Nitanshi Goel’s journey from Noida to the silver screen is a testament to youthful ambition. At just 17, her portrayal of Phool Kumari in Laapataa Ladies earned her acclaim.
Nitanshi dreamt of becoming an actor since the age of 8. With over 10 million Instagram followers, she is the youngest Indian actress with such a massive fan base. Alongside acting, Nitanshi is a proficient Kathak dancer, and also skilled in various other dance forms like hip-hop, classical and contemporary. She gained prominence in Super Dancer 3 and has showcased her talent in projects like M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, Thapki Pyar Ki, Daayan, Masoom Sawaal and Ishqbaaz.
She shares her experiences and aspirations with us:
How did Laapataa Ladies happen? What was the experience?
The journey into Laapataa Ladies was a natural process, almost serendipitous. When I first read the script, I felt an immediate connection and knew I had to be a part of it. I immersed myself in preparation, watching old movie clips to capture the essence of Phool Kumari’s character. The audition was a memorable experience. Despite having minimal lines, I poured my heart into every reaction, feeling like I was onto something special. When I received the call that Aamir Khan sir and Kiran Rao ma’am wanted to meet me, I was overjoyed. Aamir sir’s encouragement and my mother’s support affirmed my decision to pursue the role, despite conflicting shooting schedules. It was a beautiful journey filled with learning, and I cherished every moment of it.
How was it working with Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh, and learning from Aamir and Kiran Rao?
Working with the cast and crew felt like finding a second family. We bonded over shared joys and laughter. A WhatsApp group kept us connected, sharing snippets of our daily lives and creating lasting memories.
Phool’s role, especially the dialect, wasn’t easy. How did you ace it?
Embracing Phool Kumari’s essence demanded a meticulous blend of dedication and practice. Contrary to my personality, deeply rooted in the world of BTS and Black Pink, portraying this docile village girl required a significant transformation. I delved into the intricacies of dialect and body language, tirelessly practicing until they became second nature to me. I internalised Phool Kumari to such an extent that her character became a part of me. The funny part is that I not only knew my lines by heart but had memorised everyone else’s lines too, and prompted whoever forgot them.
You’re barely 17. Don’t you feel you’re missing out on a normal teen life?
Not at all. The allure of cinema has always captivated me. Pursuing my dreams on the silver screen brings me immense joy and fulfilment. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Who do you wish to share screen space with?
Sharing the screen with icons like Shah Rukh Khan sir and Amitabh Bachchanji would be a dream come true. Their talent and charisma inspire me, and collaborating with them would be an honour.
If not on the sets, where can we find Nitanshi?
You’ll find me immersed in the rhythms of dance and the melodies of songs. Whether it’s belting out tunes or busting moves, I’m always spreading music and laughter. Back on the sets of Laapata Ladies, my love for singing was evident — I’d often serenade everyone with songs like Bade achhe lagte hein and London thumakda. It was amusing to discover once that Kiran ma’am had been listening to my songs through her phone’s mic, subtly swaying to the beats for 30 minutes.
Which of your movies is your favourite and why?
Each role I’ve portrayed holds significance. While I cherish them all, the best is yet to come. I look forward to creating more memorable characters in the future.
Who do you idolise in the industry?
Icons like Srideviji and Alia Bhatt ma’am inspire me with their talent and versatility. Emulating their brilliance would be a dream come true.
What’s your biggest learning?
Every audition and role teaches me something new. Success isn’t just about reaching the destination; it’s about embracing the journey with open arms and cherishing every moment along the way.
What projects do you have in the pipeline?
Exciting projects lie ahead; I cannot disclose them as of now. I eagerly await the next chapter of my cinematic journey.
