Once in a while comes an actor who chooses to walk her own path and voices her thoughts without hiding behind the mask of diplomacy. She is bold in her opinions and true to her choices, making her unique. Leona Lishoy is a rare mix of talent, beauty and refreshing candour. The choices she has made in her career reflects her philosophy, where playing the lead is not as important as a good role, that is integral to the story. She will be seen in the upcoming Tovino Thomas-starrer Maradona, Kidu and Mangalyam Tantunaanena.
She was recently seen in the films Mayanadhi — where she played a young actor — and in Queen. While most actors of her age would think twice about playing a mother, Leona goes ahead and does such roles without any hesitation. "People often ask me why I play mother roles. Frankly, I have never given importance to such questions. I just want to act and be known as a good actor than a heroine. If it is about being typecast, no, I have not been typecast,” she states.
Another question Leona faces, on a regular basis, is about her not opting to play the lead. "I get a little disappointed when people ask me this question. Even though I may not be playing the lead, all the characters I have played are relevant to the storyline. In that case, does it really matter if I play a mother or a sister or friend?” she questions.
Maradona will see Leona play Nadia — a Muslim woman who gets married to a Hindu man and is a mother. In Kidu we will see her playing Annie teacher — a very sweet teacher who reforms the kids, she says. Mangalyam Tantunaanena will have her playing a bank manager. Like she says, each role is different from the next. It was natural that Leona took up acting as a profession since her father is an actor. She gives full credit to her father both for her personal and professional outlook.
“I follow in his footsteps and the reason I am not particular about playing the lead is because of him. That is my father’s way. I have never seen him asking anyone for roles neither does he follow up for chances. My father loves to act and neither has questions about his roles nor his remuneration. In an industry where keeping in touch is important, he does not do that.” Pausing for a moment, she adds, “I am like that too. I stay in Thrissur and do not have too many filmy friends. I act in movies that come to me and do not run behind directors for roles. I also cannot fake friendship.” Before ending, she says proudly, "I am happy that I am true to myself.”
