Interviewer: You’ve shared that you felt insecure in the early days of your career. Can you tell us more about that journey and how it shaped who you are today?
Anupama Parameswaran: When I first started, I struggled with insecurities about my looks, particularly my hair and eyebrows. I didn’t have the confidence to speak up about the things that bothered me. But over time, I realized that as an actress, there’s a responsibility to meet the audience’s expectations. This realization made me find my voice and stand up for myself. I learned to say no when something didn’t feel right, which helped me gain the confidence I have today.

Interviewer: During the 2020-2021 lockdown, you mentioned going through a transformation. Could you expand on that?Anupama Parameswaran: Yes, during the lockdown, I worked on a short film, and that time alone really allowed me to reflect on my career and emotional well-being. I came out of that period with more confidence and clarity about my goals. I became more comfortable with my unique traits and realized that I didn’t want to be limited to one kind of role. I wanted to explore diverse characters that allowed me to grow as an actor and show my full potential.

Interviewer: You’ve expressed a desire to move away from typical roles. What kind of characters are you looking to explore now?
Anupama Parameswaran: I want to challenge myself with roles that are different from what I’ve done in the past. I admire actors who take risks with unconventional characters, even when those roles may not always be widely accepted. It shows their commitment to the craft, and that’s something I strive for as well. I want to work on roles that help me evolve and break away from the stereotypes.

Interviewer: Parada is a film with a significant female presence behind the scenes. How do you feel about the role of women in cinema?
Anupama Parameswaran: I’m incredibly proud of Parada for having a strong female presence, with women in key roles like writers, editors, and cinematographers. Women bring a different, more authentic perspective to storytelling, especially when it comes to female characters. They understand the nuances of women’s lives in a way that’s more relatable and grounded. It’s encouraging to see the film industry becoming more inclusive in this regard.

Interviewer: What are some of the challenges women face in the film industry, and how have you dealt with them?Anupama Parameswaran: The film industry has traditionally been male-dominated, and it’s not always easy for women to make their voices heard, especially when it comes to creative decisions. Over the years, I’ve learned to navigate this space by being confident and vocal about my beliefs. There have been times when I’ve had to challenge directors or question creative choices, and I’ve always viewed those debates as constructive. It’s important for women to be more involved in these discussions.

Interviewer: What are your hopes for Parada's future, and what kind of impact do you want it to have on the industry?Anupama Parameswaran: I’m incredibly proud of Parada and am hopeful for its success at the box office. We’ve faced some challenges with finding buyers, but we all truly believe in the film. I want Parada to inspire more filmmakers to take risks and tell unique stories. I hope it proves that cinema can be both commercially successful and emotionally meaningful, leaving a lasting impact on both the industry and the audience.