Hers was the face that launched a thousand dreams when she made a debut in the blockbuster Thattathin Marayathu. ‘Ayesha’ still remains fresh in the minds of the audience. Beauty, talent, versatility and vulnerability all co-exist happily in Isha Talwar along with a down-to-earth attitude that makes her a much sought after actor in Mollywood.
Mumbai-based Isha has been practically living out of her suitcase for the past six months and the South Industry has become her second home. She quips, “I am more South Indian than North Indian considering that I am eating more idli dosas than dal chawal!”
Though a celebrity in her own right, Isha cannot contain her excitement when she says, “I got to perform an impromptu romantic medley with Shahrukh Khan at an awards function and though 2014 has just started, that is the highlight of the year for me!”
There’s more in store for her in the year. Apart from Balyakalasakhi with Mammootty, Ulsava Comittee with Jayaram, God’s Own Country with Fahadh Faasil and Anjali Menon’s next with Nivin Pauly, which she says is not a lengthy role but hers is a pivotal role. ‘Suhara’ in Pramod Payyannur’s Balya-kalasakhi is what she is gung ho about. “Suhara is bold and ahead of her times!”
The film is based on a very famous novel and Isha knew that research and preparation was necessary from her side. The costumes, the mannerisms and the body language were a far cry from the real life Isha. She admits, “I knew the kind of expectations riding on this film and I was petrified about sharing screen space with Mammootty, but he was so helpful and so easy to work with.”
Isha also talks about the surrealistic feel of shooting on Perumbalam island, travelling by boat, and the little things that the people there are happy with. “I felt like I was in a time warp and I did not even answer my cell phone because I did not want to snap out of that magical world,” she smiles.
Isha’s criterion of selecting a role is simple. She says that the length of a role has never been important to her as long as her role adds another dimension and takes the story forward. “I am just a year old in films and don’t want to be picky. The way I see it, I have to be visible to the audience.”
Mentioning a positive about Mollywood, she asserts, “Malayalis do not judge you. They allow you to really explore your roles. No other industry gives you that luxury.” The beautiful actor has a huge fan base in Kerala.
So who is her dream man? Isha replies, “My ideal man should be well spoken, he need not be necessarily good looking but he needs to have a sense of humour or I would get bored! He should be somebody who respects women, with no prejudices or bias.”
So, has she found one that fits the bill? “Where is the time for romance? I do not believe in cell phone romance and it is only when you spend time with someone special that special moments are created! Time is what I don’t have!” The pretty actor is also doing a Telugu film titled Maine Pyar Kiya.
