You don't have to win awards to get your basic right as an artiste: Kani Kusruti   

Actor Kani Kusruti, who stars in two of this year's most acclaimed movies "All We Imagine As Light" and "Girls Will Be Girls", says she has had a more professional work experience up north than in her native state Kerala.

Kusruti has been straddling both Malayalam and Hindi language industries for some time now. She was named the best actress at the Kerala State Film Awards for the 2020 film "Biriyaani". In the Hindi belt, the actor is known for her work in Hindi web series "Maharani" and "Poacher".

While the state honour brought her respect, Kusruti said recognition should not come to an artiste only after they win awards.

"When I won the Kerala state award in 2020 that had an impact... Kerala still is struggling with having proper contracts and a working culture of professionalism. We still lack a lot in these areas.

The actor, also known for Malayalam films "Kerala Cafe" and "Cocktail" and Hindi web series "Ok Computer" and "Killer Soup", said she always had an "extremely professional experience" in Mumbai.

"I was treated right, like they're treating mostly everyone equally at least compared to the Malayalam industry. I felt here they are more professional in how they approach you. So, that's the difference I noticed back then," she added.

While work opportunities across various industries frequently come up, Kusruti said she isn't someone who likes to work continuously.

"I ideally want to take a break, that's how I am. I'm like, 'I have to take a break and then I have to go do a workshop and then maybe I can (act).

"But sometimes you don't have the privilege. This is your bread and butter and you have to continue practising. But ideally for me, one or two films in two years, then I take a break and then do it (work). That's how I like it," she said.

In "Girls Will Be Girls", directed by Shuchi Talati, Kusruti plays Anila, a woman whose unfulfilled coming-of-age experience is interlinked with the rebellious awakening of her 16-year-old daughter Mira, played by Preeti Panigrahi.