Following her heart

Acting remained a secret desire while she was completing her education and becoming an engineer. It was only after Aishwarya Menon got a job in a software company with a cushy salary that she felt the overwhelming need to follow her heart's desire.

Her decision to become an actor met with stiff disapproval from her parents but ultimately they relented. Aishwarya, a Malayali by birth, is fluent in other South Indian languages like Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.

Her recent releases are 'Apple Penne' in Tamil which is a woman-centric film and a Kannada movie titled 'Dasavala'.

It is not out of a lack of interest that Aishwarya has shied away from Malayalam films but due to lack of opportunities.

“I would really love to work in Malayalam films, but I feel that living in Chennai has alienated me from Mollywood. I have no contacts nor any communication with the right PR people in Malayalam," points out Aishwarya who holds Prithviraj, Fahadh Faasil and Dileep in high regard but names Mammootty and Mohanlal as her perennial favourites.

Aishwarya was actively involved in drama and music during her school and college days. She is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer.

Speaking about the differences between Tamil and Kannada she says that she is very comfortable in Kollywood while the Kannada industry scores brownie points in terms of warmth.

Both the Tamil and the Kannada industries are known to be big on glamour. So where does she draw a line when it comes to exposing? Aishwarya answers, “I am comfortable in both Western and Indian attire; as long as they suit me and do not look vulgar. Whatever clothes I wear should look good on me!"  

Getting a break in tinsel town can be difficult for a newcomer with no mentors in the industry. Did she ever regret throwing up a secure job for a profession that is so fickle?

“I really wanted to be in films and I took a decision to follow my heart!" she says, adding, “I had no backup and had to meet people on my own but ultimately I got to work with some very good people. The one lesson I have learnt is that you need a lot of patience to survive in tinsel town. Reality is either you are a success or you are a dud. I aim to be here for the next ten years, so I am happy having followed my heart!"