When one starts modelling at just 10 years of age, it is only a matter of time before the glitzy world of cinema comes calling. And so it was for Nikitha Narayan. It all began when cinematographer and director Rajiv Menon spotted her at a party. Nikitha had accompanied her father who was then working in advertising and corporate communications. A Kannadiga by birth, she then went on to become the face of several leading commercial brands. After winning the beauty title Ms Hyderabad, the glamour girl decided to make her debut in films. Her first flick was a Telugu movie, It’s My Love Story and thereafter she cemented her place with at least six Tollywood projects.
“I was born in Karnataka, but due to my father’s profession, we moved around — Mysuru, Vizag, Chennai and Hyderabad. In fact, it was a blessing in disguise as I learnt several languages that helped me in the film industry. I hardly stuck to one school till I finished my 10th standard. Two years would be the maximum time I have spent in a single school. As my father was in advertising, Rajiv Menon, who saw me at a party, asked me for an audition and I started modelling,” says Nikitha, who is finally making her Sandalwood debut in Saadhu. Technically speaking, Geetanjali was her first Kannada film — one that she signed opposite Srinagara Kitty. But it has, unfortunately, remained in cold storage, and the actress hopes for its revival in the coming days.
Nikitha reveals that she had actually planned a career in the corporate world, and had even completed her bachelor in management studies while she was doing films. “I did my first film during college. Though, I was into modelling and films, studies were my main priority as I come from a typical middle class family who stress a lot on academics. It was one of the reasons, I never took up big projects initially, while studying. During this time, I accidentally entered the Ms Hyderabad beauty pageant,” says Nikitha, who was the runner-up at Ms South India competition in 2010.
The actress is awaiting the release of another Telugu movie Tanu Monne Vellipoyindi directed by the talented Vamsy, for which Chakri has composed the music (Chakri recently passed away and this was his last film as a composer). “As I wanted to enter the corporate world, I was serious about studies. I was like any another geek. I ensured I never had shortage of attendance. Though being a model, I personally believe in being simple. I would wear churidars, apply kumkum, and many wondered whether I was a model or an actor.
Following the decent reviews for my first movie, I took up films seriously,” she says, adding that she is very excited about her Kannada film which will release next month.
The actress reveals that she got a placement in Facebook, but worked for Amazon, for a while. “I have a younger sister, who is presently working for an MNC, and many are already eager to cast her in movies too,” she reveals. The pretty lass is thankful that she is blessed with good genes, as she rarely exercises but still manages to keep slim and trim.
“However, I do yoga whenever I feel I have put on weight. Otherwise, I strongly feel that everyone should at least indulge in basic exercises, be it walking or even Surya namaskar or any other form of exercise,” she ends.
