Few actors move effortlessly between languages and industries the way Priyamani does. Having built an impressive body of work across regional and Hindi cinema, the actor isn’t afraid to speak her mind — and this time, she’s taking a stand against the term “pan-India actor.”
“We’re All Indian — Why the Labels?”
According To Hindustan Times, for Priyamani, cinema has always transcended borders. “I really think it’s time we stop using the term pan-India,” she says firmly. “No matter the region or the language, our roots remain the same — we’re all Indian.” What even is this ‘pan-India’ concept? I don’t get it. If an actor from Bollywood works in the South, no one calls them a ‘regional actor,’ so why the double standard?”
Her sentiment is clear and compelling — artists have been working across languages and regions for decades, long before pan-India became a catchy industry phrase. “For years, actors from every part of the country have collaborated and told stories together. So why are we suddenly putting labels on them now?” she questions.
Pointing to legends like Kamal Haasan, Rajinikanth, Prakash Raj, and Dhanush, Priyamani reminds us that they were always celebrated as Indian actors — not confined by language or geography. “It truly doesn’t matter which language we work in; what matters is the story and the performance,” she reflects. “This new obsession with using the term feels unnecessary — and honestly, a little amusing.”
The Family Man and the Era of Over-Sensitivity
As Priyamani gears up to reprise her role as Suchi in the highly anticipated third season of The Family Man, she reflects on how audience behavior has evolved over the years.
“People have become far too sensitive,” she observes. “Having an opinion is perfectly fine, but there’s no need to overanalyze or impose your views on others. Just watch a film for what it is. So many people put in immense hard work — appreciate that instead.”
Her thoughts mirror what many artists today feel — that audiences are dissecting films more than they are experiencing them. “Criticism is healthy; you’re absolutely entitled to it,” she acknowledges. “But don’t overdo it. Don’t turn it into conversations about red flags, green flags, or Gen Z labels. It’s just a film — it doesn’t always have to mirror real life or reflect today’s world.”
When Opinions Turn into Overload
With social media becoming a megaphone for every thought, Priyamani believes the line between opinion and influence has blurred. “You’re more than welcome to your opinion,” she says thoughtfully, “but don’t try to influence other people’s opinions. Someone might actually like the film, even if you didn’t.”
At the core of her outlook is empathy — for the art, the artists, and the immense effort that goes into creating a film. “There are hundreds of people working tirelessly to bring a story to life, whether it’s for OTT or the big screen,” she says. “So simply watch it for what it is. You don’t need to be overly sensitive about every little thing.”
Love, Partnership, and Honest Conversations
Behind the camera, Priyamani finds strength in her partnership with husband Mustafa Raj, who she calls her biggest cheerleader and sounding board. “With him, it’s easy,” she smiles. “We always discuss work; every project that comes my way, we talk about it. Sometimes he tells me, ‘I think you should do it,’ but my gut says no. Then he says, ‘If you’re not convinced, that’s absolutely fine.’ And there are times when I tell him, ‘I don’t think I should do this,’ and he insists, ‘No, I think you should — it’s really good.’ And you know what, it has actually worked out for me when I’ve listened to him.”
While disagreements do happen, the two always find common ground. “Eventually, we always reach a mutual agreement, which usually works in my favour,” she laughs. “He’s honestly the sweetest man. He listens to all my rants and gives his inputs whenever I need to be heard. I’m very lucky that way.”
Staying Grounded in a Changing Industry
In a world obsessed with trends and terminology, Priyamani stands out for her grounded perspective. Her message is clear — labels may come and go, but good storytelling will always transcend language.
Whether it’s her bold views on industry tags, her reflections on audience reactions, or the warmth she exudes while talking about her personal life, Priyamani remains as authentic as ever — an artist who values honesty, heart, and hard work over hype.
