The Superwoman India is in Love with

'I wouldn't have called myself an athletic person growing up. But training for this film changed that.' 'It pushed me in ways I didn't expect and made me discover a strength I didn't know I had

- By Subhash K Jha

Kalyani Priyadarshan is the first superwoman of Indian macine.

The actor, who has wowed everyone with her performance in Lokah, tells Subhash K Jha, “I was insecure in thinking maybe there were better people than me for this role but I saw it as something that came to me for a reason. I wasn't going to question what God was offering me.”

Our film industry is largely male-dominated. Has it been a challenge to find your voice?

This is a tough question. I think we've just been waiting for the right stories and the right storytellers. More importantly, for people like Dulquer Salmaan to back those stories so they can reach their full potential.

For a long time, there's been hesitation to take risks with women-led films, but this one feels like it's opening new doors.

What's been most moving is the kind of support it has received -- not just from women, but men as well. So many men, within the industry and in the audience, have made it their mission to celebrate this film and say, 'See what women can do.'

That really goes to show how much we sometimes underestimate our audiences. They're capable of so much love and support, as long as the content is strong.

Your journey as an actor has been swift and steady. How did you make it happen?

It's hard to pinpoint exactly how I've reached here, but I know I've been blessed in many ways.

I've had the chance to work with some of the best people in the industry.

I was born into a family that gave me both inspiration and opportunities.

I've had the privilege of choice to wait for stories that truly speak to me, rather than taking up every opportunity that comes my way.

Not everyone has that luxury, and I try to use it responsibly by picking projects that challenge me and mean something to the audience.

At the heart of it, I think it's a mix of hard work, patience, and whatever God has blessed me with.