'I am happy with the response Ajith is getting'

Actress Nikki Galrani on her Kannada film Ajith

Model-turned-actress Nikki Galrani debuted in Kannada cinema in Ajith, which released across Karnataka last week.

 The Bangalore-based actress won praise from the media for her performance in the film which is a remake of the Tamil hit Paiyaa.

Nikki has worked in seven films in all the South Indian languages before Ajith hit the screens and that too within a short span of about 15 months.

She studied fashion designing and is the younger sister of actress Sanjjanaa.

Nikki’s performance in her first Malayalam film 1983, opposite Nivin Pauly, not only won her critical acclaim but the movie also became a box-office success.

She did a cameo in Nivin Pauly's Om Shanthi Osaana, which released a week later.

In this interview, Nikki shares her excitement about her first release in Kannada and her expectations from her career in films.

What has been the initial response to Ajith?

I am quite happy with the response that the film is getting from audiences. They love my performance; I saw them acknowledging it with loud cheers and claps. 

When did you decide to take the plunge into films and become an actor?

After completing a fashion design course from the Vogue Institute in Bangalore, I began working as a model in some ads.

I worked in 40 ads over a period of one year that included print ads and television spots.

It was natural for me to get into films as I kind of knew that I would be eventually doing movies. I just went with the natural flow of things.

So why study fashion designing?

I took up fashion designing because I am crazy about clothes. I was obsessive and passionate about clothes. I didn’t really look on it as a profession. 

How different do you think is the Kannada version of the Tamil original?

When I signed Ajith, I could not understand Tamil.

We have stuck to the basic structure of the original storyline but we have made some minute changes in the detailing of the characters.

How does it feel to be offered leading roles in all the other South Indian languages even before your first film released?

I feel blessed, lucky and happy to be offered roles in other languages. This is a rare phenomenon for a debutante because people want to see you first on screen and make a note of your performance.

I think I’ve been judged on the ads that I have done which made me a well-known face.

I feel like God’s lucky child to be favoured by so many people. It is a dream debut for me to be seen in all South Indian languages.

I am excited and looking forward to the releases of all my movies. 

Director Mahesh Babu is considered to be lucky for newcomers, especially heroines.

I consider him to be my lucky mascot. It was only after I had signed Ajith that I got to work in so many films so quickly.

He took good care of me on the sets and he has become like family to me. He patiently helped me with my lines. I never felt like this is my first movie.

I could say I am continuing the trend of newcomers coming under the wing of Mahesh Anna.

How has your sister influenced you?

My sister has been a major influence in my decision to get into movies. I cannot imagine being here without her support.

She is the reason why I am here. She has been like a backbone and a guiding force in my decisions.

Her judgment and guidance has helped me make the right decisions. I discuss the script with the family and with her before taking any decision.

Which are your forthcoming films?

I have finished Jamboo Savari in Kannada and Vellimoonga in Malayalam.

I have signed up for Obiraya in Kannada which is Yogish’s 25th film, and another film titled Paravashanadenu opposite a newcomer called Manoj.

My Tamil-Telugu bilingual debut film which is titled Yagavarayinum Naa Kaakka in Tamil is ready for release.