Actor Nithya Menen, who recently received the National Award for her remarkable performance in the Tamil film Thiruchitrambalam (2022), has had a unique journey in the film industry. In a candid conversation with SCREEN, she reflected on her unexpected path to stardom, expressing that acting was never her ambition.
“I never wanted to act in films,” Nithya admitted, sharing her initial struggles with the attention that comes with being in the spotlight. The success of Thiruchitrambalam left her at a loss for words. “It’s difficult to put it in words. My co-awardee Manasi (Gujarati actress Manasi Parekh) truly expressed the feeling; she cried. That’s how we all feel but she showed it. It is a special thing,” she said.
Although awards have not been a primary focus for Nithya, the National Award holds significant meaning for her. “For someone with that mindset, the National Award means a lot. It healed a lot of things inside me,” she explained. She elaborated on her experiences, stating that working against the grain of mainstream expectations can be exhausting. “Every single fight feels like you are swimming upstream. So getting this kind of validation makes you feel okay… I am doing the right thing,” she added.
Nithya has consistently chosen unconventional roles, distancing herself from the pressures of mainstream cinema. When asked about the demand for her to take on more commercial projects, she said, “I don’t feel the pressure to be in masala, mainstream films, because I don’t like them as much. I don’t watch them; I don’t like them and don’t feel I am missing out on anything.” Instead, she yearns for meaningful storytelling. “I do feel like I am missing out on something when I see good films or good filmmakers making films. Then I feel, ‘Why did they not ask me?’”
Despite winning acclaim with films like Mission Mangal alongside Vidya Balan and Akshay Kumar, Nithya’s selective approach has limited her Bollywood appearances. She expressed concern about being typecast in the Hindi film industry, noting, “It’s different how it is positioned. In Hindi, I don’t know if they are aware of my range or what I can do.” However, she remains open to collaboration with talented directors across the country, particularly in light of the rise of pan-Indian films.
“I want to work with nice directors who want to make good films. Vikramaditya Motwane is one of them; Lootera is one of my favorite films. I think it is a masterpiece,” she shared, highlighting her desire for more significant opportunities. “What I have expressed till now is just the tip of the iceberg; somebody dig it up and give me something to do that can put all of it out there. I am waiting for that.”
Interestingly, Nithya’s journey as an actress began despite her initial reluctance. “I never wanted to be an actress. I had other dreams. It was a bit of a struggle,” she confessed. The attention from her work made her retreat into herself, as she explained, “Not many people understand this because people think one becomes an actor to get attention. But some of us do it because it’s a talent, it’s something we’ve been given, and it is our way of expressing our emotions.”
Nithya’s discomfort with fame stems from her desire for a quieter life. “I don’t like attention, I don’t like lights, I don’t like noise. I would like to be a wildlife filmmaker one day,” she revealed, illustrating her yearning for a life beyond the glitz and glamour of the film industry.
As she continues to carve her path in cinema, Nithya Menen remains a distinctive voice, embracing her unique journey while inspiring others to find strength in authenticity and individuality.
Leave a Reply