Nitya Naresh: Dream debut

From a bespectacled demure girl to a vivacious young actress, city-based Nitya Naresh is taking all the right steps at the right time. Her debut movie, Nandini Nursing Home, opposite Naresh’s son Naveen Vijay Krishna, is getting rave reviews. She believes that her story is like the tale of the Ugly Duckling. “I come from a defence background — my father was in the Navy. I studied in Mumbai, and post my father’s retirement, we settled in Hyderabad. I had a harrowing time in school. I was bullied for not looking good — I had a dusky complexion and wore spectacles. I eventually learnt to love the woman in the mirror, and stopped worrying about what the others were thinking of me. I believe that’s when my journey from being an ugly duckling to a swan happened,” says Nitya.

The actress didn’t regard acting as her first love; instead, it was direction all along. “Even though I did a bit of theatre in college, it was directing with which I fell in love. I wanted a job as an assistant director,” she says. A photo shoot done for fun, changed Nitya’s destiny and she was placed in front of the camera. “I was called for auditions after my photos were well received on social media. I played a small role in Kerintha, directed by Saikiran Adivi, last year. I wasn’t nervous while facing the camera, as I knew the basics,” shares Nitya.

Thus, her journey as an actor began. “I got a call from P.V. Giri’s office as they liked my role in Kerintha, and now I am debuting as a female lead. The experience is overwhelming. I  tell  myself to be realistic and stay grounded. Whatever I do, is a family decision, and I think God is on my side as well. Hitherto, I haven’t had any bad experiences,” she adds. Nitya is not keen to go on a signing spree. For her, it’s important that the role is substantial. “I haven’t signed anything new. I just want to relax for a few weeks, and then take up film projects. At present, I am busy promoting Nandini Nursing Home and basking in the new-found limelight,” she says.