Prayaga Martin: Only talent matters, ultimately

She may sound pleasant and cheerful, but the doe-eyed beauty of Mollywood, Prayaga Martin, can be quite a daredevil when she wants to, and is very clear about what she wants. But she takes criticism in her stride and tries to find the positive side of every adversity. Model, dancer and actor, Prayaga is now all excited about her upcoming film Oru Pazhaya Bomb Katha, directed by hitmaker Shafi.In the film, She plays Sruthi, the romantic interest of scriptwriter-turned- actor Bibin George. And her character, she says, will be her favourite forever. The Ramaleela actress tells us about the movie, her studies, her thoughts on being a favourite of trollers and a little bit about her perception on campus politics…
In your next, Oru Pazhaya Bomb Katha, the lead actor is Bibin George, a fresher and a polio victim. Actresses usually look for the star value of the lead actor. What attracted you to the film?
This is a valid question that many have been asking me. I am sure many others have it on their minds. There is only one answer for this and it is very simple — the story of the film. While listening to the script, my inner voice told me that I will definitely regret it if I miss this film. What more do I need when Shafi sir is directing it? Bibinettan and I share a very close bond. I know him since Kattapanayile Rithwik Roshan. I have no doubt that he is a promising talent. If I had not known him before, I would have taken more time to say yes to the film.

Beyond all that I am very well aware that peripheral beauty, which is often stereotyped, is impermanent. It is the talent what matters ultimately and I know Bibinettan will make it really big one day. His character in Oru Pazhaya Bomb Katha who is also physically challenged, is a very strong one and I am sure that it will create an impact.
I think it is high time that we focused on the positive side of things and people, than the imperfections. This film will be an inspiration for many. A polio victim will dance, do fight scenes and everything that we expect from a so-called ‘normal’ person. It tells you how one should lead his/her life, and use adversities to one’s advantage.
Tell us about the shoot.
We really enjoyed each moment of the shoot as we all knew each other very well. I first met Shafi sir during the shoot of Ramaleela. It was a funny encounter, just like in his films. I mistook him for Rafi sir and started talking about his film Role Models which was being shot at the same time. I asked him about the accident that happened to Fahadh and Namitha Pramod. Despite knowing that I mistook him for his brother, he decided to play along and kept on answering all my queries. When Dileepettan walked in he told him, ‘Prayaga thinks that I am my brother’. Since that day, we have been very good friends. So the set was always filled with fun and happiness. Shafi sir is a man with an amazing sense of humour and it was a laugh riot on the set. He is the coolest director I have worked with and knows how to make us work tension-free. He is a good mentor and a great teacher as well.

You have not signed many films right now. Are you being selective?
I was busy with a few stage programmes including Lalettan (Mohanlal)’s show. My days were packed. I am also trying to balance my studies as I am currently in the final year of my Masters, in Travel and Tourism Management. Eight more months remain.

To be very frank, post Ramaleela, I wanted to be part of only good projects and also wanted to work with a good director, script and actor, which is why it took me some time to commit to the next film after Ramaleela. It was worth it as I got Oru Pazhaya Bomb Katha which is a blend of all.
We see a lot of many funny memes and trolls made out of your dance performances and even television interviews. How do you take them?
As they say, ‘there is no such thing as bad publicity’. I take the attention that I have been receiving positively as it has helped me remain a familiar face among the masses. I am a person who lives and speaks with utmost care, being a public figure, and I am aware of my responsibility towards society. If they are still trolling me for the smallest things, I guess I should take advantage of the popularity. I’m getting the same publicity that I get when my movies are released. Being an artiste living in the digital era, I need to reach among the audience. Now, I am more aware of each step I take, thanks to the trollers.
But, there is a bad side for these trolls. Some are very dirty and vulgar which is unacceptable. Memes are supposed to be positive criticism but it turns out to be completely derogatory which the makers should realise and correct. It is fun until it crosses the limit.
Being a college-goer, what is your take on the murder of Abhimanyu?
It was really shocking and upsetting. My institution is next to Maharajas and I had to pass through that college thrice on the day of the death. I couldn’t control my tears seeing the shattered students. It is difficult to accept what has happened. I believe that any problem - be it small or grave, can be solved through proper communication. I wonder why they bring violence into it. I want to ask them what they gain by playing with lives. It is true that we need campus politics to become responsible citizens and to be aware about our country's realities. Or else we will remain detached and apolitical. However, I strongly believe that we need politics sans violence in campuses. People will be of different opinions and will be following different ideologies. We should learn to respect others' opinions as well and move ahead. Only then will the world become a better place.