Interview with Mamtha Mohandas

In her first ever interview post the relapse of cancer, Mamta Mohandas speaks about her journey to recovery, how To Noora With Love will always be special for her, and how she has come to terms with the events in her life.
How has the past one year been?
Well, I can’t say I have been as strong as I was when I first got the disease. I was a person who never worried about anything, whatever the issue.But for the first time in life, I was scared. It is easy to say, be positive. But this time, I felt it is ok to be scared, to be human. People were talking to me about work, music, but nothing could bring me out of my shell. It was a home-hospital routine for months together, and there were times I would just get up, eat, and go back to sleep. I would talk to no one but my mother all day. It did take a toll on my mind.
Who kept you strong through everything?
My mom and dad; they gave me a reason to live during the lowest phases. I would get negative thoughts, but mom just kept feeding me, tirelessly, while dad would always tell me — don’t forget to smile.
What made you step out of it all and sign up for a film?
I heard a one-liner in October and immediately felt — here was something to look forward to. My family felt it was too early for me to work. But it was a necessity for me, after what I’ve been through. I felt it was the right thing to do and that the time is right. I myself had no idea how far I would have to push myself and was weak, but I was mentally prepared.
And it has been the best decision ever. It’s so encouraging when people who are passionate about something approach you. Work is the best escape, it keeps away unwanted thoughts. I had good old fun after a long time on the set with Archana (Kavi) and Kaniha, my co-stars. I’m working with Krish Sathar again, after Ladies and Gentlemen, and he has been an amazing support. So yes, I’m slowly taking baby steps back into the industry.
Tell us about To Noora With Love.
It is a sweet love story, with a lot of importance to the woman character. It is a simple story, nothing new, but it has been told in a different way, and that is what makes it special. I play an astronomy student, a dreamy character, always wanting to do something good for society, and waiting for a man who could think for her. It got me interested as I’m one such person who wants to be a do-gooder.
And since I play a Muslim character, I’m completely covered in a veil, except for my face. It suits me, as I’ve put on a bit of weight after all that binging and no workout phase.
Anything on the music front?
I last recorded a track for the Telugu movie, Bhai. Music is easier on my body, but I’m so passionate about it that I want to give only the best. I don’t want to limit myself to film and playback singing. I’m more interested in western and fusion and want to do something live or some interesting fusion shows on TV.
Has the events in your life changed you as a person?
It has made me very much grounded, though at times I feel I’ve grown up too fast. Maybe I should lighten up and open myself to nicer things. But I did that once, and in excitement, jumped into things too fast. I can’t afford to make such mistakes anymore. Í’d rather stay grounded. But I’m a fighter, and know that whatever happens, I will come out of it all, eventually. Not with a vengeance, but with calm. I don’t want to push myself like I did once. I just want to get rid of my fears, and lead a happy and free life now.