Nithya Menen is known for picking versatile roles. After cementing her position as most sought-after actor for performance-oriented roles on the big screen, Nithya is now testing the waters in the OTT space.
Excerpts from an interview where she discusses her upcoming projects.
Why did you agree to a web series like Kumari Srimathi?
I thought it was a cute and interesting series to do. There was no reason to say No to something like that. I was also impressed with Gomtesh, the director, because I had seen a song that he had directed. I like experimenting with films and projects and I thought it would be interesting to work with somebody with a very different style of storytelling. And of course the uniqueness of the story itself was a factor. I have never seen something like this on an OTT platform.
Were there certain aspects of the plot that you could relate to in the series?
I found the journey of a girl from small town who is doing something unusual for that place very cool. Her character is out of the box even though she may dress conservatively. I play someone who’s very unconservative in her head and that aspect was interesting for me.
What parameters do you consider while picking roles and scripts?
I first look at the people that I am working with. I need to make sure that I will be happy around those people because we have to be with each other for a long time. I make sure that they are good people and that I have fun with them. Second, I check whether the story has some substance, and is not one made up for the sake of making a film/series.
Do you watch any web series or other shows to unwind?
I do not actually watch a lot of shows/web series. I watch foreign content more, mostly English shows.
What do you think of women getting into the bar business in real life, like Kumari Shrimathi?
I would personally not promote drinking in any way. But I would say that women getting into any business in real life should be fine with everybody. If men can get into it, it should be fine for women to do so as well. There should be no discrimination.
The representation of women in movies has been changing over the years. Do you think it is a change for the better?
We had directors like Satyajit Ray making films with actresses in lead roles. We had Balu Mahendra and so many amazing directors in all languages who were making good films. At the same time, there were ‘massy’ films. I really do not know if that is changing. But our society is changing. And maybe our movies are mirroring a little bit of what is happening in society.
You have worked with several stars in south cinema. Who do you find it easiest to work with?
I really enjoyed working with Surya Sir. He is one of the easiest people to work with.
You always stuck to performance-oriented roles, leading to the perception you are not interested in doing glamorous roles.
I have done too many cameos and character roles. I think the criticism is that I did not do as many central characters/heroine roles. But it always depends on the eye of the beholder. I think everybody sees through their own perspective. I do all kinds of roles. When you are talking about glam, that is a very different kind of cinema altogether, and I don’t do that genre.
Is it a conscious decision to not do such roles?
Yes, it is my preference.
What next after Kumari Shrimati?
I have a Malayalam web series Masterpiece, lined up for release. Right now I am shooting for a Hindi project. I have two Tamil films, of which one has started - Jayam Ravi will be opposite me. Some fun stuff coming up!
