Ranjini Haridas, apart from everything that she is in the public eye, is first and foremost a content person. Chatty, full of beans and thoroughly relaxed, Ranjini charms you with her unique brand of charm (she highly recommended I go to an astrologer who specialised in naadi astrology and explained the whole thing in such an endearingly animated manner, I am pretty tempted to take her word for it) and you know why there are way more people who love her than her haters. A successful anchor, a role model and a very much her own person. Ranjini has been an inspiration for many girls across Kerala, as well as to mothers who want their girls to grow up and have strong independent voices. She's taking on some new things this year that reveals yet another side to the woman who is mostly all heart. 1. How do see yourself having shaped the way women view themselves in the last few years since you began anchoring? I haven't actively sat back and thought about shaping the perception of women, to be honest. I've just done what I've wanted to do and lived the life I wanted. But over and over again, I have had many women, especially older women, lovingly tell me that I have been a role model and they'd like to see their daughters to be like me. It's humbling and amazing at the same time. If people see me as a role model, someone they look up to, then it's great. But as I said, I make no deliberate attempts to shape myself as one. 2. Is it tough to be who you are and still do well in a space that doesn't allow for personal freedom? In any industry, you have to set your boundaries right at the start; that is what will determine how people will treat you. When I first entered the industry, I was young and still had things to learn but I've never given much importance to what I am thought of as and so have lived according to my rules. I've been criticised for everything including my clothes, my accent, my language and the way I conduct a show. But, and I thank god for this, I am fortunate enough to have the freedom and space to do the things I want to the way I want to do them. 3. Speaking of which, more and more celebs are using social media to voice their protest again moral policing. Why have you chosen to be quiet? Yes, I see a lot more celebrities get on social media to explain their stance and if that suits them, then it's great. It doesn't suit me at all because I believe people will say and believe things about you and the way lives are lived regardless of a celebrity voice. When there is an issue that is close to my heart, I might speak about it in what ever medium I have at hand, but I don't believe I am suited to social media activism. If you believe in something, you can choose to talk about it any space you occupy. Richard Antony photography 4. Controversy's favourite child: do you ever get tired and want to be left alone? I don't care about controversies any more. I am done with my share, I live a happy life and do the things I want to do. There is no time to tell the world to leave me alone because those who love me let me know of it. You know, I had filed a complaint with the police about online abuse and it is STILL pending because no one seems to know what to do about it. So I've tried to take action against the kind of nonsense that comes my way, but it doesn't go beyond a point. I am happy to take positive criticism, but will not stand abuse. 5. I would call you a feminist? Would you? Of course I identify as a feminist. I believe everyone should be a feminist: men and women. We have way too many things going wrong for us to sit back and not do anything about. And I wish more and more, especially those in Kerala, understood that feminism doesn't mean hating men. It simply means working with them to make things better for women in particular, and society in general. 6. Are bigger things such as movies and/or marriage generally things bigger than anchoring on the cards? Marriage, I don't know. But a naadi jyotsyar told me that if I plan to get married, this year would be ideal. But what I am excited about this year is a rescue shelter for animals; I am doing this with a friend. That project is going to be taking time this year, but not much else. I don't plan too far ahead. If something exciting comes up, I'd love to do it. Be it film or something else. 7. What do you do on your days off? My days are pretty relaxed. I start easy with yoga and then the gym. I spend time listening to music, catching up with friends, maybe catch a movie. I like to party, so weekends tend to see me go out, let my hair down and have fun. I do peaceful, everyday things because little things make me happy. The kind of music I listen to: I am rock girl at heart, but enjoy jazz equally, so too folk. I love Janaki Amma and (K.S.) Chitra Chechi. I really don't stress about things too much and much of life is, by the grace of god, sorted so my days off are easy, happy days. Why we need honest actors like Nithya MenenE