After three decades, Shanthi Priya, who made her Hindi film debut with Saugandh (1991), is returning to the big screen with Anurag Kashyap and Vetrimaaran’s Tamil film Bad Girl. In the movie, she plays a school teacher grappling with her daughter’s troubling choices.

Reflecting on headlining a film at this stage of her career, the 54-year-old actress says, “It feels surreal, almost like coming full circle. When I started at the age of 18, I was a young girl trying to find my voice in a male-dominated industry. Today, leading a film at this stage isn’t just an opportunity — it’s a statement. Women’s stories, especially for those of a certain age, are often overlooked. This role reaffirms that relevance and talent don’t fade with time. I’m grateful to be part of this shift toward more inclusive storytelling that looks beyond age or stereotypes.”

What makes her role even more significant is that, for the first time in her career, she appears entirely bare-faced, without any make-up. She shares, “This was a first for me. Like most actors, make-up has been my safety net. When the director suggested going without it, I was nervous. My first thought was, ‘Will the audience even recognize me?’ However, the experience turned out to be liberating. It wasn’t about looking perfect — it was about being real. Without the distraction of make-up as a shield, I connected more deeply with the character. I learned that beauty is in rawness, not in foundation.”

She adds, “Over time, I’ve realized acting is about honesty, not perfection. Earlier, I’d focus on my looks and things like ‘Is my hair okay? Was the line perfect?’ and whether my performance was technically flawless. Now, I focus on being present in the moment and the scene. I’ve stopped overthinking and prefer trusting my instincts. Experience has taught me that it’s the unspoken moments and subtle emotions that resonate the most.”