Malvi Malhotra: My role in 'Tiragabadara Saami' was an exciting challenge for me

Malvi Malhotra has made a name for herself in multiple film industries. Known for her exceptional performances, she has captivated audiences with her dedication and versatility. Today, we delve into Malvi Malhotra’s journey from being a theatrical artist to becoming a popular actress in the film industry. In an exclusive conversation with ETimes the actress discusses her upcoming projects, her experiences on set, and aspirations for the future.

Excerpts:

Can you tell us about your journey from being a theatrical artist to becoming a popular actress in the Punjabi industry?
Since my school and college days, I used to do theatre and participate in numerous plays. While studying in Mumbai, I joined a renowned theatre group and underwent training under Arvind Gaur, an amazing teacher. This journey led me to join another theatre group in Bombay, where I acted in several plays. Following that, I landed a role in a TV show on Colours and began my career in the Punjabi industry. I consider myself fortunate to have easily found work and succeeded in auditions. God, my parents, and my determination played significant roles in shaping this beautiful journey.

What can you tell us about your upcoming film 'Abhyuham' in Malayalam? How did you prepare for this role, and what excited you about the project?

'Abhyuham' holds a special place in my heart. In this film, I had the opportunity to portray a character that required minimal concern for glamour and focused more on authenticity. My role is that of a girl working in a rubber tapping profession in a forest area. To prepare for this character, I immersed myself in understanding the lifestyle of the rubber plantation workers, their daily routines, their way of eating, sleeping, and working. I even had to practice the natural way of tapping the rubber tree, as initially, it appeared artificial. The film's team took great efforts to make me look genuine by darkening my skin tone, using coconut oil in my hair, and styling it accordingly. Overall, the project offered a fantastic learning experience, and I'm eagerly awaiting its release on July 21st.

You are also debuting in Telugu with 'Tiragabadara Saami.' Can you share your experience working on this film and your role in it?

Yes, I recently completed a Telugu film called 'Tiragabadara Saami'. It is a beautiful love story featuring Raj Tarun as the male lead. My character in the film is energetic, talkative, and hyperactive, which was an exciting challenge for me. Moreover, I had the opportunity to perform a fight scene, something I've always desired in a film. 'Thiragabadara Saami' offers a blend of romance, action, drama, and compelling characters. The overall experience was amazing, and I'm eagerly looking forward to its release in August or September.

We heard that you are doing a Tamil remake of the Malayalam film 'Ring Master.' What made you choose this project, and how are you approaching your character?

Talks are underway for the Tamil remake of 'Ring Master.' While I can't share many details at the moment, I'm genuinely excited about this project. If everything falls into place, I will share more information soon. Additionally, my Hindi OTT film titled "Suravadhi Jacqueline" has recently released its poster. It's a beautiful love story that I'm eagerly looking forward to.

As an actress who has worked in multiple languages, what do you find unique or challenging about each industry?

Emotions have no language barriers, and that's the beauty of acting. While working in different languages, I make it a point to learn the basics and have simple conversations with people around me. Tamil and Telugu have been a little easier for me to grasp, but Malayalam remains a challenging language. It is intriguing to work in diverse industries across India, each with its unique culture, cinema, and talented individuals. However, the language barrier sometimes limits improvisation, as I must stick to the script and dialogues provided by the director. Therefore, my goal is to learn at least one language fluently to enhance my performance and portray characters in their true essence.

Can you share any memorable or funny moments from your time on set during your various projects?

Every project has its funny and memorable moments. One incident that stands out was during the shooting of 'Abhyuham.' To understand the lifestyle of rubber plantation workers, I spent an entire day with them. However, my director suggested I live in their houses for a few days, which proved challenging for me. Although I couldn't fulfill that request, my resistance to it turned into a funny incident.

How do you balance your work between different film industries, and do you have any specific goals or aspirations for your career?

Balancing work between different film industries can be difficult. While shooting for films in the South, I missed out on projects in Punjab due to scheduling conflicts. It's disheartening at times when you have to turn down good scripts. However, commitment to ongoing projects takes priority. Despite these challenges, I aim to explore all the regional cinema industries in India. I aspire to work with talented actors and directors, challenging myself with different roles and genres.

What other types of roles or genres would you like to explore in the future?

I am keen to explore various roles and genres that challenge and push my boundaries as an actor. One specific role I've always wanted to play on screen is that of a police officer. The power, intensity, and complexities associated with such characters greatly excite me. Films like 'Quantico' featuring Priyanka Chopra or 'Mardaani' with Rani Mukerji showcase the kind of role I aspire to portray. I hope to get the opportunity to bring such a character to life on the big screen.

What has been the most significant lesson you've learned so far in your acting career?
The most significant lesson I've learned is the importance of being prepared. When I arrive on set, I make sure to be thoroughly prepared for all my scenes. Confidence grows when you are well-prepared, and the feedback from others becomes invaluable. Recently, I experienced this firsthand while working on a character that required extensive preparation. The director was amazed by my performance on the first day, which boosted my morale. Therefore, going prepared is crucial for delivering your best.

Are there any actors or directors you dream of collaborating with in the future?

There are several actors and directors I dream of collaborating with in the future. In Hindi cinema, I would love to work with actors like Rajkummar Rao. In the Telugu industry, I admire the talents of Mahesh Babu, Vijay Deverakonda, and Nani. Among directors, I have immense respect for SS Rajamouli, Gautam Menon, and Mani Ratnam. These individuals possess incredible skills, and working with them would be a dream come true.