Dubai-based Nivetha Pethuraj’s life began to change after she won the Miss India UAE title last year. Winning the pageant also brought another opportunity for Nivetha—it got her noticed and a chance to audition for Oru Naal Koothu .
Despite not having any training in acting (she studied Human Resource Management), Nivetha seized the opportunity when it came knocking. “I’m a native of Madurai and I’ve always had a penchant for the Madurai slang. Director Nelson Venkatesan was scouting for a new face and my costume-designer friend in Chennai put in a good word for me. Things happened soon—I passed the audition and joined the sets in no time.”
Does she have any apprehensions on debuting in a movie with a three-women plot? “My role was well etched out and the clarity in the director’s vision made me accept the offer. The kissing scenes did not look out of place when the script was narrated. The tips from Dinesh were useful; it helped in the outcome of the final product.”
Nivetha saw the potential of the movie striking a chord with the youth who form a part of corporate culture. “The film talks about how men should be bold in taking the relationship further and not backtrack at the decisive make-or-break moment.”
Nivetha has put on hold two offers in Telugu and one in Malayalam. “I need to get the audience attention before moving on.”
