Nithya'gritty for filmi pursuits

This actress came to the silverscreen with a distinction in her engineering degree from RV College.

But her first love was always films! In the throes of industrial engineering and management studies, she started writing scripts with a dream to shine as an actress, and even direct at least one horror film. Nithya Ramesh, could not have asked for more, as she ended up assisting popular director Ram Gopal Varma and Puri Jagganadh before venturing into her first-ever horror short film.

She is even making her acting debut in a Tamil film, directed by Kumaran, whose first short film won more than 10 awards. Adding to a burgeoning portfolio, she will be directing a bilingual feature film, made both in Malayalam and Tamil.

But the icing on the cake comes with a Hollywood project which she will probably take up in a few months as well! The multi-talented Bengaluru-based girl speaks to Bengaluru Chronicle on engineering her way into films, and how!

“I have just started shooting for my debut movie in Tamil which is being directed by Kumaran, who recently won at least 10 awards for his short films. This one is going to be his first-ever full-length feature and will mostly feature newcomers,” says Nithya Ramesh.

The writer, director, and the actor pursued her engineering as her father always wanted her to become an engineer. “Acting and films have always been my first love. However, it was my father who wanted me to be an engineer. Yet, I could not resist writing scripts while I was pursuing my studies. I recently lost my father, who was my greatest inspiration. He would help me on weekends, whenever I discussed films. I wish, he was around to see my dreams fulfilled,” she adds.

It was through one of her friends that she met director Puri Jagganadh, and during a casual interaction with Ram Gopal Varma, the director identified her talent, and asked her to assist him in his films, learning the basics of film making.

“After I met Puri Sir, one fine day, I was talking about films in the presence of Ramu Sir, and he felt that my filmy talks made sense to him, and asked me to assist him. It was during the filming of Killing Veerapan and Sarkar 3, and thereafter, things took off,” says the talented lass.

The tall and beautiful girl has always been fascinated by the horror genre, and by many Hollywood horror movies. “I could not imagine doing anything but horror. I do not even like to mix comedy with horror. My short film Never Invite made under a US, production house will be released in five languages. Thereafter, I am directing a full-length bilingual feature film in both Malayalam and Tamil,” she says.

About her Hollywood project, among the top casting directors Katy Smith, who was impressed with her work, has offered her a project and she is soon flying to California, to finalise matters. It is even learnt that well-known Hollywood actors will be cast in this dream project.

Before she signs off, she says that it was Puri Sir and Ramu Sir, who are her mentors, who taught her the expertise to realise her horror dreams. “I could not have acted without the guidance of my two mentors, nor could I have stepped into direction without their expertise,” she sums up.