Remya Nambeeshan has enjoyed an enduring affair with movies and music. With a versatile attitude and even more distinct voice, the lady is going places. Remya reveals to FWD all about the mojos of her life and more…

As she walks into the room I can scent success. Remya Nambeeshan who has sailed through the gossips like a breeze speaks with grit and genuineness, that’ll leave you in amazement. As we trace the curve in her career we understand that she has certainly evolved as an actress and singer. Happy in her space and doing projects close to her heart, this independent thinking, no nonsense actress has her kitty full and is gung ho about future.

It’s been long since we watched Remya Nambeeshan in Malayalam …..
Yes! I had been busy, shooting for a couple of Tamil and Kannada movies back to back. ‘Damaal Dumeel’, a black comedy thriller is my next Tamil movie, in which I portray a new-gen gal and then there is ‘Naalu Policeum Nalla Irundha Oorum’, a lighthearted movie, in which I don the role of a school teacher. Also, my preference for exceptionally exciting scripts in Malayalam was another reason. Till date I had donned good roles and I don’t wish to step down in my choices by making compromises.

Of all the southern movie industries, which is the trendiest one?
I think Kollywood takes the first position, because they are the ‘untried’ who likes to be experimental, vibrant and perky. And close to them are the Telugu and the Kannada film industry.

Prioritize – Art films-commercial films-playback singing……
From my childhood I had been a trained artist- Carnatic music, classical dance and it was only later that I got into acting. So it makes it knotty for me to prioritize my liking for art. I think I would love to be known as an artist, than an actor.

Best advice you’ve been given by an artist….
On the sets of my debut film ‘Sayahnam’, O. Madhavan sir gave me a very valuable advice and it was on the importance of attaining education. He said, “Never miss the opportunity to continue your studies. For sure acting is a talent and it must be taken forward, but that must not be at the cost of losing your education.”

As an artist you’ve taken a lot of risks in your career (lip lock). What advice do you have for new comers?
It’s each one’s choice. Whoever feels comfortable and confident in taking challenges must set out for it. Regarding the lip lock with Fahadh….my character demanded it so I have no regrets. There were a lot of criticisms, but in fact it wasn’t as bad as we expected. In Kerala, the hitch is people’s frame of mind that assumes an actor’s reel life with their personal living.

Have you ever faced the casting couch?
Honestly, there were real tough times but never a casting couch. During my initial days in the industry many had plainly snubbed me, had been rude, nevertheless casting couch is not in my list. My father had forever been the contact person and I think that luckily has helped me to escape such weird encounters.

How do you deal with gossips?
To begin with I used to get bothered with rumours, but now I just let it go. Even gossip mongers or the so-called paparazzi should make their presence felt, isn’t it?

Are you in a relationship? When do you intend to settle down?
No I’m single and I am happy about it. As of now, my career is of foremost priority and I’m not thinking of settling in the near future.

One thing people would be surprised to know about you…..
To your surprise…..I’m a Soliloquist. When I get time I spent a lot of time talking to myself. More often it’s the mirror that captures those moments. I feel that private space makes me analyze myself and my individuality.

What brings you the greatest joy?
Music, I enjoy singing and I love listening to melodies. Getting compliments from music legends like Chithra chechi gives me immense happiness. She is one person who always appreciated and encouraged my talent as a playback singer.

Your greatest indulgence…
Shopping! I prepare a long list of essentials before going shopping, because I thought it could limit my impulsive buying. But for me it’s the other way round.

How do you deal with success and failures?
For me the road to success were paved with failures. All good things came to me as achievements after a short episode of struggle. Having got to taste both sides of the glamorous industry, I know it’s an unstable platform and so I bump into ups and downs as calm as a matured actress must be treating it.

A song that instantly puts you in a good mood….
Amit Trivedi’s music….. His earthy yet peppy numbers are so unique and soothing.

A strong woman you look up to…..
Jayalalitha. I think she has been a successful fighter all throughout- as an actress and as a politician. It’s only after spending quality time in Chennai, did I get to know how much Tamilians respect and love her.

What is one thing you wish you knew when you were younger?
I wish I knew that someday I was to be an actress. It would’ve at least helped me to take better care of my skin and figure.

Your celeb gang of friends and the closest…..
Bhama, Bhavana, Kavya, Meera, Rejith Menon, Nivin Pauly, Jayasurya. I’m pretty close with all of them but closest to Bhavana.

A memorable celebrity hangout……
A houseboat trip along with Meera, Bhavana and Mitra three years back.

When was your first crush?
In my school days I liked this guy but never told him as I feared that would mar my reputation among my teachers. And by the time I got to be in the good books of teachers smart girls took away the best…sob sob.

Craziest thing you’ve done during your college days….
Walking along the Convent Road in ‘Ghoomar’ attire! Ghoomar is a Rajasthani folk dance and we were performing it on stage in college. For us to reach the science block we had to pass through Convent road. With no options left, we had to walk on the road wearing the costumes as causal as we could, ignoring the stares and whistles.

Styling tips….
Always wear a heavy outfit with simple yet elegant jewellery and a simple dress paired with chunky jewellery. Many go wrong with it. Some pair heavy earrings with western wear and sport a bindi. I confess, even I have done it. It’s terrible to watch some people do the same even today.

How do you get groomed for an award night?
To be on the safer side I always opt for salwars. I choose a couple of them for the night. I decide on the accessories, footwear two weeks ahead. Unfortunately whenever I plan to get groomed, it’s a disaster. I have always received compliments when I randomly choose an outfit at the last moment.

Who in the film industry badly needs a makeover?
How can I say that! I better not comment.

Do you enjoy cooking? What’s your signature dish?
Oh! Yes I do. Onion papad fry is my signature dish. It’s a snack made of shallots, papad, chilli powder, turmeric and salt.

Upcoming movies…
A Kannada movie starring actor Ganesh and talks are going on with the ‘Philips and the Monkey Pen’ team. As it is in its pre-production stage, I can’t reveal more on it. Apart from movies, next month I will be joining Yesudas sir, Vijay and Swetha for a one month musical show in the US. It’s for the first time that I’m sharing stage-space with the legend singer. And I’m all excited about it.

Quickies

If a character demands you to wear a bikini, will you?
I’m not for it. I know that I wouldn’t be comfortable or confident.

Apparel in your closet you wear the most…..
Jeans and a top!

What about jewellery?
I don’t have a fancy for gold. But when I shop, I fall for antique gold collections.

What can we find on your dressing table?
Shades of lipsticks -MAC, Bobbi Brown, eyeliner, perfumes (Versace)…..