The Keralite audience has always loved young actress Nazriya Nazim as a member of their own family. Her cute expressions and the roles of chirpy and happy young women in many movies had earned her the ‘girl-next-door’ status. Nazriya, meanwhile, has grown from a child artiste to a leading lady and a successful producer. She is thrilled that her first Telugu movie ‘Ante Sundarakini’ has been released to some positive reviews. Nazriya, in a candid chat, opens up about her latest movie and also about her equation with Fahadh Faasil.
What do you have to say about your first Telugu film?
I am as happy and excited as I was during the release of my first movie. The excitement of working in a different language and new industry and also associating with new crew members is really incredible.
What attracted you the most in this movie?
It was the story that attracted me the most. Even though it is a fun entertainer, the film deals with some realistic themes. Emotions have been given significance. I essay the role of Leela Thomas, a photographer.
How was sharing screen space with Nani?
He is a simpleton who doesn’t have the airs of a superstar. It was he who helped me relax to a certain extent as I was a bit tensed about acting in Telugu for the first time.
The videos of you dubbing in Telugu had become viral?
I think the actor who plays a role should do the dubbing too, for the character to be perfect. That is why I had decided to dub in Telugu even if it was difficult. I learned the screenplay before the filming began. There was someone to teach me Telugu. It was a bit difficult initially. Later, I got used to it. I understood the meaning of the dialogues and was keen to get the pronunciation right.
Fahadh had acted in ‘Pushpa’ and you in ‘Ante Sundarakini’ around the same time?
It was I who signed this movie first. Fahadh took up ‘Pushpa’ only later. Both the movies were shot at Hyderabad. Both of us had shoot on some days. So, we often practised Telugu together. While I learned the dialogues of ‘Ante Sundarakini’ by repeating the dialogues, Fahadh wrote down the dialogues to memorize them. We were like classmates who were struggling to study for the exam.
Did you intentionally take a break from the movies?
I choose movies based on the stories. I wasn’t offered a movie that excited me. I decided to do this movie as I liked the story, that I had listened to during the lockdown.
Fahadh’s character in ‘Vikram’ has been receiving great reviews?
‘Vikram’ got released in Chennai while I was there for the promotion of ‘Ante Sundarakini’. So, I was able to experience the reaction of the audience, firsthand. I am really happy for him. Fahadh has been achieving whatever he had dreamed. It's his hard work and dedication that helped him achieve that.
Can we expect you in multiple roles in the industry?
I wish to produce good movies, act in good movies and sing songs too. Besides, I have started learning to edit too. You can be sure that no matter what role, I will be here in the cinema industry.
