You have made quite a name for yourself on social media. How did your journey into the film industry begin?
I have always been passionate about acting since my school and college days. Used to actively participate in plays and stage performances. I started creating videos and exploring photography, which is another passion of mine. After completing my post-graduation, I even worked as an HR professional for a while. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to pursue something creative. Photography kept me connected to that artistic side, and eventually, acting opportunities came my way. Getting the offer to play the lead in “Picture” was something I simply could not refuse. Looking back, I feel like everything happened very naturally, almost like it was meant to be. I just went with the flow.
Nithya, your dressing sense and fashion game are widely appreciated, especially on social media. Can you tell us more about that ?
Thank you so much! Fashion has always been a very important part of my life. Since a young age, I have been quite particular about what I wear and how I present myself. It’s not just about following trends for me, it’s more about expressing my personality through clothing. Over time, especially through my Instagram reels and posts, people started noticing and appreciating my style. That really motivated me to experiment more with different looks. I enjoy mixing styles and trying out unique combinations that reflect my mood and creativity. I think today, social media plays a huge role in connecting with audiences, and fashion becomes a strong visual language there
Nithya, can you please tell me about your passion towards coffee ?
I have been passionate about coffee for a long time, but over the past five years, that passion has really deepened. I even set up a small coffee bar at my home. Whenever friends visit, I brew fresh coffee for them, and we often connect over it. I enjoy discussing different types of coffee, and if someone shares a similar interest, we bond instantly and it really helps build connections. My growing love for coffee in recent years is largely because of a person named Narendra Hebbar, who unfortunately passed away two years ago. He owned a cafe called 1854 and introduced me to the origins and sourcing of different coffees. Those conversations sparked my curiosity, and I started researching more on my own. Today, coffee is not just a habit, it’s truly a passion.
Do you have any plans to open a cafe in the future ?
As of now, I do not have any such plans. I am not sure what the future holds, but one concern I have is that once something becomes commercial, maintaining quality becomes challenging. Economics come into play, and pricing has to be adjusted accordingly. I feel that might take away the joy and authenticity I currently experience. Right now, my interest in coffee is very personal, and I am not sure if I can or want to commercialize it. That said, if an opportunity comes up in the future, I might consider it, but nothing is planned at the moment.
Can you tell us about your tribal photography and your connection with it ?
As I mentioned earlier, I have been interested in photography for many years, and I started focusing on tribal photography about five years ago. I am deeply drawn to the way tribal communities represent their culture. I often visit tribal areas, spend time with them, interact, and capture their lives through my lens. The biggest reason I do this is because I feel that in the coming years, much of this culture might fade away. The younger generation in these communities is gradually moving away from traditional practices due to education and urbanization. They are adapting to modern lifestyles, much like us. I believe this could be the last generation that truly carries these traditions. So I make it a point to document them through photographs, conversations, and experiences.
How did you land your debut film Picture ? Was there an audition process ?
Interestingly, there was no formal audition. The team came across my acting videos online and felt I would be a good fit for the role. That’s how I got the opportunity. It’s honestly a dream debut for me. “Picture” is already generating a lot of buzz, and I am very confident about the film. It’s scheduled to release on July 24, and we have begun promotions with the first song Thaka Thaka, which has received a great response. That gives me even more confidence that the film will connect with audiences.
What was your experience working with producer Shilpa Ganesh ?
Shilpa madam was incredibly involved in the entire filmmaking process. Unlike many producers who visit sets occasionally, she was deeply engaged from start to finish. What I really appreciated was her balance, she guided us wherever needed but never interfered unnecessarily. Her only focus was on making a high-quality film. She did not compromise on anything, whether it was production value or creative decisions. Her passion for her mother tongue and her desire to contribute to the industry is truly inspiring. I genuinely hope she continues to produce more films because the industry needs people like her.
Could you also please tell us more about your experience with Golden Star Ganesh ?
Even though Ganesh sir is presenting the film, he was quite involved and shared valuable inputs at different stages. I personally found his suggestions very insightful, and I have tried to incorporate many of them into my performance. What really stands out about him is his personality. Despite being such a huge star in the Kannada industry, he is extremely humble and grounded. He is very friendly, approachable, and creates a comfortable atmosphere for everyone on set.
Tell us about working with director Sandeepa Bedra ?
Working with Sandeepa was a fantastic experience. He is not just the director but also the writer of the film, so he had complete clarity about the story and execution. “Picture” is a family drama with four songs, each belonging to a different genre. It is a film that appeals to all age groups. from older audiences to today’s youth. He knew exactly what he wanted in every scene, and that clarity helped all of us perform better. The entire team supported his vision, and I believe that reflects in the final output.
Can you share more about the film “Picture” and your experience working on it ?
The film has been an incredible learning experience for me. I had the opportunity to work alongside well-known actors like Devadas Kapikad, Naveen Padil, Aravind Bolar, and Bhojaraj Vamanjoor. For a newcomer, sharing screen space with such experienced performers was invaluable. I learned a lot especially about expressions, timing, and understanding scenes more deeply. The film is a tightly packed entertainer. I don’t want to reveal too much, but I can assure audiences that more exciting promotional content is on the way.
How do you see the growth of coastal cinema in recent years ?
There has been a huge improvement. Earlier, the industry was mostly known for comedy films, but now we are seeing a variety of genres being explored. The quality has also improved significantly. Films like Kantara and Su From So have shown that regional cinema can reach global audiences. Language is no longer a barrier. If the content is good, people will watch it, no matter which language it is in. Even here in Mangaluru, audiences watch Telugu and Malayalam films without hesitation. I believe Tulu cinema can also reach that level, and the key is delivering quality content consistently.
“Picture” has also shot in Kashmir. How was that experience ?
It was unforgettable. Our film is the first Tulu film to be shot in Kashmir and it is surely a great feeling for all of us. Kashmir truly lives up to its reputation as “heaven on earth”. What surprised me the most was the recognition we received there. When we told people we were from coastal Karnataka, many immediately connected us to Kantara. That moment made me feel extremely proud. The shoot itself was amazing, and the visuals have come out beautifully. I won’t reveal too much right now, but audiences can expect something special.
What are your future plans as an actor ?
I do not plan too much. I am open to all kinds of roles and genres. As an actor, I want to explore everything rather than limit myself. If I had to pick, I had love to play a rustic character. But ultimately, content matters the most. We make films for the audience, so I believe in choosing projects that resonate with them.
Do you see yourself working behind the camera in the future ?
Not at the moment. Right now, my focus is completely on acting. But since I come from a photography background, I do have an interest in the technical side of filmmaking. Who knows ? Maybe sometime in the future, I might explore that as well.
Are you open to working in other film industries ?
Absolutely. I believe language should never be a barrier for an actor. I would love to work in Kannada and other South Indian industries if given the opportunity. At the end of the day, acting is about connecting with audiences, regardless of region.
Finally, what message would you like to give to the audience of Tulu Nadu ?
I would urge everyone to come and watch “Picture” in theatres on July 24. I truly believe this film can be a game-changer for the industry. Produced under the Golden Movies banner by Shilpa Ganesh madam, the film has been made with a lot of passion and commitment to quality. The songs have already received a great response, and I am confident the film will too. We have put our hearts into this project, and I hope audiences will support us and take our industry to greater heights.
Nithyaprakash comes across as a confident and focused talent. With his passion for acting, eye for style, and dedication to quality content, he certainly looks like a promising name to watch out for. Tuluadda wishes him all the very best as he steps into this exciting new chapter of his career.
