I am a fan, but had no time to be starstruck: Malayalam star Parvathy about co-star Irrfan Khan

Malayalam actress Parvathy is Bollywood's new muse. The actress stars alongside Irrfan in Tanuja Chandra's upcoming rom-com Qarib Qarib Singlle.

A popular name in South Indian households, Parvathy shot to fame with movies such as Maryan, co-starring Dhanush, and Bangalore Days, and has around 20 Malayalam and Tamil movies to her credit. A hardcore Instagrammer, Parvathy's fans were somewhat baffled when the trailer of her Bollywood debut was out, because the 29-year-old actress had given no hints on social media about the film.

"I am not the kind of person who shouts out. I am also very new to this magnitude of media. I was, of course, excited but wanted to wait for the right time before the news became public," says the actress.

Qarib Qarib Singlle, slated for a November 10 release, casts Parvathy as a middle-aged working woman who sets out on a short journey with a man named Yogi (Irrfan), to retrace past relationships. They end up having the craziest trip imaginable. The film has been shot in Rishikesh, Bikaner and Gangtok.

How was it working with Bollywood doyen Irrfan?

"I am a fan but I had no time to be star struck on the set. He is very talented - one of those people whose craft is bigger than his personality," she replies.

The transition to Bollywood was smoother than she had anticipated."Tanuja made sure I never felt there was any difference. But there are differences. In Malayalam, we may have loud movies but post-production is straightforward. Bollywood marketing is larger-than-life. Honestly, it amuses me," laughs Parvathy.

She recalls how Tanuja flew down to Kochi so that they could get her look right. "She was clear that there would be minimal make-up because Jaya, my character, represents the common working woman," Parvathy recalls.

Asked if she had to adhere to the body image in Bollywood, Parvathy retorts: "Never once did the stereotypical body talk surface. Everybody has a priority. Mine is simple and clean acting and my work, irrespective of the industry I am in, will not cater to anything else."

Parvathy is currently working on My Story with Malayalam actor Prithviraj. The film is being shot in Portugal. "There are some untitled works in the pipeline, too, but nothing in Bollywood," she reveals.

Acting is what drives her, obviously. "I have been in the industry for 11 years but still feel excited about my work. That is what keeps any actor going," she signs off.