Aparna has always been vocal about serious issues that are plaguing the industry, including gender pay parity and body shaming.
Published Sep 12, 2023 | 2:25 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 12, 2023 | 2:25 PM
Aparna Balamurali. (Supplied)
Aparna Balamurali has been in the industry for the past eight years and enjoys a successful career.
Though she debuted in Oru Second Class Yathra in 2015, she was widely recognised for her role (as a college student Jimsy) in Maheshinte Prathikaaram (2016). She has acted in around 30 Malayalam and Tamil films.
The actress is a singer, too, and has sung for a couple of her films like Sunday Holiday (2017), Pa Va (2016), Maheshinte Prathikaaram, and 8 Thottakkal (2017).
As Aparna turned 28 on Monday, 11 September, let’s check some of the milestones she achieved in her career:
In Maheshinte Prathikaaram, Aparna’s portrayal of Jimsy, a smart girl from a village in Idukki, made her a sought-after actress in Malayalam.
Thereafter, she did several meaningful roles in Sunday Holiday, B.Tech (2018), Ini Utharam (2022), and Sundari Gardens (2021).
In Tamil, she shot to fame with Soorarai Pottru (2020) where she was paired with Suriya. Her performance as a strong, independent woman named Bommi who runs a bakery in Soorarai Pottru won the hearts of audiences.
The role bagged her the Best Actress Role in the National Awards 2022. She also received the Best Actress Award at Filmfare Awards South in 2020.
Aparna Balamurali is also popular for her comic timing. For example, her characters in Sunday Holiday, Maheshinte Prathikaaram, and Padmini (2023) left viewers in splits.
At the same time, she also received criticism for her roles in Kamuki (2018), Mr and Mrs Rowdy (2019), and Jeem Boom Bhaa (2019).
Aparna Balamurali’s latest Malayalam film was ‘Dhoomam’. (Supplied)
It’s tough to survive in the film industry by making statements that don’t go down well with seniors, especially if one is a budding talent.
However, Aparna Balamurali raised many eyebrows by speaking out on many issues that have been plaguing the industry. She is known for not mincing her words and for being opinionated.
In one instance, the actress noted that people started listening to her — even if it was to criticise her — only after she received the National Award.
While many people are interested in hearing what you have to say, a few react without even understanding the real issue. And Aparna admitted that she gets angry with those who react without knowledge.
She asserted that opinions should never be made out of hatred towards anyone and observed that there is always an option to discuss in case of a difference of opinion.
In another instance, the actress questioned why female actors are required to adhere to certain standards, especially their bodies. She wondered why female actors are body shamed and are asked to play mothers if they gain weight.
She revealed that she gets upset when someone says that she has put on weight. She also makes it a point to not entertain such comments since she has gained weight owing to health issues.
Aparna Balamurali and her co-star Anna Ben were trolled for their roles as local women gangsters in the Malayalam movie Kaapa (2022). However, she took the criticism in her stride.
The actress also extended her support to the women wrestlers’ protest in May. In her Instagram story, she wrote that it was heartbreaking to see the manner in which the “champions” were being treated.
Aparna Balamurali has voiced her concern on fair pay. (Supplied)
Aparna is perhaps one of the few actresses who raised her voice against the gender pay parity in film industries. She questioned why female actors are still paid less when compared to their male counterparts and pointed out that even up-and-coming male actors are drawing more than the established actresses.
“More than greed, it’s a feeling of helplessness. It has been a matter that has been discussed in our inner circles so far. Many female-centric films are well-received by audiences these days across industries, including Malayalam. I feel it’s only a matter of fairness,” she noted.
The actress also added she gave her 100 percent to work and hence won’t be scared to ask for her salary.
However, her statement drew flack from the film fraternity.
Producer Suresh Kumar replied that his daughter Keerthy Suresh Kumar can’t be given the same remuneration as that of Mohanlal. “Aparna is not well aware of the business of cinema which pays money for an actor’s star value and not that of actresses,” he added.
Nevertheless, Remya Nambeesan seconded Aparna by saying, “It’s high time to check if actresses are being paid what they deserve. In most cases, the respect we command is based on our remuneration. I am happy that some talks have finally begun on that (gender pay parity) front.”
