In Conversation With Utthara Unni

In Conversation With Utthara Unni

  • 22 Jun 2016
  • FWD Admin
  • Features

Model, dancer, singer, actor, director, cinematographer... Starlet Utthara Unni is a pro at numerous roles and she has no signs of stopping

Ever since the mother-daughter duo was interviewed on JB Junction, Utthara Unni, the daughter of actress Urmila Unni was expected to be seen on screen. In a short time Utthara has made a name for herself even before entering the world of acting, through her talent in dance and modelling. She is fresh off her on- screen debut in Lenin Rajendren's Edavappathy in which she plays a double role. On the morning of her interview, as soon as she stepped out of her car at Harbinger of Spring in Panampilly Nagar, in her white dress and wedge heels, her open smile and excited chatter quickly showed that she was a girl who belonged in front of the camera. Discussing music, shopping, books and body image issues, the chat took us to various points in Utthara’s life as she posed and breezed through the photo shoot.

What is the story behind your burning sun tattoo?

This tattoo was done 2 years ago at Chennai when I accompanied amma to get her tattoo done. It was a sudden decision, but I love it. The design itself is inspired because I was born under Suryadarsha and now I cannot wait to get my English Zodiac Sign Libra tattooed as I know I am one with exemplary Libran traits.

Being a dancer we know that you take excellent care of yourself, how do you manage with your busy schedule?

I enjoy eating and experimenting with food, so I am not one for starving myself. I think I would give the most credit to excellent genetics because I have been blessed with a fast metabolism. Being a dancer also requires hours of practice every day and that is good enough to keep anyone in shape. Even when I  am not dancing, I do light stretches on a daily basis. Although I love my lean appearance, I’ve had people asking me to put on weight or commenting that I look starved. But I know that I am healthy and so I do not let comments get to me.

Talking about opinions, how was it growing up as the daughter of a celebrity?

To be honest, when I was growing up, Amma was always there and she didn’t feel like a celebrity to me, and I never had any experiences that made me think otherwise. I had a normal childhood, attending Marthoma School in Kochi, nurturing a celebrity crush on Shahid Kapoor while growing up, and fighting with amma because I may not end up liking what she picks out for me to wear and so on. I think I actually realized amma’s fame when I got older, started dancing and people started comparing her with me. I think this is in fact the biggest challenge I face on a daily basis.

How did you come into the world of modelling?

The owners of Bhima stayed in our neighbourhood. As a kid, I used to ask Saroj aunty, the owner’s wife, if I could become a model and she always told me I could. So when they were looking for a new model for their advertisement, they asked me to give  modelling a try and that is how I landed my first modelling job in the 11th grade with Bhima.

We all know you are a model, dancer and now actress, what other talents do you have up your sleeve?

Dancing is my first passion, but I also love singing. In fact, I already have a Malayalam Arabic song that was released last year called  “Pathirapontheril”. I also have a Hindi album coming out soon, but since there are talks of it being picked up by a good music label (fingers crossed), the release date has not been set yet. I also enjoy drawing and painting as a hobby.

We have heard that you are an expert at multitasking, what are the things that you are proud to have achieved in the last few years?

I guess I got my talent for multitasking from Amma. In the last five years, I did my degree from SRM College, MA from MOP Vaishnav College, also a BFA in Bharathanatyam. Since the BFA was a course that only required me to attend classes twice a week, it was easy to complete it along with my regular studies. I also directed a short film called Randam Varavu that got good response and worked part time as an assistant cinematographer on another project. Dance performances keep me busy across India and UAE. In fact, mom and I started a dance school called Angopanga in Bahrain. I got the offer to act in Edavappathy while I was still in college and the shooting was done during the last three years. It was an exciting opportunity, especially to work with Lenin Rajendran.

At the end of the day, what do you want to be known for?

I want to be known beyond being a dancer or celebrity, and as a person who has the right outlook about the world she lives in.

 

QUICKIES

  • Celebrity Wardrobe Swap

             Deepika Padukone

  • Favourite Author

             Both Sydney Sheldon and Ken Follett

  • Movie you would have loved to act in

            Queen

  • One song you cannot get out of your mind

            Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding

  • Guilty Indulgence

            Adding extra cheese to everything

  • Dream destination?

            For holidays calm beaches like Fiji Islands are the best, but if I had settle down, I’d prefer a busy ever evolving city l like New York

  • Childhood Ambition

           I was obsessed with being a Software Engineer when I grew up, even though I barely knew what it meant.

  • One thing most people don’t know about you

            I don’t think people know that I am an animal lover and have a Cocker spaniel named Momo, whom I adore.

 

Location: Harbinger of Spring

Words: Fathima Abdul Kader

Photo: Arun Menon

Styling: Lakshmi Babu

Image: Vipin Vishwanath

 

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