National award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmy describes her career not as a smooth upward ride on an elevator, but as slowly climbing a flight of stairs. There was a time when she paused and decided to climb down. However, it was then she was honoured with the biggest award in the country. The actress was then determined to continue her journey, treading the path carefully.

Even though Surabhi lives in Kochi, she drives to her native place in Narikuni, Kozhikode as soon as she gets some free time. She would return happy, with a refreshed mind and body. She finds the same kind of excitement when she does interesting characters too. She is awaiting the release of ‘Kuri’ bankrolled by Siyad Kokker for the banner of Kokkers Media Entertainment. In a candid chat, Surabhy opens up about her latest movie and the characters that she wishes to essay.

What about ‘Kuri’?

We hope that ‘Kuri’ turns out lucky for all of us. The film handles a socially relevant issue. I always look for roles that gives me a chance to perform. I did well with my co – stars Vishnu Unnikrishnan and Aditi Ravi.

How has been your life in cinema after winning the national award?

I was never a part of the commercial movies. I wasn’t a lead actress; neither was I offered any supporting roles. I used to do roles that required just two or three days of filming. There was a time when I had thought of giving everything up. Awards had helped to keep away such thoughts. Even after winning the award, no prominent directors in Malayalam cinema had offered me amazing roles. I only wish to do good roles. I am not bothered about building an image.

I hail from a quaint village and entered the industry without having any background in the films. I began my career as an artist on the youth festival stages, then I did plays, television serials, blink and miss scenes in movies and a few good characters too. I would describe my career in the movies like this.

I did ‘Minnaminungu’ amid all this. It felt like getting an award when they gave me the screenplay to read. Like many, I too was surprised when I got the national award. From there, I had to start afresh. I did movies in which I had a few scenes. Then I did Anoop Menon’s ‘Padma’ in which I played the title role. I am awaiting the release of some amazing movies like Kuri, Thala, Jwalamukhi and Poriveyil. Earlier, I used to get just a page of the screenplay on the day of the shoot. Now, I have the freedom to read the entire script.

What do you prefer, TV serial or movies?

TV serials have a pivotal role in my career. But, many people tell me that they don’t feel freshness when they watch me in films as they are used to seeing me on the small screen. Some have even mentioned that when I ask for opportunities in movies. They would then give that role to someone else in the movies. I hope that such attitude changes soon. 

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