Actor, dancer and performer Nithyashri, who was recently seen in the blockbuster Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra as Kunjipennu, says that while she’s grateful for the spotlight her short but impactful role has brought, her vision stretches far beyond a single film. In a conversation with us, she opens up about the pressure of choosing her next projects, working across industries, balancing social media with her craft, the importance of friendships in cinema, and how dance continues to shape her as a performer. Excerpts:
Your roots are very important. You can grow tall like a tree, but without grounding, you’ll collapse. That’s why everything I do, be it roles or social media, it is deep-rooted, like my personality
Nithyashri
‘Friendships in the industry are vital’I don’t believe in rivalries among co-actors. Friendships are essential. Outsiders may never understand this industry’s odd hours, missed festivals, or the loneliness. Having a friend who understands and celebrates your victories is priceless. Cinema is a team effort — we grow by supporting each other, not by pulling one another down.‘The rootedness of the story made me say yes to Lokah’When I first got the brief, they said it was fantasy but deeply rooted in Kerala’s culture and everyday life. That pulled me in. I love working with new directors; every project is a learning curve. I broke down after watching the film, because what I saw on screen was the result of sleepless nights, doubts, and risks. Lokah had no big names—it was driven purely by passion.‘Cinema is one art and beyond any language or industry’I don’t see cinema as Tamil, Kannada, or Malayalam. To me, it’s simply art. The blurring of boundaries between film industries is a beautiful shift; it allows us to explore region-specific stories, cultures, and languages. Cinema was meant to bring people closer.
Social media followers don’t make you a great actor, Craft comes first. But in terms of opportunities, it can help speed things up
Nithyashri
‘I want to give voice to the voiceless through my roles’I also want to give voice to the unheard — the women erased from myth, or everyday people battling struggles like anxiety, often unseen and misunderstood. There are so many silenced characters waiting to be represented. If I can bring them to life with honesty, that’s the biggest win. For me, the ideal project combines a strong concept and layered characters. Good content, strong ideas, and meaningful roles — that’s the magic formula.‘People will relate to authentic stories’India has always been a land of myths and legends. What’s new is how we’re retelling them — with fresh perspectives, sharper craft, and OTT carrying them across the world. Take Kantara or Minnal Murali— these are deeply rooted stories that still strike a global chord. Our mythology and folklore are our unique strengths, and when told authentically, they become universal.‘I want my next choices to challenge me’I’ve always been selective about roles, but after Lokah’s success, I feel even more responsible to choose carefully. I want to explore genres I haven’t tried yet—maybe even comedy. I’m also drawn to strong lead roles that push me out of my comfort zone. At this stage, my priority is roles that challenge me and help me grow.
