Always a Bangalore Girl But Hyderabad Feels Like Home

For Nidhhi Agerwal, every milestone has come from taking one step at a time. The actor, who has steadily carved a space for herself across multiple film industries, says the biggest turning point in her life came long before the cameras started rolling.

"I think my biggest turning point was moving from Bangalore to become an actor. It meant almost leaving home to try and get into this field, going for auditions and giving myself a chance. After that, everything has happened one step at a time," she says.

That willingness to embrace change continues to define her journey. While she has explored different kinds of cinema, there are still roles she hopes will come her way.

"I would really love to do biographies or autobiographies because it would be wonderful to become a part of somebody else's story. I would also love to do a film based on a goddess or something rooted in history. Those are genres that really excite me."

Away from films, Agerwal has become a familiar face at retail and fashion events, especially in Hyderabad. She smiles at the mention of being considered a lucky charm by many brands.

"I think they've all given me this nickname of lucky hand, so maybe that's why they keep inviting me back. It's very kind of them. When you work with the same people again and again, it feels really special as an artist. I enjoy meeting people, interacting with the crowd and being a part of these celebrations."

Among the brands she has closely associated with over the years, Shoppers Stop holds a special place because of the memories it brings back.

"I've been going to Shoppers Stop since my childhood. I'm from Bangalore, and I remember constantly visiting the store with my mother. Some of the very first makeup products I ever bought came from there, so I have so many memories attached to it. It's one of those brands that has been around for so many years and has earned people's trust. It's lovely to be associated with something that so many families have grown up with."

Her love for shopping is no secret either.

"I love shopping, so I'm happy doing anything related to it. Even today, while we were shooting, I had to control myself from buying so many things."

If acting had not happened, Agerwal believes she would still have found herselfd in a creative profession.

"Maybe something related to fashion or brand management. I think I would have enjoyed working in that space."

Looking back at the people who have shaped her as an actor, she refuses to single out one individual.

"So many people in the film industry have influenced me, but especially the directors and actors I've worked with. Every single person has taught me something, directly or indirectly, and those lessons stay with me even today."

Although Bangalore remains the city where she grew up, Hyderabad has become an equally important part of her life.

"I recently shifted to Hyderabad, and honestly, I feel I should have moved here much earlier because it makes work so much easier. I was born here because my mother is from Hyderabad, so I've always had a very special connection with the city."

Choosing between the two cities, however, is impossible.

"I'll always be a Bangalore girl because that's where I went to school and college. But Hyderabad feels like home now because I was born here, my grandmother and so much of my family live here, and I'm finally getting to explore the city beyond work."

Work, she says, remains her biggest priority. The actor is currently juggling multiple films across languages and is excited about everything that's lined up.

"I'm shooting for three Hindi films right now. One is almost complete, another is in progress and one more will begin soon. I also have two Telugu films and a Tamil project coming up. I'm always happy to work. I take my work very seriously, I'm grateful to be working, and I just want to keep learning and growing."

The conversation ends on a lighter note, offering a glimpse into the person behind the actor. Home tea beats coffee made at home, but coffee wins when she's out. London remains her favourite travel destination. She would love to share screen space with Prabhas again and hopes to work with Pawan Kalyan once more. Friends often describe her as calm, though she laughs that it may only be how she appears on the outside.

Her idea of a perfect vacation has nothing to do with exotic destinations.

"I think my dream vacation would be sitting at home for three days in my pyjamas, doing absolutely nothing, spending time with my dogs and eating whatever I want."

When it comes to comfort food, she doesn't hesitate.

"I love idli, curd rice, sambar rice, rasam rice. I think rice is definitely my comfort food."

Simple pleasures, strong roots and a willingness to keep evolving define Nidhhi Agerwal's outlook. As new projects await release and fresh opportunities come her way, she remains focused on what has guided her from the very beginning: learning, growing and making every step count.