Nitya is a director’s delight. She is one of the few actresses to whom a director can narrate a story and tell her that she is not the heroine of the film and just a character, even after she has delivered three big hits. Nitya’s candour and approach to people and films is a welcome change. “I don’t like this concept of second role, small role. It is a story at the end of the day. If I am suitable for a character, I am glad to reflect that through my choice of films. We should be actors rather than trying to be a lead, it will create a healthier atmosphere,” she says.
Nitya is not aware of the number of films she has done, but henceforth she has resolved to slow down and do one film at a time. The emphasis will be on working with good people and those who are on the same wavelength.
The actor has been known to slip effortlessly into any role but she has her own reason for selecting a movie; the cast and logistics come last. Also, directors from different languages approach her knowing that if it appeals to her she will take it up, whatever the genre is. She avers, “I choose according to my state of mind and my evolution as an actress. At this point of my life I want quiet and won’t do certain kind of films. For instance I was offered a role of a kick boxer and I am a kick boxer myself. I would have loved to do it but at that time I felt the need to slow down and didn’t do it. I am not intellectually choosy. My choice of films reflect who I am but it is not done with strategy and planning. I hear something and go by my intuition. For me it is not about being a part of a hit or a flop. Films are about friends, learning and experiences. Certain films give me happiness.”
Sharwanand who has worked with Nitya in two films terms her a new age Savitri. She feels humbled by the compliment and says she never had so much recognition, admiration and adoration. She has worked in Tamil and Malayalam movies but inists , “Telugu films have played a major role in my life and I try and be loyal to Telugu films.”
Nitya is proud of the fact that she has worked in different genres and with accomplished directors. She devoted at least nine months for Kranti Madhav in Malli Malli Idhi Rani Roju, and stepped out of her comfort zone with Lawrence. She says, “You should see the variety I did this year. I enjoyed Malli Malli and I cherish that movie. Muni 3 challenged me completely; I never thought something could be difficult for me. While Lawrence was explaining the character I was wondering how I would do this. Mani Ratnam’s was a simple love story.
There was a certain spontaneity in the film that I enjoyed. He wanted us to do something and surprise him and there was scope to improvise. With Trivikram, I blended with the team easily. Nothing is a problem for him. He is so chilled out.”
The artiste has worked with various women directors from different States — Anjana Ali Khan, Rohini, Nandini Reddy, Anjali Menon and considers all of them as good friends; Anjali, however, is her closest friend and Nitya calls her a genius.
“I share a good rapport with all the directors. Someone told Anjali that she always casts me for certain roles that are like herself. A good aspect of working with women directors is that they see some side of themselves in me.”
A career in movies was not planned but when one is into it and spends all day on the sets, conversations with different people is unavoidable. Some resort to flattery while the others are genuine. How does it all affect her? “Movies have calmed me down and changed me every single day. I am aware of both my shortcomings and positive qualities and there is only so much someone can do to put me down or take me up. When you have that clarity, you cannot be easily flattered or put down.”
