It’s a story we’ve heard before, outsiders finding it tough to carve a niche in the Indian film industry. Yet, every once in a while, someone breaks through the barriers, wins hearts, and earns a place on the silver screen. One such rising star is Nivaashiyni Krishnan, a promising actor born and raised in Singapore, but with deep roots in Paramakudi, the same town that gave us one of India’s finest talents, Kamal Haasan.

After gaining recognition through Bigg Boss Tamil, Nivaashiyni stepped into cinema with her debut film Oho Enthan Baby. Following the film’s success, she joined us for a candid conversation about her journey, her love for cinema, and her dreams ahead.

How is life after your debut film?
The reception has been really good, mostly positive reviews. The film itself is colourful, and even the shooting process felt the same. Since it was my first film, I was nervous when I first stepped onto the set, but with time, I got comfortable. I feel truly blessed and lucky to have worked with such a wonderful team, and I owe a big thanks to Krishna Kumar sir. I’m definitely looking forward to what’s ahead!

Has Bigg Boss opened new doors for you in terms of opportunities?
After Bigg Boss, I had to start from scratch, building a portfolio, doing photoshoots, and attending auditions. I never introduced myself as a Bigg Boss contestant. I simply said, ‘My name is Nivaashiyni Krishnan, I am a model.’ That gave me the confidence to move forward on my own.

At the same time, Bigg Boss gave me growth. Being born and brought up in Singapore, I often wondered how people in India would accept me. Honestly, I didn’t even understand the show’s format since I hadn’t watched earlier seasons, whereas many other contestants had done their homework. But the experience changed everything. I’m grateful because the people of Tamil Nadu know me today because of Bigg Boss. In the end, I gained something invaluable: loyal supporters.

At what point did you realize that cinema was the career you truly wanted to pursue?
Right from childhood, I was drawn to cinema. I knew I wanted to be part of it somehow, though I wasn’t sure in what way. I wanted to explore, learn everything, and find where I truly fit in. During my school and college days, I even worked part-time as a spotboy and a runner just to stay close to films.

When I began auditioning, I slowly realised, ‘Okay, maybe I can do this kind of role.’ My first break was in TV commercials, starting with a Comfort ad alongside Rashmika Mandanna. That was huge for me, not just because it was my first but also because I’ve always been a fan of hers. For the shoot, I first came to Chennai and then travelled to Mumbai, and it was also my very first-time handling everything on my own. I was scared, but it turned into a memorable experience. From there, more ad opportunities followed; it felt like a positive domino effect. As my profile started circulating, one thing led to another, and eventually, I landed Oho Enthan Baby.

Since you’ve mentioned wanting to explore and learn every aspect of cinema, which craft, apart from acting, interests you the most?
I’ve always wanted to write, not dialogues, but a full screenplay. My dream has been to sit in a writers’ room and just be part of that process. There’s a director in Singapore named Venga, who I consider my guru because he was the first to believe in me. He told me, ‘Nivaashiyni, I think you can act,’ and cast me in a series called Vetri.

From there, I started working under his production house, first as an assistant producer, and then I slowly found myself in the writers’ room. I was like the fifth AD, taking notes, staring in awe at the big whiteboard filled with story ideas. One day, I even pitched a story to him. He liked it, asked me to build on it, and eventually, we shot it. It was released in Singapore, which was such a proud moment for me.

Right now, I feel like I’m at a stage where if someone asked me to just carry the reflector for white balance, I’d gladly do it, because for me, every little step is a chance to learn. From a very young age, I’ve dreamt of going to film school. I’ve always been that person who runs to the cinema on release day and then writes about the film afterward. Cinema has always been more than a passion; it’s been my calling.

How supportive were your parents when you decided to step into the film industry?
I actually wanted to study film here in India, but my Amma wasn’t convinced at first. She moved to Singapore from Paramakudi when she was just six years old, so I’ve always felt this strong pull toward India. When it came to my education, Amma insisted I finish my degree first and then chase my dream.

At the same time, she has always been very supportive. Even when I was inside the Bigg Boss house, she was the one sending me clothes. The sarees I wore on weekends were stitched in Singapore and couriered to me here. After Bigg Boss, she simply told me, ‘You need to be clear about what you want to do. I won’t force you into anything, you make the decision for yourself.’. I am where I am today because of my Amma’s persuasion

Can you share a glimpse of your upcoming projects with us?
I haven’t revealed this until now, but I’ve completed a mythological Hindi film as the female lead. The shoot is wrapped, and it’s set to release either this December or in February 2026. I’m truly happy about it because I managed to finish a Hindi film without initially knowing the language. The production house was very supportive, and the director was encouraging. He told me, ‘I want you to play this character, but I also want you to learn the language.’ So, I stayed in Mumbai for two months, attending classes and workshops every day. It was a big learning curve. I genuinely feel like the right opportunities are coming my way. As they say, when you truly want something, the universe conspires to make it happen.