The hustle fuels me, and I like it: Parvati Nair

Rooted in a Malayali family with a strong academic background, Parvati Nair’s journey from pageant winner to multi-industry film star showcases her dedication to craft, passion for complex roles, and drive to inspire on and off screen

Bengaluru: Parvati Nair, an award-winning actress and model, is a prominent figure in the South Indian film industry.

Born in Abu Dhabi to a Malayali family, her impressive career took an unexpected turn from her initial training as a software professional at Manipal Institute of Technology. 

Parvati's foray into the entertainment world began at 15 with a successful modelling career, during which she clinched ‘Miss Karnataka’ and ‘Miss Navy Queen’ titles and starred in various commercials. She transitioned to acting with her debut in the 2012 Malayalam film ‘Poppins’.

Since her debut, she has made a mark across all four major South Indian film industries, garnering widespread acclaim. 

She won the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debutant for the 2013 Kannada film ‘Story Kathe’ and earned a Filmfare nomination for her role in ‘Yennai Arindhaal’ (2015). 

Describing ‘Overtake’ as one of the riskiest films she’s worked on, she recalled a scene where an old car lost control and toppled sideways with her inside. “I was wearing a seatbelt and, luckily, remained unhurt,” she said, adding that even her body double quit, finding the stunt too dangerous.

Her diverse film journey

Reflecting on her role as Pammie Gavaskar in the Hindi biographical sports drama ‘83’, she told News Trail, “This was my first and only Hindi film, and being part of such a large ensemble cast was truly rewarding. The production was magnificent, featuring breathtaking and rarely seen locations like Lord’s. Collaborating with such a talented team made the experience unforgettable.”

She praised the Kannada industry for its passion and purpose driven storytelling, noting, “Many projects were crowdfunded, with everyone united to create meaningful cinema aimed at raising awareness. That commitment truly stood out.”

Describing the Malayalam industry, she said, “They work incredibly fast, shooting long hours with remarkable efficiency. Large productions are completed swiftly, yet with great creativity-each shot thoughtfully planned.”

On Tamil cinema, “Kollywood offers a comforting atmosphere where you can be yourself, simple and natural. That simplicity is refreshing,” she remarked.

On Telugu cinema, she said, “Tollywood has been a bit of a jinx for me so far,” reflecting on a missed opportunity when a planned project fell through. She emphasised that each film industry has its own unique identity and spirit.

Guidance from icons

She described working with Ajith Kumar as one of her best experiences, highlighting his friendly and warm nature. “He was so sweet, full of good energy and warmth around him. It made the whole experience really nice,” she said.

About Kamal Haasan, she recalled that although her role was small, playing a child, his way of working stood out. 

“He doesn’t make you memorise dialogues. You say it yourself, and he helps you become that character naturally,” she said. 

She appreciated how he encouraged actors to “just go with the flow” and involved himself deeply in the process, which made her first film experience feel less intimidating.

She also shared that working with Vijay was memorable. “We spoke a lot and opened up,” she said, noting how seasoned actors have an incredible ability to read people and offer meaningful advice.

One piece of advice she treasured came from Mohanlal, who emphasised the importance of every role. 

She recalled him saying, “There’s no such thing as a small shoot. Every work is work, and it’s big.” She admired his gratitude and humility, saying, “Even after all these years, he approaches his work with such appreciation”.

Upcoming projects

Parvati shared her passion for roles involving kingdoms and royalty, saying, “I’d love to play a princess or any character set in a historical kingdom. There’s a magical charm in those stories that fascinates me.” 

She is eager about her upcoming films, ‘Alambana’ and ‘Unpaarvayil’, both completed but awaiting release. “Unpaarvayil is a fantasy packed with special effects while Alambana was showcased at festivals last year and should be released soon,” she explained. 

She is also beginning a new Tamil film, ‘Report’ which she describes as a “female-oriented” project with notable co-stars.

Off-screen

She reflected on her journey, calling her continued presence in the industry her biggest achievement. 

Despite the challenges, she is grateful for the steady work, fan support, and the opportunities that continue to come her way. 

Social media visibility, brand interest, and loyal followers have helped keep her going. “The higher you rise, the more people try to drag you down,” she added, acknowledging the negativity that comes with fame.