Thriving Malavika

She is an ambitious woman and has come a long way in short span of life. Malvika Avinash popularly known as Madhavi Patel of Muktha and Anni shares her view as an actor, Zee TV Kannada programming head and on her aspiring goal as a politician. Here's Malavika the world doesn't know.

Malavika as an actor

Was acting a passion, dream or an accident?
It was an accident but soon turned into a passion

Wasn't the choice between law and acting difficult, when you first thought of joining this line, as both are profitable professions?
Being a people's person has also been the motto. Name, recognition and money is quicker and shortlived for actors but the same is slower yet longterm for advocates. But I chose not to take the short cut into people's hearts.

What differences do you find in Tamil and Kannada film industry, as you have been part of both of them?
Kannada literature, language and hence cinema has far more evolved people than Tamil does. But Tamil people are far more hardworking and professional at workplace.

Which is better working in serials or films?
Films anyday. Because the effort is for a short time, yet very focused and has a lasting effect on people. Television is a longterm effort(which sets in a kind of fatigue for the actor) but is forgotten the moment its off air.

In small screen you are a person who fights for justice for helpless woman. Have you ever been in such a situation in real life?
All the time. The average viewer is also aware that I went to law school and have a social bent of mind. Hence the connect between the screen image and the real person is immense. I have facilitated several such cases.

Your character in the film 'Cyanide' is different; you are pictured as a suicide bomber. Your role was different to the usual tragic stories in serials. How was the whole experience?
I have been deeply impacted by the Tamil separatist movement in Srilanka for many years and the role of the suicide bomber was the best way to reflect how I felt about the oppressed Tamils in Srilanka. As an actor, it was a challenge too because I, as a person have never faced dire situations of violence. I have attempted to reflect my understanding of the LTTE supreme V.Prabhakaran through the portrayal of Suba.

Do you look forward to such new roles in future?
Every kind that poses a challenge to the actor in me.

How difficult was it to play the role in cyanide?
I do not look like a Srilankan Tamil at all. It was therefore, quite a struggle. Tanning my skin, losing weight, deforming my face to look like a battered girl. Incorporated both intrinsic and extrinsic changes.

You have another responsibility in hand as programming head of Zee TV Kannada. You have successfully started the hunt for talented singers in Karnataka in ' Sa Re Ga Ma Pa'. What are your other ventures in your new role?
O! I wish I could discuss my plans with you but the competitors are watching every move of mine. But broadly speaking it will be populist and Kannada all the way.

You are soaring high within short span of your career? Whom will you give the credit?
Family of course. My parents have never prevented me from doing anything I have aspired to, however unconventional. I have been lucky to get a husband who again has always backed everything I have wanted to do.

In one of the interviews you have said students should not go abroad for studies? Your reasons?
I have never had objections to education, in India or abroad. I still aspire to earn an LLM and a PhD. My objection is to students using resources and educational privileges in India to later work abroad for the benefit of others. I am opposed to globalization not education.

Malavika and Politics:

You quoted in one of the interview that you were born to be the Chief Minister of Karnataka, when are you going to start this new excursion in your life?
That's a childhood aspiration. To achieve that dream, I earned a degree in law, became popular, a role model through television, before you know, I will be contesting elections.

Why politics? Is it a tradition that any well-known actor has to bump into politics?
I wanted to be a politician even before I perceived a career in acting. I would treat politics with far greater seriousness than acting.

You have participated in various campaigns for the party leaders, how was the experience?
I have actively campaigned only once and that was against Sonia Gandhi in Bellary. I am a nationalist.

Malavika - the world doesn't know

Your life as a celebrity has always been seen in the limelight. Would you like to share some sweet memories related to your childhood?
Grew up like a tomboy. Never cried as a child. Still don't.

What are your hobbies?
I read no end. Music (classical) is a passion. So is classical dance.

What is the message you want to give for all your fans, especially to women?
To all of them. Live life Kingsize-don't settle for queensize.

How supportive has your husband been?
Couldn't have been better. Being my husband is no easy job.

Describe 'Malavika' in a single word.
Militant

When not on the field what do you do?
Unwind watching Discovery travel and living. Love traveling and spending time at exotic resorts

Five years from now where do you see your self?
A minister in Karnataka cabinet with a national award for acting

Favorites:
1. Food-Semolina in any form-cooked in any style
2. Attire-Cotton saree
3. Holiday idea-In a cottage by the Salzach river in Salzburg
4. Idea of romance-Sipping wine under the sky on the beach
5. Actor-Al Pacino