Mallika, what does this prize mean to you?
As an independent artist, the prize gives me one of the most appreciated goods: financial security, which means time to create. Secondly, if any sort of recognition validates your work, it puts you on the map. I am very happy I won.
What is important for you in your work as an
actress?
I like to do things that are relevant in our times and to the audience. My work doesn’t have to deliver a specific political or social message. A good performance will move you emotionally or intellectually or in energy. In one word, it inspires. Good art has a ripple effect. A powerful performance will make you part of it, of the experience of its journey. Otherwise, why bother? Why get out on stage? Why make people get out of their homes to sit in an auditorium if you do not want to reach out to them? We know by now that artistic performances also hold an enormous potential to trigger socio-political change. There is something extremely real about people talking to people. Energy is exchanged and shared. It is powerful and holds the ability to shift perspectives:minds, people’s emotions – all sorts of shifts can happen. The dialogue with the audiences is very valuable for me. I am surprised and overwhelmed by the support I get from them.
And what is the biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge is to remain honest. It is very difficult, especially now, I find myself giving all these interviews and saying all these big things. But I keep thinking: how I am going to live up to this? How to constantly do a job which has relevance and builds resilience? Truth and honesty: they are very difficult to define, to understand and to stick to.
What meaning do cultural events have for a society?
If we take theatre to the neighbourhoods, we will create an alternative ecosystem for the arts and generate an enormous new audience. Over the years it will change the culture of the city and influence how people interact with each other in a positive way.
