Nearly two decades after her debut, Parvathy Thiruvothu has built a filmography defined by characters rooted in complex realities — from the resilient, differently-abled RJ Sarah in Bangalore Days to the defiant acid attack survivor in Uyare. While she has acted in Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada cinema, a full-fledged Telugu project remained the missing piece of her storied career until the 2023 series Dhootha. Now, with another Telugu project on the horizon, the decorated actor is finally bridging that gap. “I’ve started speaking with Telugu-speaking team members on set and am working to improve my language skills,” she says. Speaking to us, Parvathy reflects on her craft, the slow evolution of women’s representation, and the necessity of honest conversations around mental health.
The actress, who made her Tollywood debut with Dhootha almost two decades after entering the film industry, is now set to dive into a new Telugu project
‘It is heartening to see more women getting opportunities’With twenty years of industry perspective, Parvathy views the current state of representation with a mix of hope and hard-earned realism. “Things have definitely improved over the years. Many of us talk about the need for stronger representation and well-written female characters so that stories reflect a more balanced perspective. Women make up half the population, yet remain underrepresented, which shows there’s still a long way to go. I’ve been called a cynic for pointing this out, and perhaps I am, but progress alone isn’t enough,” she says. “I am not suggesting that writers should not tell stories their own way. That is their creative choice. But when women’s perspectives are missing from the screen, it has a real impact. Women deserve meaningful and substantial representation. That said, it is heartening to see more women getting opportunities.”
Women make up half the population, yet remain underrepresented, which shows there’s still a long way to go. I’ve been called a cynic for pointing this out, and perhaps I am, but progress alone isn’t enough
Parvathy
‘Real-life characters offer tangible material for an actor’Several of Parvathy’s most recognised performances, including roles in Take Off, Uyare and Virus, are inspired by real-life events. Yet, she maintains that her internal process remains unchanged by the source material. “For me, the challenge remains the same whether I’m portraying a fictional character or someone based on real life. I approach every role as if the character is a real person, and the level of commitment and emotional investment is always equal,” she says. However, she acknowledges the grounding effect of a true story. “There is tangible material to draw from, such as interviews, documented experiences and other references that help shape the performance.”
A still from Bangalore Days (2014)
‘Playing RJ Sarah in Bangalore Days taught me to live more authentically’Looking back, Parvathy says RJ Sarah, the paraplegic radio jockey in Bangalore Days, remains one of the roles that stayed with her. She credits director Anjali Menon for shaping the character beyond the lens of disability. “One of the first things Anjali told me was that Sarah isn’t defined by her wheelchair. Yes, she is a paraplegic, but that shouldn’t be the first thing people notice. What stands out is her smile, her confidence and the way she lights up a room,” she says. Recalling what the character taught her, the actor says, “What struck me most about Sarah was that she is both strong and vulnerable. She is fully in touch with her emotions and experiences. For me, she became a study in balance, learning how to be strong and vulnerable at the same time. The biggest lesson I took from her was how to live more authentically and embrace joy without overthinking it.”
Whether I play a fictional role or a real-life figure, the challenge feels the same to me. I treat every character as a real person, giving each role the same dedication, sincerity, and emotional commitment
Parvathy
‘I want to be the person I needed when I was battling depression’Parvathy’s advocacy for mental health is born from a deeply personal chapter. Having battled depression in 2021, she is vocal about her recovery to help dismantle the surrounding stigma. “There were times when depression felt like a shadow I could not escape — painful, heavy, and silent in ways few could truly understand,” she recalls. Despite growing awareness, she believes the dialogue is often too clinical or guarded. “There is still a stigma; many hide their struggles for fear of being perceived differently.” By sharing her story, Parvathy hopes to offer the solidarity she once sought. “I want to be the person I needed in that dark place — someone to say, ‘You are not alone.’ Recovery isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing journey. I speak about it so others know they aren’t invisible,” she explains.
