She's done about 20 films in Malayalam, and has had three releases in Tamil. Her new release 'Naan Avan Illai', where she shares frames with four heroines, is getting her a fair share of appreciation too. And there is 'Periyar' where she plays Nagamma, wife of Periyar. And now Jotirmayi has stepped into the Hindi field too. During her first face-to-face with the media she was a little diffident but soon settled down comfortably for the tete-a-tete.

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Asked about the difference between Malayalam and Tamil films, Jotirmayi said it would be unfair to make a comparison, "as the Tamil film industry is a much bigger one". Though work-wise she treated both with equal dedication, she admitted that language-wise she did feel more comfortable acting in Malayalam films.

And how does she select her characters? "When I hear a script I should get the right feel about it," says Jotirmayi. And though she does discuss it with her managers Manoj and Vivek, "the final decision is mine", she adds.

So how did she decide to do the role of Nagamma in 'Periyar'? "When the role was offered to me I was in a dilemma whether to do it or not. I was hesitant, since I wondered if I could carry it off. The role spanned from youth to old age, from that of a simple village girl to a revolutionary. I knew it would be a challenging role."

But putting aside all her doubts, Jotirmayi took up the challenge. "I felt it was a great thing to be a part of the prestigious project, and I realised that the role would be a milestone in my career," says the actress. As for preparing for the role, the actress admits that she didn't know anything about it. "But I went to the Net and read a lot of books on Periyar."

Incidentally, Jotirmayi's entry into Tamil filmdom was after her marriage. To the query whether she wasn't apprehensive that this would spoil her chances of making it big as a heroine, the actress counters: "No way! It's a reality of my life. So why should I be embarrassed or try to hide the fact?"

While Jotirmayi has had her voice dubbed for her earlier films, in 'Naan Avan Illai' she has for the first time lent her own voice. "I play a Malayalee girl in the film, so I could get away with it!" quips the actress. But adds that if actors dub their own voice, the characters get more depth. "So, in future too, I would like to dub for my characters," says the actress.

Jotirmayi's future projects include 'Bodhi' in Malayalam, directed by debutant Ajayan. And a friendly appearance in the Hindi film 'Anubhav' where she is paired with Sanjay Suri. 

And her ambition? "To hold the Oscar! Just joking. But no harm in dreaming, is there?"

Malini Mannath