P K Rosy, Malayalam cinema’s first heroine, was no demure goddess, but a dalit woman who sweated it out in sun and rain. No wonder it was more of a challenge for the makers to find that face with ‘wild curly air and suntanned skin tone’. As ‘Celluloid’ keeps on making waves in both commercial and critical circles, Chandni, who played Rosy in the film gets talking about her surprise tryst with silver screen.
It all began when ...
It was Kamal sir’s wife who spotted me. She was browsing through channels and there I was participating in a music reality show. They were looking for a girl with rustic looks who could be easily transformed into Rosy. All the girls they auditioned were well-groomed and it was difficult to get rid of that suave edge. I never thought of a career in showbiz and was totally raw. When the call came I just couldn’t believe it - a novice like me being offered the lead role in a Kamal movie. When my family gave me the thumbs-up I decided to give it a try.
I had no clue who Rosy was ...
Everything about cinema was new to me and just like the wide-eyed Rosy I too went through stages of daze, awe and excitement while filming. But now I feel my inexperience was a boon in disguise. If I were an established actress I would have found Rosy intimidating. I was completely clueless about Rosy’s relevance in the history of Malayalam cinema. I was never a wannabe actress or someone who keeps a tab on the industry. So I heard about Rosy for the first time from Kamal sir. Then I read Vinu Abraham’s ‘Nashtanayika’ based on which the film is made. The book and the interaction with the crew gave me more insight.
Going deglam was no big deal...
It was a period film and I was playing a low-caste peasant girl. So there was no scope for prim costumes. Moreover I was asked to completely cut down all the routine grooming for four months. I learned to live with undone eyebrows and untended skin. I also had to shed weight to fit into the physique of a working-class lass. But since I never dreamt to see myself on 70mm glamour was my least concern.
Prithviraj, Mamta and me...
I thought I might go jittery in the presence of stars like Prithviraj and Mamta Mohandas. But my co-actors never gave me a chance to fret and Mamta chechi has been a real sweetheart always helping me out. I had no combination scenes with senior actors like Sreenivasan, but every actor I came across during the shoot has a positive influence.
My future plans are ...
I won’t say I am flooded with offers post ‘Celluloid’. But I was approached for a couple of projects, but things are only at the initial stage. I couldn’t attend my final year B Com exams and right now all my focus is on clearing my papers. After the exams I am totally free, and yes, I looking forward to seeing more of myself on celluloid.