Aditi Balan: After Aruvi, I mostly got only serious and female centric scripts

Aditi Balan’s performance in Aruvi, her debut film, won critical acclaim and admiration from audiences. However, the actress has not appeared in a full-length Tamil feature film since then. Aditi is now set to return to the big screen with her role in Thankar Bachan’s upcoming film, Karumegangal Kalaiginrana, in which she shares screen space with the legendary director-actor Bharathirajaa.
When asked about her hiatus after Aruvi, Aditi says, “The break wasn’t intentional. I wanted to do good films, but somehow, I felt I was being typecast. The scripts that came my way were mostly female-centric, serious ones, where I needed to play the victim. What many don’t understand is that I am even ready to be part of films that require only five minutes of my screen presence. Of course, itneeds to add value to the storyline, but then, why only female-centric roles? I rejected a few for this very reason. I did say yes to a few films, but they didn’t happen though. ”
Aditi also reveals that since she is relatively new to the industry, it took her time to understand how things work. “Different groups say different things. Some say visibility and market value are important, while others ask to choose only the best ones. I wish there was a blueprint for actors, especially for female artistes, on how to approach things in the industry,” Aditi says.
On how she came to be in Thankar Bachan’s film, she says, “Sir called me and asked why I wasn’t signing any films. I replied that if something comes up, I’d definitely do it. Then, he narrated his story, which was very simple and had good human emotions. I generally like those kinds of stories, and I expressed my interest to be part of it. Also, he said I would be acting alongside Bharathirajaa sir, so what more reason do I need?”
Speaking about sharing the screen with Bharathirajaa and Gautham Vasudev Menon, she says, “I got to see the nuances that Bharathirajaa sir brings to the table as an actor. I had an important sequence with him, and it was quite an enlightening session. The way he reacted whenever I delivered my dialogue was interesting. The timing he takes to give those expressions is just perfect, and he doesn’t rush at all. New-age actors like me have a lot to learn from him, and it was a blessing to witness it from close quarters. Despite his age, he tries to give his best for the particular scene.” Aditi adds, “I had only one scene with Gautham Menon sir, and again, it was a great experience. I learned how to deliver dialogue by just observing him on the sets. He leaves a beautiful pause between, which elevates the emotions to another level.”
The actress plays a character named Kanmani in the film. “All I can say for now is that she’s a very authoritative character who goes through a lot in life and finally falls into a place where she loses everything,” she says.
Aditi is also a lawyer and a social activist. “Probably that’s why many think I am a serious person,” she smiles, and adds that in real life, she’s a very lighthearted, jovial person who loves to talk with people on any given topic. “Just because I am a lawyer, many think I am reserved, intelligent, and serious. Of course, I am smart, but definitely not the serious type,” she says.Does the present climate in Kollywood allow actresses to take up a lot of good content? Aditi says, “Of course, it’s getting better for female artistes, but we still have a long way to go. A few years ago, when films like Aruvi, Aramm, and Tharamani got released, they kicked off a train. However, I feel this has slowed down now. There is a template of sorts that is being followed. If one genre is received well by people, then many tend to do similar stuff. I think that shouldn’t happen. In fact, I want to do fun entertainers and roles like what Urvashi ma’am did in Michael Madhana Kama Rajan.”
On her upcoming projects, she says, “I haven’t signed anything yet post Karumegangal Kalaiginrana. I am currently focusing on Bharatanatyam and planning to do programmes in Chennai. I was recently part of a workshop in Kerala called Navarasa Sadhana, based on the traditional art form Koodiyattam. That gave me the confidence and the push to pursue Bharatanatyam, which I have been learning since the age of five, again,” she signs off.