In the distance, we hear children playing anthakshari. Songs flow continuously and their energy is evident from their voices. Nikitha Rajesh, better known as Jaanikutty of Manjurukum Kaalam takes some time off from the game scene to talk to us. “This is how we are during the free time,” she initiates the conversation.
Nikitha, a class IX student of Saraswathi Vidyalaya, Vattiyoorkavu ventured into acting when she was just three-and-a-half years old. Her first serial was Omanathinkal Pakshi by the same team of Manjurukum Kaalam.
In her journey so far, she has given life to almost 40 characters. However, Jaanikutty enhanced her popularity and made her the blue-eyed girl of television viewers.
“After a long time that I am doing such a deep and moving character. Jaanikutty is loved by all. And I am quite happy about the warm response I receive from everyone,” says Nikitha, adding that her character in Omanathinkal Pakshi too was loved by all. Her other serials like Rahasyam and Devi Mahatmyam too were popular during that time.
Nikitha’s father Rajesh is a television serial director and her mother works with the forest department. Nikitha believes that people love Jaanikutty due to the character’s depth. For Nikitha, portraying Jaanikutty on screen is not easy.
“It takes a lot of effort. Unlike other characters, I cannot take freedom while enacting Jaanikutty. It is a different character and hence I need to adhere strongly to her traits as written in the script,” says Nikitha, who was hesitant to take up this project initially.
“I was confused because I am in ninth standard now and I didn’t want to miss my classes. But, my class teacher was really encouraging and hence, I went ahead. After coming here, I realised that it was luck that brought this character to me. If I hadn’t accepted this offer, it would have been a big loss for me. People like me. Sometimes, when I go out, people come and tell me to be brave and react,” she says.
Even her classmates are great fans of Jaanikutty. “They call me by that name,” she laughs. “Usually, you get responses from elders. I am so glad to know that even kids love Jaanikutty. When I am in school, kindergarten kids would come to me calling Jaanichechi,” says Nikita who wants to do a bold character in future.
