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Moving in the right direction

Photo: G. Moorthy

Charming Loves challenging roles

Recall Nila in S.J. Surya’s “Anbe Aruyire”. An image of a bubbly “quarrelsome” angry young girl in modern clothes conjures up. Next when you see her on the sets of “Jagan Mohini”, she comes across as a soft s poken person with the heady combination of elegance, élan and royalty.

And if you think appearances can be deceptive, then she herself offers you her explanation.

“Don’t jump to any conclusion seeing me in this attire. I don the role of the consort of the Prince of a country and I am supposed to behave like this. But I am exactly what I have been portrayed in my debut movie. But I am definitely not quarrelsome as many think. I am outspoken. I speak my mind,” she rattles off candidly.

Clad in a traditional golden-yellow silk saree and loaded with jewellery and other accessories that go with women of royal lineage, this Delhi-girl speaks with a lot of flair about her job she is currently engaged in.

“I always wanted to become a journalist and pursued a mass communication course in the United States. For some time, I worked for an advertising agency as client executive. I was selected for NDTV as newsreader and was in my training period, when I got a chance to act in movies. I did not have any reservation for particular field and I do whatever job is assigned to me with a lot of interest.”

Her latent talent in acting was well captured by S.J. Surya and she rates her maiden film venture as the best till date. “I was into modelling for pocket money when S.J. Surya approached me. I immediately agreed for the lucrative offer. Surprisingly, the character in that movie reflected exactly me. I don’t think I acted at all in that movie. Everything was me, my natural self, the way I go about my things in daily life and routine.”

No doubt her discomfort in being strapped with heavy metal jewellery is evident. “I feel my height has reduced with the weight of these huge necklaces and chains constantly pulling me down. I hate wearing jewels and wrapping long sarees around me. But I am expected to do certain things that befit my character and I do justice to it. There ends the matter,” she pours out in the same breath.

Abound with enthusiasm she just does not pause even for a second. “Before entering the films I was in a hurry. Whatever be it, I just want to finish it off immediately. Even for my shots, I usually do not have many retakes. I joined the industry with zero patience but after entering it I realize here everything is about waiting only. I have learnt to be very patient now,” she shares nonchalantly.

She has also struck a presence in Telugu film industry with some memorable movies. “I have acted in seven movies. People there have a lot of faith in me. I have been entrusted with heavy roles. I never mind giving them 50 to 60 days call sheet at a stretch. I have been well recognised there. I had paired with top heroes including Pawan Kalyan, Junior N.T.R. and Tharun. I have been getting good offers, which I cannot forego. I have also acted in a Kannada movie,” she shares.

Nila is a bit disappointed because she feels Tamil films are not offering her challenging roles where she has scope for performance. Though she has acted in hits like “Maruthamalai” with Arjun and “Kaalai” with Silambarasan, she is of the opinion that a great opportunity is yet to come. “I wish I get characters which demand the actor to put in that extra effort. After my first movie, I was more of showcased and did not get a fair deal. But I love Tamil cinema and the professionalism here. I have great respect for Tamil filmmakers and technicians,” she says.

She always likes to be independent and respected by her family members. “My family is very supportive. They have full confidence in me. My mother, who accompanied me to couple of locations, now pleads not to take her to the shooting spot. They have full faith in me and I do respect their sentiments.”

Her sense of belonging to Delhi comes out strong as she repeatedly says that “nothing in this world matches the national capital”. What about Madurai? “I like this ancient city for its splendid temple architecture. But what I hate is the temperature. It is killing. The sultry weather saps all your energy. You sweat profusely which affects your concentration.”

Nila is very fond of water and beaches and sleeping is her favourite pastime.

“Whenever I am home, I spend most of my time on my bed sleeping. I am also very adventurous in nature that is why I like venturing out.’

Her passion for beaches and water runs high but unfortunately, most of the scenes in the movie ‘Jagan Mohini’ to be shot on the islands of Andaman, involve Namitha, the protagonist of the film.

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