Actor Mahhima Kottary gets candid about her journey in the industry, the kind of projects she wishes to be a part of and her advice for the newcomers.
Mahhima Kottary, How did you get your first break?
I would rather like to call it my journey so far. In a sense, my journey has just begun. I happened to
shoot for an advertisement and then I started getting modelling assignments and then I started
grooming myself as an actor.
Mahhima Kottary, How do you keep yourself motivated when you don’t get the project?
As an actor, it’s very important when you enter the industry to know the pros and the cons. And I was
aware that it’s not going to be always smooth sailing. It’s extremely crucial to prepare yourself mentally for all the rejections and I believe that rejection is a redirection. And for me, no means next opportunity!
Mahhima Kottary, Do you think for a girl, the struggle is more as casting couch is a reality? Do you have any personal experience to share?
It takes 2 to tango! In fact, men also face this. And it’s not only in the entertainment industry, but it’s
also in other industries as well. It depends on an individual what path they choose, I believe if you feel uncomfortable, just walk away. I have been fortunate to work with good and professional people only.
TV is said to be a safer place than films as TV is considered a family medium. Do you agree or
disagree?
Television is definitely a family medium and it’s great to know it is not restricted only to a certain kind of audience. However, there are a lot of family films also being made so I think both the mediums are
beautiful in their own ways.
5 tips for the beginners who aspire to enter the entertainment industry.
Perseverance, handle rejections, faith in your hard work, be optimistic, and keep learning.
Who are your role models?
My mother is my inspiration because she’s the strongest person I know and she’s extremely optimistic.
Also, I love Ashley Graham. She is the epitome of confidence and truly inspiring.
How was it working in the South industry?
It was an amazing experience working in the south industry and I feel extremely fortunate to work with a nice cast and crew.
How was it working with stars of South like Brahmanandam and Murali Krishna?
It was a great learning experience and sharing the screen space with such legendary actors. I am blessed to get this opportunity and to see them doing all the scenes flawlessly. It was a pure learning
environment for me.
How is the South industry different from Bollywood?
Both the industries have different kinds of films and they are amazing in their own ways. Both have
different content, languages and different people, of course. Most of the movies in the South are action oriented. Mostly the difference depends on the taste of the audience.
Two things that you have learnt from your struggle days.
Sometimes it’s not about you it’s about the time and there is no substitute for hard work.
Your height is 5’7″. Is being tall an advantage or disadvantage for you?
I think it’s an advantage. I don’t need to wear heels all the time! But on a serious note, I have lost a lot of projects because I was taller than my male counterparts. And I think there should not be any ‘problem’ in a female actor being taller than her male counterpart. It’s high time we need to break this stereotype. I think there are many movies like Chennai Express where the female lead (Deepika Padukone) is taller than the male lead (Shahrukh Khan).
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