Yogaraj sir’s big heart and attention to finer aspects of filmmaking sets him apart: Nikita Narayan

Actress

Nikita Narayan

, of Madamakki fame, has acted in a fair number of Telugu movies, but she takes a special liking when it comes to acting in

Kannada

films. Having grown up in Hyderabad to

Kannadiga

parents, the management graduate, who will be seen opposite Golden Star Ganesh in Yogaraj Bhat’s upcoming film

Mugulu Nage

, got a lot of offers to act in films after winning a few beauty contest titles, but she didn’t want to jump into it without finishing her education. It was when she was interning in Bengaluru that another film offer came her way. “After my graduation, while interning at an MNC in Bengaluru, I got the opportunity to be part of a film, but wasn’t sure about it. My dad suggested that I give it a shot. I did, and I’m grateful to him for that.
Speaking about how she was cast in Mugulu Nage, she says, “When Yogaraj sir was on the hunt for a heroine, his acquaintance came across my picture on social media and showed it to him. He liked it and immediately called me for auditions. When I arrived, he was surprised to see me because we had met earlier and it struck him only then. The auditions were quite intense, but I managed to do well. What I like best about Yogaraj sir is that after he decides on the actors, he makes small tweaks to the character’s mannerisms and habits to suit the actors’ own. That brings out the best in both the actor and the character. He’s also incredibly patient, and that really helps in growing as an actor. Yogaraj sir’s big heart and attention to the finer aspects of filmmaking sets him apart.”
Acting opposite Ganesh was another highlight, claims the actress. “Being paired with the Golden Star that too in a romantic comedy is not an opportunity many would get so early on in their career, so I feel very lucky. When Yogaraj sir and Ganesh sir join hands, they set the house on fire with their wit and jovial nature, so acting in their company was a very enjoyable experience,” she says.
In the film, her character is a unique one — she lives in Puducherry, plays the guitar, colours her hair in bright shades and has her own little quirks. “My character is quirky, who is full of surprises and has her own set of unique beliefs on life, love, relationships, etc. Our pairing is very unusual, but brings out a different kind of love story,” says Nikita.
While Mugulu Nage will be the actress’ second Kannada film to release, she has acted in two others that have been put on hold. Any actress in her position would be perturbed, but Nikita has a positive attitude about it. She says, “As actors, all we can do is act and hope for the best. This is because we are aware that there are certain things that are beyond our control, and there’s no point in fretting over them. Yes, it’s very disappointing to not have seen even the rushes of either of those films, but the fact that I got to act and better my skills is an experience I wouldn’t want to trade. Besides, many big stars have been in such a situation, so I guess I have to take such setback in my stride.”