Siddhi Idnani: Our South Indian Actors and Technicians Are Not Pretentious

Actress Siddhi Idnani, known for her work in Tamil and Telugu films, is winning hearts with her grounded nature and admiration for the South Indian film industry. Having made her debut with the Telugu film Jamba Lakidi Pamba and earning critical acclaim for her performance as “Paavai” in the Tamil film Vendhu Thanindhathu Kaadu, Siddhi recently stepped into Bollywood with The Kerala Story. She’s now gearing up for her next Hindi film Kapkapiii, where she plays the lead.

Despite her growing popularity across languages, Siddhi remains vocal about her love for the South Indian industry.

“South Indian actors and technicians aren’t pretentious at all,” she says. “I’ve done about six or seven films in the South, and I can confidently say there’s no façade. People are grounded to the core. For a premiere which we call an audio launch, our main actors show up in chappals, lungis, and attire that’s deeply rooted in the South. And it’s celebrated! There’s no trying too hard or putting on a show. What’s authentic is appreciated, and that’s what connects with audiences.”

She adds that the South Indian film industry’s authenticity is a major reason why it’s resonating so well across India. “What we create reaches people because it’s real. And now, the whole country is embracing South films. It’s become a pan-India phenomenon,” she said.

Speaking about body image issues faced by female actors in the past, Siddhi believes things are evolving for the better.

“Honestly, it all depends on the character. Earlier, there may have been pressure to fit into a certain size, but that’s shifting. It’s no longer about being size zero, it’s about doing justice to the role. If the character demands someone heavier, you gain weight. If it calls for a lean look, you lose weight. It’s about authenticity in performance.”

She praised actresses like Keerthy Suresh and Sai Pallavi for their commitment and honesty. “Keerthy Suresh in Mahanati had to portray a real-life person and look a certain way, and she did that beautifully. Sai Pallavi, who’s doing Ramayana which is poised to be a massive project, is someone I deeply admire. She has rosacea, but what stands out is the acceptance she’s earned. It’s wonderful to see actors being celebrated for their talent and individuality,” she added.

Siddhi isn’t limiting herself to any one industry.

“I’ve worked in Telugu, Tamil, and even did Gujarati films last year. My dream is to be a pan-India actor. If the script is strong, whether it’s regional, Hindi, or even from Timbuktu, I’ll do it,” she added.

Despite being raised in Mumbai and having Hindi as her most fluent language, Siddhi says her experiences in South cinema have shaped her deeply.

“My schooling in cinema has been in the South. I owe a lot to that space. But at the end of the day, good cinema can come from anywhere. And I want to be part of that, wherever it happens,” she said.