Actress Nadhiya Moidu conquered the hearts of the Malayali audience as the bubbly and whip-smart damsel Girly Mathew in the super hit movie 'Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu' which released in 1984. Around 34 years later, the actress has once again wowed the audience with her endearing performance in the latest movie 'Neerali' in which she has reunited with her 'Nokkethadhoorathu...' co-star Mohanlal. The actress who has made a comeback in Malayalam through 'Neerali', talks about the movie, comeback and her experiences as an artist.
After the break
“Before Neerali I did a small role in the Telugu flick 'Naa Peru Surya'. Though my character was not prominent, it indeed was a big project. I just did one scene in that movie, the one in which I realize Allu Arjun was my son. I don’t know whether the scene had made a big impact in the entire movie. But when I was doing the scene I thought it was a significant one. It was also an incredible opportunity to act alongside actors like Arjun and Allu Arjun,” says Nadhiya about her previous onscreen outing.
Comeback movie
The actress who quit movies post her wedding to Shirish Godbole, an investment banker from Maharashtra, made a comeback with the 2004 blockbuster Tamil movie 'M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi.' Nadhiya says that she was very cool when she did the movie alongside young Tollywood star Jayam Ravi. She says, “Whenever I do a movie in a calm and relaxed way, it always becomes a big hit. I was not very serious when I did 'Nokkethadhoorathu Kannum Nattu' and the latest Telugu movie as well. Jayam Ravi and his family were very supportive.”
Neerali
Nadhiya plays the role of Mohanlal’s wife in 'Neerali' directed by Ajoy Varma. “My character Mollykutty is a bit possessive. Her mood fluctuates very easily. Sometimes she has a bad temper, and the next moment she becomes lovely and caring,” Nadhiya says about her character in 'Neerali'.
Away from the crowd
The actress who vows she doesn’t want to do back to back movies says that she is focused to choose only those characters which suit her age. Nadhiya who is settled in Mumbai keeps herself away from the busy schedules during July and August as her daughters who are students in USA would be home for vacation. Nadhiya had even tried her hands at compering television shows as well.
Free time
“I think home makers are busier than working women. The household chores never seem to end. I have always felt that women are busier at home than in work place. I go for trips with my friends whenever I get free time,” says Nadhiya.
Changes in cinema
“Significant changes have taken place in film making and in its technical aspect as well. I think fake reviews on social media give unwanted hype to movies that lead to unethical film promotion. Malayalam cinema as an art produces great movies these days. There are lots of talented directors and writers in Malayalam cinema. The actors obviously have the advantage of modern technology, and they get to play unique roles as well. I don’t have any dream role. I think it is a good thought to organize workshops before the filming of a movie, if the budget permits,’ says Nadhiya about her experience.
Evergreen heroine
Nadhiya says that the secret behind her youthful looks is that she doesn’t take on life very seriously. “Find time to spend it with the people who love you. Work out regularly, eat healthy food and visit the beauty parlor occasionally. It is the inner beauty which reflects on your face. I believe that it is the soul which should lighten up,” Nadhiya Moidu signs off.