She’s been under the arc lights in Kerala ever since she was a child artiste. Now, after a couple of Malayalam films as a grown-up, young Nazariya Nazim seems to be making a splash with the biggies in K-town with four Tamil films. Her first film to hit the screens will be Neram, though she first signed up Aascar Films’ Thirumanam Ennum Nikaah (TEN). She is also part of director Sargunam’s Dhanush-starrer Naiyyandi and Atlee’s Raja Rani opposite Arya.
Looks like luck has played a vital role in the 19-year-old’s K-town entry. “Someone from TEN team saw my video Yuvvh on the Internet, which had gone viral with 5 lakh viewers within two days. They liked me and offered me the role opposite Jai,” Nazariya says with a smile. But her second film Neram happened because Alphonse is a good friend. Incidentally, Neram’s hero Nivin was part of Yuvvh as well and she plays his childhood friend in the film, which is a love story. Director Sargunam too seems to have spotted Nazariya in the same Yuvvh video and decided she would be apt to play a dentist in Naiyyandi.
How was the first day of shoot with the National Award winning director and hero? “I hadn’t met Dhanush earlier, so I was nervous. But he was so friendly, he put me at ease instantly. Sargunam was very clear about what he wants and that made things easy for me,” she says.
The teenager is now playing an IT professional in Atlee’s Raja Rani, which stars Nayanthara, Jai and Arya as well.
With so many biggies attached to her various projects, does the pressure get to her as a newcomer? “Yes, I do feel a huge sense of responsibility. I feel I have to live up to the expectations of those who’ve put their trust in me. It does get a bit scary at times!” she confesses.
So, will she take the glamour route on her way to the top? “I’m comfortable doing modern roles, but I don’t believe in skin show,” she replies.
Films may be a big part of her life, but studies are equally important for her. “I studied in Dubai till my Class 10 and then moved to Kerala. Now I want to study something related to business, so I may take up either a B.Com or BBA course next,”she says.
Any career goals in K-town? “Yes, I want to work with good directors including the new ones. I also want to learn about the technical side of filmmaking,” she says. Luck may have brought her to Kollywood, but Nazariya seems to be here for the long haul.