I've been part of gossips since I was in fourth grade: Nidhhi Agerwal

Nidhhi Agerwal, a Banglore based model recently made her Bollywood acting debut with Munna Micheal alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Tiger Shroff. In a candid chat with Deccan Chronicle, the actress talks about her journey of bagging her debut film, her learning phase as an actor, being prepared for media paparazzi and much more. Excerpts:

How did your first film Munna Michael happen to you?

I am a normal person like others but I always wanted to become an actor, though I never saw it as a realistic career option. Being an actor is magical; if it has to happen, it will happen but honestly I knew it will happen but didn’t know how it will happen. I was doing modelling then I got few Kannada film offers and that raised my confidence. I moved to Mumbai and soon people took note of my pictures and I met them all. I auditioned for Munna Michael and had four rounds. I worked really hard for this since last two years. I lived alone but I am not complaining and I am blessed to get such an opportunity. I had so many songs in the film, it is just a lot for a first film and also it was so difficult to match up with Tiger and Nawaz sir. I always tried to be the better version of myself.

Were you doubtful to share screen space with established actors like Nawaz and Tiger in your debut film?

I was very nervous to start but the only thing I could do was rehearse more. I tried to be prepared before shooting my scenes with both of them. On my first day, I didn’t know about my marks, I didn’t know how to face the camera so I literally learned everything on the sets but it is not less than a blessing for me to share screen with these two talented people. Sabbir sir has been too kind with me. No one in the team treated me like a newcomer.

After Deepika Padukone and Anushka, you are from Bangalore who entered Bollywood. Your thoughts?

I love Deepika Padukone and even Anushka for that matter. Bangalore is so proud of them and so am I. We all come from no where but their achievements are big.

Reports said that you were not the first choice of Munna Michael.

I think I auditioned for the film and cleared all four rounds. I don’t know about the rest. I was over the moon when the makers and Sabbir told me that I was finalised.

So you are all set to be in the press for controversies and gossips around your personal life. How ready are you for that?

I am all set for the drama as I have been the part of gossips since the fourth grade. It used to happen in school and it’s going to happen on a bigger scale now. It’s a part of the show business and as far as I am good with my work, it doesn’t matter. I think people just remember you for your performance. I would rather focus on that.

Do you feel that being an actor is taxing?

Of course. I think being an actor is really taxing especially since I am an outsider. I used to see and observe how great a life these actors live. But now I get to know how different it is. It is physically and emotionally draining. I have started taking fitness so seriously! It is absolutely not about how you look but about your stamina.