Love has made me a changed person: Nikhil Siddhartha

After Nikhil Siddhartha found success with his recent release, Arjun Arjun Suravaram, the actor has now found it in his personal space too. Days after he got engaged to his girlfriend (Dr Pallavi Varma) in Goa, the excited actor recalls how it all started.

He says “marriage was last on my priority list”. But that changed when he first caught sight of Pallavi at a party five months ago. “The way she walked in, her body language and the way she carried herself, it was almost like love at first sight,” shares Nikhil, adding, “I asked my friends for her number (smiles) and then I started talking to her and I learnt that she was doing Medicine in Bangalore.”

Apparently, the Swamy Ra Ra star went to the college to meet her, and the two started spending time together. “During that time, I could clearly sense that she was the one who I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. When I told my parents about Pallavi, they were supportive. They liked her very much,” reveals Nikhil.

“The release of Arjun Suravaram was delayed for a long time and I was going through this love phase. But she totally understood my work and respects my profession. And when the film’s release date was announced, she was there beside me and ensured that I promote the film properly,” explains Nikhil.

The couple got engaged on February 1 in Goa. Who made the first move? “Obviously me,” says Nikhil. “I wanted to propose to her and give the entire episode a filmy touch. But it was tough. (Laughs). I went down on my knee and proposed on a beautiful evening in Goa. She was surprised and blushed. She then asked me to speak to her parents, and I obliged.”  

Pallavi’s parents were initially apprehensive about their daughter marrying someone in the film fraternity, admits Nikhil. “They took their own time [to give permission], and it was eventually my mother who removed all their apprehensions”, he explained.  

“I am surprised to see so many congratulatory messages on social media. I feel blessed and thankful for all the wishes that poured in”, adds the actor.

Among the gifts he gave Pallavi was an iPhone Pro Max, reveals Nikhil. But gift that seems more significant to him was a small Teddy Bear and a box of chocolates. On her part, Pallavi, who hails from Bhimavaram, sent him homecooked shrimps!

“Love has made me a better person, more responsible, and it changed my lifestyle and the way I am. I am rejuvenated. I guess everybody goes through it, but I am glad that I found someone like Pallavi,” he says.

Professionally, Nikhil has exciting projects lined up, including one with Geetha Arts and  a sequel to Karthikeya, and he feels this is the right time to settle down. The wedding is slated to take place in Hyderabad on April 16.