Actress-turned-producer Niharika Konidela is having a gala time in the US, taking a much-needed 20-day break. She is producing content for OTT platforms and also signed a feature film as an actress. “I craved for this stress-busting break,” she says. She along with her mother (Padmaja), father (Nagababu) and brother Varun Tej recently went to (Kenya) South Africa since they were planning to visit the place for a long time.
Excerpts from an interview:
You seem to be enjoying your African holiday?
I would rather call it a ‘stress busting’ activity than just a mere holiday. I have been waiting for this break for quite some time and I could squeeze out 20 days for this trip. Spending time with my father, mother and brother is special for me. We visited various places before I returned to the US to spend some time with my friends while my family left for India.
Any particular spot your family wanted to visit this time?
Yes. We have been longing to visit Kenya in South Africa and it happened only now. Beyond world famous safari parks, lies a trove of coastal treasure.
Few other places across the world conjure up such a spirit of adventure and romance. It was a wonderful place and everyone should visit this country, when they get a chance.
You have turned a producer and focusing on digital platforms?
We started with Oka Chinna Family, but now we lined up a series of interesting web series on various OTT platforms to reach out to maximum viewers. We are making a romantic comedy and gripping thriller to dish out some variety. I want to be a hands-on producer and like to get involved from story selection to its transition into gripping episodes and also discuss casting with my team. I don’t like to be just a ‘money bag’ producer. I’d rather be a creative one who knows her job. We will also launch a big feature film in October. Besides I have signed a Telugu film as an actress, so my platter is full.
We heard that Varun Tej-Lavanya Tripathi would be a destination wedding? What is your equation with Lavanya?
There are lots of plans but nothing has been fixed yet. It will be a lavish wedding with a modern tweak. In fact Varun is asking me to come back home fast to discuss all these things and finalise them.
I share a great rapport with my to be sister-in-law Lavanya Tripathi. Actually, we were good friends, before they fell in love. She is a fun loving person and very friendly too. A made for each other jodi. Our family is looking forward to this special event.
