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Rediff.com  » Movies » Nandita: I never imagined I would be an actor
This article was first published 10 years ago

Nandita: I never imagined I would be an actor

Last updated on: June 5, 2013 10:08 IST

Image: Sudheer and Nandita in Prema Katha Chitram
Radhika Rajamani in Hyderabad

Nandita made her debut in Teja's Neeku Naaku Dash Dash (NNDD) along with Prince. Though the film did not do well, Nandita's performance was appreciated. She obviously had the spark and showed promise.

Nandita went on to sign her second film Prema Katha Chitram, written and produced by Maruthi and directed by Prabhakar. The film releases on June 7 

In this chat, she talks about how she became an actor, gives details of Prema Katha Chitram and working with Sudheer and others.

How did you become an actor? Did you want to be one?

I never imagined I would be an actor. My mother posted my pictures on the net after Teja Sir announced the selection process for his film Neeku Naaku Dash Dash. I was shortlisted for the audition and then selected and later groomed for the film.

My mother had also pushed me to participate in the May Queen Ball held at the Secunderabad Club and I won the title.

I had no inclination towards the glamour industry, but when I won the title, and when the film opportunity came, I said why not try it.

'My mother has always been my pillar of support'

Image: Sudheer and Nandita in Prema Katha Chitram

Did you do theatre or participate in plays at school or college?

Not at all. I used to do a lot of dance. I have not learnt classical dance but I am spontaneous.

How encouraging and supportive have your parents been?

My mother has always been my pillar of support. My Dad is in the army. He is in Delhi but he would still keep encouraging me.

What was the selection process for NNDD like?

Since Teja is a big director, there were around 60,000 applicants. From that they called me for the audition. After that they shortlisted two male actors and called us for grooming which comprised acting and dance classes.

What were the learning lessons with Teja?

It was like being in an acting school. One can learn to act if one can grasp what is being taught. He shows you how to act and it was easy as I am good at grasping.

We learnt a lot. We learnt discipline on the sets. So, it was easy to work on the next film.

When you are a newcomer, you have a wavering mind. We used to be scolded by Teja Sir who used to tell us we are here to act. We learnt focus, patience, and a lot of things.

Tags: Teja Sir , NNDD , Delhi

'I play a college girl in Prema Katha Chitram'

Image: Sudheer and Nandita in Prema Katha Chitram

Were you disheartened when your first film NNDD did not fare well?

Obviously, I was. However, I was appreciated for my performance. I was disappointed but I felt I did not do a bad job.

How did you sign Prema Katha Chitram?

Director Maruthi approached me. He felt I would be suitable for the role. The movie centres around four people and each character is important. Moreover, the story was good.

Do you have a performance-oriented role?

Yes, it is a performance-oriented one. It's about a college girl who starts liking a guy. She pursues him and what that leads to is what the film is all about.

Did you prepare for this role?

I am in the final year of B Com, so it was not difficult. When it came to the serious part, it was tough. I had to work on it. I had to ask Maruthi Sir what to do.

'Sudheer is a fantastic co-star'

Image: Sudheer and Nandita in Prema Katha Chitram

Although Maruthi has not directed this film, how was he to work with?

The film is produced, written and supervised by him. Maruthi Sir was on the sets 24x7. He would come and help us all the time. He has written the screenplay and dialogues.

What would you say about the director Prabhakar who is also the cinematographer of the film?

He has captured the locations very well. As a cinematographer he is fantastic in his work. He is very disciplined and talented. In his first film as a director he did a good job.

What was it like acting with Sudheer?

He is a fantastic co-star. He seemed a quiet person which he is. He is hard working and has the urge to show his best. It was good working with him. I learnt concentration and patience from him.

What would you say are the notable points of the film?

It's a simple story which goes in a different way. There is fun, fear and romance. There is a thrilling element which is a turning point in the movie.

'I am doind a Malayalam film with Prithviraj'

Image: Sudheer and Nandita in Prema Katha Chitram

How would you compare the experience of doing your second film to your first one?

While doing the first film, we were scared as we were newcomers and did not know anything about camera, sets and dialogues. By the time the film came to an end, we were in control of the situation. We were also under little pressure while doing it.

On Prema Katha Chitram sets, Maruthi and his team were cool and there was no pressure. It was a good experience.

Are you doing a Malayalam film?

Yes, I am doing one with Prithviraj which is to be shot in London for 45 days. I am yet to be informed of the dates.