What led you to switch from being a fashion designer to pursuing a career as an actor?
I honestly couldn’t tell you how these years flew by and how life led me to where I am now. But I believe I seized the opportunity when fate presented it to me. It was my first Tamil film, ‘Sivappu Manjal Pachai,’ directed by Sasi, that convinced me I could pursue a career as an actor.

When might we see you venturing into Malayalam cinema, considering your experience in Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Hindi, and Kannada films?
I’ve manifested this and put it out into the universe. Working alongside Lijomol Jose in ‘Sivappu Manjal Pachai’ made me appreciate the natural talent of Malayalee actors. Watching ‘Aavesham’ further fueled my desire to explore opportunities in Malayalam cinema.

What was your experience like working on Neeraj Pandey’s ‘The Freelancer’ as Aliya Khan? Your performance in that role really stood out.
I manifested working with Neeraj Pandey, and it happened. It was a significant project for me. The audition process was rigorous—I was told I was the four hundred and thirty-sixth person to audition. But after ‘The Freelancer,’ the recognition was overwhelming. When I came to Chennai, many people recognized me as Aliya Khan.

Do you keep a vision board in your room?
Yes, I do! I’m an organizer, so I like to plan what I’ll be doing today, in two years, or even five years from now. However, I’m not rigid about it. If you look at my diary from a couple of years ago, you’ll see that I’ve ticked off a few things, but there are also things I was interested in back then that I’m not so keen on now. I’m flexible.

How do you go about selecting the roles that are right for you?
I consider scripts where my role and character contribute certain sensibilities to the story. For instance, in ‘Sivappu Manjal Pachai,’ I portrayed Poonai with only 14 minutes of screen time, yet it made a significant impact. Similarly, in ‘Paramporul,’ released last year, I had two to three crucial scenes that became highlights of the movie. So, rather than focusing on the duration of my screen presence, I prioritize the impact my character can make.

What was your dad like as a police inspector? Did he tend to be strict with you? And how did he respond when you expressed your interest in pursuing a career in cinema?
My dad always insists that everyone should understand the law. Even after retiring from the police force, he pursued law and now practices as a lawyer. He’s always encouraged me to prioritise my studies, which I genuinely enjoy. When I decided to pursue a career in cinema after graduation, he was surprisingly relaxed about it. But before that, I had a strict upbringing; I had to be home by 7 PM, wasn’t allowed to wear low-waist jeans, and had strict rules about male friends. Boys were even intimidated to approach me because of my dad’s profession. Now, though, he’s much more laid-back.

What type of men does Kashmira usually prefer?
I want a man who’s ambitious, laser-focused, highly respectful, values family above all, and isn’t into partying.

What is the one thing that brings you happiness?
Obviously, it’s travelling, especially solo trips. One experience that sticks with me is when I was 18. My friend and I flew from Pune to Pondicherry. I was new to the industry and didn’t even know Tamil. Landing in Chennai, then hopping on a bus from Koyambedu, that memory is unforgettable.

What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading books like ‘The Power of Subconscious Mind,’ and I love applying those principles to my life.