It gets lonely even for actors: Nikki

Upcoming actors are often nervous and diplomatic when they speak about their work, but multilingual actress Nikki Galrani is anything but measured. Spirited and frank, Nikki spills the beans about her experiences as an actress, differences in film industries, upcoming projects and about her role in her next Kannada project Paravasha Naadenu. Despite having become a popular face in the Malayalam film industry, Nikki has made a constant effort to sign a Kannada film periodically.In her upcoming film, she will be seen playing a girl-next-door. “I play the role of a fun, spirited girl, born to an extremely rich family. At the start of the film, my character is one that dreams of living like a princess. However, through the course of the film, she falls in love with a middle-class guy, only to realize that love is above all and that everything else is immaterial,” says Nikki.
So what was it about Paravasha Naadenu, opposite Manoj (of Moggina Manasu fame), that got her excited? “It’s a completely fresh team. This is the director’s first film and I signed it because it connected with me at a personal level,” she says, adding, “I believe that a lot of people in our generation don’t give love enough value anymore, as we are very superficial and materialistic. I, though, have always prioritized people and relationships over everything else. So, when I read the script I really loved it and felt that everyone will connect with it and learn from the film and my character.”
Having acted in almost as many Malayalam films as Kannada, Nikki is equally exposed to the workings of Mollywood. Ask her which she likes better and she says, “They are very different industries. Malayalam cinema is very raw and realistic. Their working style is also very different,” she says. “Everyone on the team works from 6 am-9.30 pm, every single day. In Sandalwood, it’s not like that. It’s a lot more relaxed — we work from 7 am-6 pm. But to see the amount of dedication in the Malayalam industry is overwhelming. Though schedules are hectic, they’re enjoyable because the team is united. They work like one big family and that’s great to experience,” Nikki adds.
However, Nikki still considers Bengaluru and Sandalwood her home. “People often think that being in the film business is all about fame and limelight, but sometimes it gets boring and lonely even for actors. I’ve been away from home, shooting in a village in Kerala, for almost 70 days now and I really miss my family and friends. And after this, I’ll be heading out for another shoot for few weeks. So, every time I get even a day to myself, I run back to Bengaluru, spend time with my family, friends and my dog. Even though my mother or father are always with me on shoot, I miss being in the comfort of my home and city. But the bright side is that we actors get to travel and see new places,” reveals Nikki. Although Nikki is thrilled and excited about having made her debut in all four south Indian languages in her first year itself, she hasn’t taken a break from films. She not only awaits a few releases, but has also taken on more work. “I’m currently shooting for the Malayalam film Ivan Maryada Raman. I have signed two more Malayalam films and will start shoot soon. One is Rudra Simhasanam opposite Suresh Gopi and the other is Oru Second Class Yatra opposite Vineeth Sreenivasan,” signs off the actress.