She became an overnight sensation with her very first film. In the whirlwind years that followed Nadiya Moidu practically lived out of a suitcase. She dabbled in all the south languages, created templates of chic and when her career-graph soared to an all-time high, she simply stepped out of the spotlight. The actress, who is making a slow and steady return to the screen, has two back-to-back releases this month. “It’s just an accident. I don’t intend to take up more than a couple of films a year,” clarifies Nadiya who is now busy with a Telugu project.
If Aaru Sundarimarude Katha has her playing an outspoken Rose, she appears as Saraswathy, another intriguing character in English which releases this weekend. “If Rose is bold and articulate, Saraswathi has a sort of underrated inner strength. She is the typical homemaker who lives in a foreign land but remains Indian to the core. Her transformation is more of an internal process. She doesn’t go bold from demure, but grows emotionally yet never losing her balance,” says Nadiya.
While most actresses who graced the screen in 80s and early 90s have made their silent exit, Nadiya is an exception. But she agrees that, though the times have changed, it’s still a challenge for an actress over forty. “The scripts that accommodate a solid female character my age are rare. The most refreshing thing about both ASK and English is that both the films don’t go by conventional norms and patterns. There is no hero and heroine, just a bunch characters. I have no issues playing mothers and sisters, but I make sure that my role is strong enough to stand out,” she reveals her policy.
Nadiya says though she is based in Mumbai, she keeps a tab on what’s happening down south.
“Today the industry people are much more chilled-out, there is a lot of energy and youthfulness all around. Even the audience and their sensibilities have changed. They are more open to a different and fresh cinematic experience,” she observes.
She is one actress who has always shown an unerring fashion sense and Nadiya says staying fit and up-to-date is more of a feel-good thing for her. “Fitness has always been a priority in my family and I like to dress up though I am not a big shopper.” As someone who found herself in the middle of arc lights while still a teenager, Nadiya says cinema is her passion, but quickly adds that family is her priority. “I am always open to interesting projects, but not at the cost of my family.”
She adds that balancing family and her acting career is not much of a trapeze as she always sticks to her schedule. “There are many talented and educated women who are caught in the domestic trap. The balancing act becomes impossible if you don’t have a strong support system. My husband is a very progressive and open-minded man who knows that I quit films at the peak of my career. It was he who encouraged me to give it a shot when I was offered M Kumaran. As of now I am not doing any TV shows. There are a few commercials and a handful of films, rest of the time I am at home,” says the mother-of-two.
The actress says she is going through the most beautiful phase of her life. “Now I have a family who encourage me to pursue my dreams. I am not part of any competition, but want to do some work that brings me happiness,” she signs off.