<p>Actor Nidhi Kushalappa, who was liked by Kannada movie buffs for her roles in ‘Nan Love Track’ and ‘Preeti Prema’, has her fingers crossed. She believes that her role in the upcoming movie ‘Kumari 21 F’ will shine the spotlight on her. In a candid chat with Tini Sara Anien, the actor talks about her role and movies.<br /><br />What’s new on your end?<br />We just wrapped up the shoot of ‘Kumari 21 F’ and we are hoping for an end-of-the-year release. The team and I are really excited about how the film has turned out. <br /><br />Tell us more about the project...<br />My character is called Kumari. She is a model who moves from Mumbai to Bengaluru. The story revolves around how she falls in love with a guy and how the society perceives her.<br /><br />What about the role attracted you?<br />Kumari is a very strong character. I love the role for the fact that it tries to break stereotypes. As an artiste, I can understand the different things she goes through. <br /><br />The movie was a hit in Telugu. Was than an additional attraction?<br />Yes! When doing a remake, it is normal to check the original out, try to analyse it and learn a lot from it. The fact that the story clicked with the audience was an advantage.<br /><br />How challenging was your role?<br />Kumari is a bold and bubbly person but despite her strong stand on various issues, she has a innocent side. In most movies, the female artiste is expected to be just the girl-next-door but that wasn’t the case here. I was lucky to be able to explore myself a lot through this role.<br /><br />Are you close to your character?<br />I am an outspoken person. I am a strong person too. This helped me to essay Kumari’s role better. <br /><br />The different elements that make for a good movie...<br />Firstly, the storyline has to be strong. It shouldn’t be something that can be reproduced and rehashed. The script should have all its elements in place. Secondly, the acting by the artistes should be as natural as it can get. Finally, the lighting and camerawork of each project matter a lot. <br /><br />What kind of movies do you want to be seen in?<br />I want to be a part of women-centric roles, where they are independent individuals. I want to act in a thriller film. The genre has excited me a lot since my childhood. <br /><br />Do you think Sandalwood is accepting of women-based roles?<br />In the past few years, definitely! It is a good time to be in acting.<br /><br />What are the things you’ve learnt about yourself after coming to the industry?<br />I was shy earlier but once I came to the industry, I am able to have a good conversation with most people. But I don’t feel the need to change myself; I am happy the way I am.<br /><br />If you weren’t an actor, what would you have been?<br />A teacher. I love to share my knowledge. <br /><br />What makes you happy as an actor?<br />The very fact that I am a different person in every different movie! In acting, actors get to play others and this is a lot of fun. It is a very motivating experience.<br /><br />A role you would love to have done...<br />Vidya Balan in ‘Kahaani’. Or something similar.<br /><br />Where do you see yourself in 10 years?<br />Directing movies. <br /></p>
<p>Actor Nidhi Kushalappa, who was liked by Kannada movie buffs for her roles in ‘Nan Love Track’ and ‘Preeti Prema’, has her fingers crossed. She believes that her role in the upcoming movie ‘Kumari 21 F’ will shine the spotlight on her. In a candid chat with Tini Sara Anien, the actor talks about her role and movies.<br /><br />What’s new on your end?<br />We just wrapped up the shoot of ‘Kumari 21 F’ and we are hoping for an end-of-the-year release. The team and I are really excited about how the film has turned out. <br /><br />Tell us more about the project...<br />My character is called Kumari. She is a model who moves from Mumbai to Bengaluru. The story revolves around how she falls in love with a guy and how the society perceives her.<br /><br />What about the role attracted you?<br />Kumari is a very strong character. I love the role for the fact that it tries to break stereotypes. As an artiste, I can understand the different things she goes through. <br /><br />The movie was a hit in Telugu. Was than an additional attraction?<br />Yes! When doing a remake, it is normal to check the original out, try to analyse it and learn a lot from it. The fact that the story clicked with the audience was an advantage.<br /><br />How challenging was your role?<br />Kumari is a bold and bubbly person but despite her strong stand on various issues, she has a innocent side. In most movies, the female artiste is expected to be just the girl-next-door but that wasn’t the case here. I was lucky to be able to explore myself a lot through this role.<br /><br />Are you close to your character?<br />I am an outspoken person. I am a strong person too. This helped me to essay Kumari’s role better. <br /><br />The different elements that make for a good movie...<br />Firstly, the storyline has to be strong. It shouldn’t be something that can be reproduced and rehashed. The script should have all its elements in place. Secondly, the acting by the artistes should be as natural as it can get. Finally, the lighting and camerawork of each project matter a lot. <br /><br />What kind of movies do you want to be seen in?<br />I want to be a part of women-centric roles, where they are independent individuals. I want to act in a thriller film. The genre has excited me a lot since my childhood. <br /><br />Do you think Sandalwood is accepting of women-based roles?<br />In the past few years, definitely! It is a good time to be in acting.<br /><br />What are the things you’ve learnt about yourself after coming to the industry?<br />I was shy earlier but once I came to the industry, I am able to have a good conversation with most people. But I don’t feel the need to change myself; I am happy the way I am.<br /><br />If you weren’t an actor, what would you have been?<br />A teacher. I love to share my knowledge. <br /><br />What makes you happy as an actor?<br />The very fact that I am a different person in every different movie! In acting, actors get to play others and this is a lot of fun. It is a very motivating experience.<br /><br />A role you would love to have done...<br />Vidya Balan in ‘Kahaani’. Or something similar.<br /><br />Where do you see yourself in 10 years?<br />Directing movies. <br /></p>
