Nandita Swetha, who rose to fame with films like Attakathi (2012), Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara (2013), and Mundaasupatti (2014), says she is lucky to have worked in the SJ Suryah-starrer Nenjam Marappathillai directed by Selvaraghavan. She tells City Express, “The film will be a surprising package for the audience. Usually, they say he’s strict with his actors on the sets, but I guess I needed someone like him who’s both passionate and serious about his craft.”
Nandita is very clear that she prefers to be an actor to a star. “I’ve grown up watching Selva’s and Suryah’s films. There’s an aura to them. They have stardom. It’s better that we use the time given to us to build a body of work, which will give us our little space in the industry. I play Suryah’s wife in Nenjam Marapathillai. It’s a different role that I haven’t played so far,” she smiles.
According to Nandita, acting is all about bringing out the right emotions, without words. “I choose roles that appeal to me. I don’t just want to be an eye candy. As far as this film is concerned, I was a part of action sequences like kick-block and flying in the air. Also, I got to learn a bit of martial arts and it was a unique experience. Regina and I decided to perform stunts without any body-double,” she shares.
Nandita has mostly been a part of multi-starrers; so she has always been comfortable with them. “I am not an insecure actor and never was. I am not competing with any of my fellow female actors. In fact, Regina (who plays another role in Nenjam Marapathillai) and I get along well. I have no qualms of being part of films where there is more than one female lead. I am only concerned about audience’s reaction to me and my role. I am here to entertain and satisfy them. In the end, only that matters,” she says.
So what’s next down her career path? “My Telugu film Ekkadiki Pothavu Chinnavada had an amazing response. So, I am looking forward to acting in more Tamil and Telugu movies. In Tamil, even the smallest role is recognised because of the script,” she smiles.
But Nandita hasn’t got her breakthrough yet and she knows it. Unlike many actors who hesitate to admit such simple truths, she says candidly: “I agree. I am waiting for the good stuff to happen. So far, I am satisfied with my career because I have worked with experienced directors like Seenu Ramasamy and Radha Mohan. But I know that I have to work with the ‘top mass heroes’ next…that’s my target,” she points out.
Up next, she’s awaiting the release of Idam Porul Yaeval, Ulkuthu and Kaathiruppor Pattiyal.