Parents encouraged me to stand on my own feet, not follow usual norms: Anaswara Rajan

Anaswara Rajan has become one of the most notable young actresses in Malayalam cinema, gaining recognition for her powerful performances and natural charm. Starting her career at a young age, she quickly made a name for herself with lead roles in several films. With her recent film 'Rekhachithram' hitting theatres earlier this year, Anaswara continues to be a rising star in the industry.

In a recent interview with a private online channel, Anaswara opened up about her upbringing and the progressive values her parents instilled in her. She revealed how her parents never imposed traditional expectations often placed on daughters, such as preparing for marriage or focusing on household duties.

“My parents never gave me the kind of advice most girls receive, like preparing for marriage or focusing on household chores. Instead, they always encouraged me to stand on my own feet,” she shared. “Even if I forget my period dates, my father remembers them. I’ve even asked him why girls are expected to be treated as goddesses like Lakshmi or Devi.”

Anaswara also spoke about how household responsibilities were shared equally in her family. “Since my school days, my father has been aware of everything about us. He even knows my period dates, which I sometimes forget myself. If I’m in pain during those times, he rushes to the nearest shop to buy fruits and ensures I’m comfortable,” she said.

Her parents' approach was far from conventional. “They never told me, ‘You are a girl; you’ll have to go to another home someday,’ or ‘You need to focus on household chores.’ Instead, they taught us to be independent. That’s how they raised us,” she said.
Chores at home were a collaborative effort. “My sister and I did everything together, whether it was cleaning or cooking. My father would join my mother in these tasks. That’s what we grew up seeing,” she added.