The news of her winning the Best Actress title in the Kerala State Film Awards came as a double delight for young, upcoming actress Vincy Aloshious as she was eagerly awaiting the release of her Hindi movie in which she had essayed the main character.

Her first break in the entertainment industry came when she was recalled unexpectedly for the talent hunt show ‘Nayika Nayakan’ of Mazhavil Manorama channel after being ousted in the first audition itself. Though she has to be content with the ‘Runner Up title’, her nailing the character of a sensual lady preparing chicken curry made her a sensation and paved the way for her entry into the silver screen.

However, it was not easy there too. She was slightly dejected when the going got tough for the makers of the movie ‘Rekha’, which won her the state award, in finding theatres for release. But now she is filled with joy. She believes she still has much distance to go as an actor.

About your first film in Hindi?
I’m playing the lead role in the movie ‘Face of the Faceless’, a biopic of Sister Rani Maria, the Malayali martyr who spent her entire life working for the upliftment of the marginalized tribal section of Madhya Pradesh. I’m portraying the nun herself in the movie. It was editor Ranjan Abraham who paved the way for my feature in the film when the editing works of ‘Solamante Theneechakal’ were progressing. At that time Abraham, who was the Executive Producer of the Hindi film, and his team were in search of a Malayali actress who speaks Hindi well. Though I was not fluent in the language, they told me I was ideal for the role.

The shooting was in the remote tribal settlements of Madhya Pradesh. Actors hailing from eight states acted in the movie. It was an unforgettable experience. I did the dubbing myself and it boosted my confidence. Shaison P Ouseph is the director of the film, the preview of which will be done in Mumbai on August 13.

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Share with us the efforts you took to get into the character ‘Rekha’.
During the shooting of the movie, I was even hospitalized. It took me ten takes before they okayed a scene where I had to throw the character ‘Kannan Mamman’ upside down on the floor like that in Judo. I was having a terrible backache after doing the scene and finally had to seek treatment. The training was given by Ashraf Gurukkal, who was the Stunt Master for the movie ‘Bheemante Vazhi’. It was all hard work and pressure. I made preparation to learn the Kasaragod-Kannur slang and went through the script numerous times along with Unni Lalu, the hero of the movie. Since many who associated with the film were natives of the region, I used to observe closely their accents and mannerism.

How ‘Nayika Nayakan’ influenced your career?
I applied to the show while confining myself to my house after being infected with chickenpox during a college trip. I was dejected when they ousted me in the first audition itself. But then they recalled me to the show, I don’t know why. The same enabled me to attend an acting workshop. It was my experience there which later opened the doors for my acting in films. I became a familiar face for the audience after the show and it was then that I got the call to do my first film ‘Vikruthi’.

It was from there that I realized the audience loves the character you play; that you can march ahead without having money, beauty, or reputation.

How much did the Lal Jose ‘school’ influence the actor Vincy?
Working along with Lal Jose sir taught me to come out of the shell and express myself. I got the confidence that I can do any character. But while associating with different types of directors, I had to adjust myself accordingly.

Did you dream of becoming an actress in your childhood?
During my childhood days, I used to excitedly watch interviews of actors when TV channels telecast them on occasions like Onam and Vishu. I used to be blown away by the beauty of actresses like Kavya Madhavan. Then itself, I had that film ambition in my mind.

How did you learn the basic lessons of acting?
It was Abu Valayamkulam, the casting director of films like ‘Sudani from Nigeria’ and ‘Saudi Vellakka’, who first spotted the acting talent in me. This was when I was attending my higher secondary classes at Kadakassery Ideal English School. Then he used to teach students Mono Act, Mime, and the like.

A student selected to perform Mono Act in the Youth Festival had to withdraw at the last moment following some urgent need. They asked me to replace him. I got the prize for that at the sub-district level. I took part in the district-level competition too. It paved the way for my acting alone. Till then I used to participate only in group events like ‘Maragam Kali’ and ‘Thiruvathira’.

What was your expectation upon entering the film industry?
I wanted to find my own space in the cinema. I think don’t think I have achieved it. Still have to toil hard for long. I still have to climb many stairs to reach that destination.

About modelling?
I earlier believed that I can enter the cinema field through modelling only. Later, there was a change in my perception. I used to do photo shoots for a change at times when I go on doing vernacular characters one after the other. Modelling gave me the much-needed confidence for that. But I can never take it as a profession. The award is an inspiration. I have to go further. Winning the national award is another ambition of mine.

If not in films, which field would have you chosen?
I might have engaged myself in the Architecture sector in which I studied. My interest too was that. Architecture too basically is an art activity, right?

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