“It was never my dream to be an actor,” Kani Kusruti tells Tatsam Mukherjee, reflecting on her early days in theatre and her gradual move into cinema.
In their conversation, Kusruti describes her time at L'École Internationale de Théâtre and how that foundation led to roles in Kerala cinema, short films, and eventually, feature films and web series. She points to her work in Counterfeit Kunkoo and All We Imagine As Light as turning points, bringing her wider recognition.
Comparing her experiences in Mumbai and South Indian film industries, Kusruti says, “Bombay shoots are more organised, but I find a different kind of creative satisfaction in Malayalam cinema.” She speaks candidly about typecasting and the difficulty of maintaining individuality as an actor in Indian cinema.
“Being nominated for awards is an honour, but I’m always critical of my own work,” she adds. Kusruti discusses her early indifference to cinema, her ongoing preference for theatre, and how her relationship with film has evolved.
Throughout the interview, Kusruti emphasises the importance of making career choices on her own terms, navigating both mainstream and independent projects with a focus on personal values.
