Working alongside cinematic legends like Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan in one of the most anticipated films of the year, Thug Life and followed it up with an intense performance in Lokah, is a dream most actors can only imagine. For Bengaluru’s own Nithya Shri, that dream became reality. After delivering a riveting performance in the Lokah Universe’s inaugural instalment, Nithya Shri sat down with us to share her experiences, from stepping into the superhero world to navigating the highs and challenges of the celluloid industry. Her story is one of talent, tenacity, and the magic that happens when preparation meets opportunity.

You’ve had quite an eventful year, working alongside two legends, Mani Ratnam and Kamal Haasan, and following it up with a powerful performance in one of the year’s most unexpected films, Lokah. How’s your mind space right now?
Grateful is the feeling I have in this moment. As a child, you dream of moments like this. Then come years of training, of working tirelessly to turn that dream into reality. And one day, when you least expect it, the universe answers, making it real. All the hard work, the tears, the uncertainty, they pay off. You get the chance to work with legends and have your efforts recognized. That moment makes everything worthwhile. The only thing you can do is fully embrace it, enjoy it with all your heart, stay humble, and move forward with renewed focus and energy. Keep working on yourself, on your craft.

Can you tell us a bit about your childhood and growing up in Bengaluru? What kind of environment shaped you?
Childhood… hmm. I come from a family where the arts were valued just as much as academics. From an early age, I was introduced to classical dance by my first guru, Smt. Vijaylakshmi, an alumna of Kalakshetra in Chennai, and also my aunt. During summer holidays, she would teach me, nurturing my budding interest. Seeing my passion, my mother encouraged me to continue classes in Bangalore. From a young age, the arts were my anchor. At the time, I thought of them as extra-curricular activities, but they soon became an integral part of who I am, instilling discipline, confidence, and the creativity to express myself. Painting, too, played a huge role in shaping me.

Academically, I did well, and the colleges I attended helped me shape my career on stage and eventually on screen. Bangalore opened the right doors, modelling helped me stabilise my finances, dance gave me discipline, and theatre eventually found me. That’s when I discovered my true love for acting. The city—the fun, the beauty, the quietness, the willingness to grow, the people, every experience of growing up in this beautiful garden city shaped me into the person I am today. A great part of that, I realise, translates onto the screen.

Did you always dream of becoming an actor, or did this journey into the world of cinema happen unexpectedly?
I always wanted to be an artist; anything to do with the arts and travel was my dream. Acting came unexpectedly. I had only dreamt of meeting legends; working with them was a small thought. But when I stepped into the cinema, my world changed. It was mesmerising, daunting, and unbelievably beautiful all at once.

To me, creating a world within a world was fascinating. It wasn’t about the glitterati. It was about being whoever I wanted to be, exploring a character, and seeing how convincingly I could become that person. Exploring these layers, these facets, that journey is what made me fall in love with my craft.

In an earlier interview, you mentioned how particular you were about designing your role in Por. It’s clear that you don’t make hasty decisions when it comes to choosing films. Can you walk us through your process before signing a project?
When a director approaches me for a role, I first listen to their narration and gauge how challenging or innovative the part is. I ask myself a few questions: What’s the character arc? What is the director’s vision for the film? What is my role in it, and what impact does my character have on the story? Once I’ve reflected on these basics, the process begins.

Who has been your biggest acting inspiration or favourite actor over the years?
Oh God! There are so many. Audrey Hepburn, Meryl Streep, Padmini Ma’am, Vyjayanthimala Ma’am, Rekha Ma’am, Manorama Ma’am, and many. Each one of them beautifully taught me a way to look at acting. It’s the grace, humility, talent, and how effortlessly they brought their characters to life on the big screen. Absolutely inspiring.

Your Instagram bio mentions that you’re a writer — is there a screenwriter within you waiting for the right moment to take off?
I have been a decent writer since I can remember. I write poetry, a little bit of prose, and stories, too. On the screenwriting part, many pushed me to write. I do occasionally help a few of my director friends. So, yes, I may write in the future. Baby steps.

When you’re not on set, how do you like to spend your time? What’s your go-to way to unwind?
I usually take off on solo travels to escape the chaos for a while; it helps me reconnect with myself. I read extensively and can get lost in books for days. I love being around animals, volunteering with them whenever I can. Gardening, painting, cooking my own food, and spending time with family and friends are all things that keep me grounded. I also make sure to constantly work on my craft and train for it. And I have to admit, I’m a bit of a clean freak. When I’m not on set, I’m at home cleaning, organising, and reorganizing every corner. In short, it’s all things nature that calm and center me, and everything else that brings me quiet joy.

Your performances often carry a quiet intensity. Do you consciously seek out complex characters, or do they somehow find you?
Actually, it works both ways. Humans are complex creatures yet simple. I like to unearth the complexities in each character, and at the same time, I am open to fun roles, too. In short, any role that challenges me and piques my interest across genres, I would love to dip and dive into it.

From Por to Lokah, your choices reflect a strong sense of individuality. How important is creative freedom to you as an artist?
Creative freedom isn’t just about portraying a character — there are so many layers beneath it. As an actor, my job is to bring my director’s, writer’s, and the film’s vision to life with utmost honesty and to the best of my ability.

So how does one achieve that? It unfolds in many layers. The first and most important is understanding the vision of the film — identifying the parameters, the arc of the character, the meter or rhythm in which it’s visualized, and analysing all of it. Then, when the team sits together and begins a dialogue, everyone shares their perspectives. Each person’s space and talent are respected and recognized. Through that trust, something beautiful takes shape — and that’s what eventually translates on screen. To me, that’s what creative freedom truly is — a team working together, aligned under one vision, each giving their best.

And finally, since Lokah is set in a multiverse, can fans expect to see you return in the upcoming instalments of the series?
Only Dominic can answer that. I hope and wish too, for sure, but it all depends on the story.