Malayalam and Kerala have always made me feel very warm and much at home: Nikki Galrani

Her chirpy personality is what one gets reminded of first, upon mentioning the name Nikki Galrani. Though not a Malayali, she has done many projects in M-Town, especially in the beginning phase of her career, through films like 1983, Ohm Shanti Oshana and Vellimoonga. We saw her last in 2017 and now, she is back through Omar Lulu’s Dhamaka. Nikki tells us about her new project, her character and the journey so far:
“Dhamaka is a fun-filled entertainer,” says the actress, adding, “Though I can’t get into the details now, I can say it’s a laughter riot, and the name suits just right.The film will cater to all age groups, and we have a lovely cast.” Her character is named Annie. “The film doesn’t delve much into character intricacies, but tells the story of a family, the many confusions ensuing among couples and others, and more,” Nikki explains.
The actress says the shooting of the film was filled with excitement, given that Omar Lulu movies are generally potboilers with colourful sets, dance, drama and laughter. “The shooting experience was also quite a dhamakka! The cast included Urvashi chechi, Mukesh sir and Innocent sir, alongside others. Omar ikka is a wonderful person, full of life and positivity and we didn’t know how the 30 days of shoot went by,” says the actress.
The crew has already shot major portions of the movie, though three songs are left. One of them would be shot in Thrissur and the other two in Bangkok, for which they would take off in the coming week.
Though she debuted about five years ago and has many movies in her kitty, Nikki says she is still learning her way through her work, life and other things. “Regardless, I feel very comfortable in Malayalam, where I debuted. Wherever I go, people call me a Malayali actress as it all began here for me. Some even call me Vellimoonga, after the Jibu Jacob film that released in 2014! (laughs).” The actress says she feels good about it too. “I speak the language quite well now. Language was the only challenge when I first came to M-Town, but Kerala has always made me feel at home. Though I feel blessed to be welcomed wherever I go, it is more so in Malayalam,” Nikki explains.
In hindsight, like many artistes, she also feels she could have done certain things differently. She says, “I could have done better, but have no regrets. Those decisions have moulded me into the person that I am.”
Now that she has worked in all South Indian film industries, Nikki says she is in awe of Mollywood for the kind of content of the films here. “Telugu industry mostly has commercial films and Tamil blends both realistic and commercial elements. Malayalam has more of a realistic approach, though Dhamaka has both commercial and realistic aspects in it,” she says. She also finds it tough to pick one co-star’s name as the one she is the most comfortable with. “Everybody has been very sweet, polite, friendly and helpful. Both in the past and now, when I don’t understand the lines in any sequence and ask about it, most of my co-stars have sat with me, translated and explained the lines.” That said, she mentions that the off-screen comfort with the co-star gets reflected on-screen.
Alongside Dhamaka, she is currently shooting for the Tamil film Rajavamsam, with M Sasikumar, and shuttles between Chennai and Kerala. However, that doesn’t make her tired. She says, “Even if I do, the moment I am on sets, it’s all gone. I really enjoy my work and I love travelling.”
So, did she indulge in the Onam revelries? Nikki says, “Dhamaka team took a break for Onam and I was also quite busy on the day. But, I am coming back to Kerala, this week. May be, I will arrange for a special sadya to gorge on.” She also mentions her love for Kerala’s rice and fish curry. “It should be blamed for all the weight I gain every time I am in the State! (laughs),” she signs off.