sohan Seenulal. There is a surprise twist to this comeback; the actor has dyed her hair in rainbow colours for the new movie. This new look comes only a few months after her blonde look went viral in social media. Prayaga, in a conversation with Kochi Times, talks about her break from the industry and new projects.

Taking a break from films is not an easy decision. What prompted it?

There were a lot of people who advised me against it. But ultimately it was my decision. I started acting at 18 and went on to do it for a while. I had wanted to take that break for a while. I did not commit to any film for a year now, but took part in some programmes. I wanted to draw a line with what I have done before. People told me the audience will forget me and that's exactly what I wanted, for them to forget the old me.

Did you feel like you were doing the same type of roles?

It would be wrong of me to say that. For me, it felt like the characters I had done in Malayalam so far could be done by anyone. There is no character that would leave audiences to say that only Prayaga could do it. Fortunately, I was part of a lot of commercial hits and critically acclaimed movies. But, everyone has their own path to walk and I want to walk on mine now without losing my originality.

So, how did you sign on this project? Also, what's the status of Bullet Diaries?

When director Sohan approached me with the script, I told him that I was still on a sabbatical. I also told him that I don't want to dye my hair again. But I went ahead and listened to the story and liked it very much, and here I am with my hair in rainbow colours. It's a fun movie and it's the sort of character I want to do. I wanted to do comedy and this felt like a great opportunity.

As for Bullet Diaries, I worked on it before my break. There was some delay, but it should be out in a couple of months.