Two years ago, when Tamil-speaking heroines were few and far between, came along Nivetha Pethuraj. From Dubai, we were told, and then she floored all with her Tamizh. Fresh from her success in the Miss India UAE contest, she was roped in to play IT employee Kavya, a girl who loves someone deeply but is also practical, in Oru Nal Koothu. Last week, she was seen as a village girl in Podhuvaaga En Manasu Thangam. Coming up are science fiction flick Tik Tik Tik, Telugu romantic comedy Mental Madhilo and Venkat Prabhu’s Party, for which she’s currently shooting in Fiji.
In an interview with Silverscreen, Nivetha speaks about what drives her and how she’d like people to remember her. Excerpts:
Did the response to your debut surprise you?
Totally. It felt great to be appreciated by people across age groups. So many identified with the character, and that helped me reach the audience. I have to mention the song ‘Adiye Azhage’ that cut across every barrier. Even today, people remember me by that song. Wherever I go, I’ll always be grateful to director Nelson, producer J Selvakumar, composer Justin Prabhakaran and lyricist Vivek.
Did this put you under pressure?
Not really. I always go by my intuition, and take up a project based on how I feel about the people I’m going to be working with, the story and my character. I continue to do that.
How was it moving from playing an IT employee and a village girl to a film set in space?
The first two were not much of a change. Though I grew up in Dubai, I kept coming to Madurai and Virudhunagar for holidays, and lived like a regular girl, because my grandparents liked that. As for Tik Tik Tik, director Shakti Soundar Rajan is known for his love for experimentation. I was both excited and nervous, but only till we reached the sets. It was so well organised and hi-tech, almost like a Hollywood movie.
You’re also in Party. Is it a conscious move to hop genres?
I won’t say that. It so happens that the movies that come my way fall in different genres. That said, I would love to play a village girl again, as well as an IT employee. Ultimately, it’s a cycle.
How do you find your debut Telugu film?
I shot for 30 days in Hyderabad for Mental Madhilo. The director and producer felt I would fit the role well. The director narrated the script to me in broken Tamil, but even that convinced me, because he explained every scene. I wanted to be part of this really young team, and I’m glad I took it up. It’s a lovely rom-com and should release in a couple of months.
Did you ever imagine you would be a heroine? What did you hope to be?
I did not have a dream of acting in the movies. I took it slow and easy. I’m the kind who works really hard only when I truly wish for something; else, I take life lightly. When I came here, everyone told me a heroine who speaks Tamil is rare. I just wanted to prove that I could do it, that the industry is a great place to be in. Yes, there might be issues, but they can be faced.
How do you want to be remembered?
As someone who chose projects well. As someone who made a place in people’s hearts, be it through a song, a scene, a character… And, a role model for those who chase their dreams.
Growing up, what was your exposure to Tamil movies?
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Those days, only the movies of big stars would release abroad. So, we watched movies in theatres rarely. But, television was a treasure trove; I watched so many black-and-white movies and those made in the 80s and 90s. Mouna Ragam is my all-time favourite and I grew up listening to Ilaiyaraaja. It helps now when I work with those senior artistes.
Are you a director’s actress or a spontaneous one?
In my first film, director Nelson hand-held me, because I knew nothing. From Podhuvaaa…, I’ve learnt to prepare on my own. For Tik, Tik, Tik, I worked for nearly two months on the body language needed. I’ve learnt from seniors on how to improvise. I wish to reach a space where the character shines, but I still manage to leave my signature.