Malayalis in Chennai still call her by the name ‘Manjula Sasidharan’, the village belle of 1983. “It’s a big compliment and a pleasant surprise too since the movie released nearly eight months back,” gushes Nikki Galrani, the pretty Bengaluru girl.
Nikki has every reason to be excited. Post her debut outing in Malayalam which was a major hit, and a small cameo in Ohm Shanthi Oshaana, the young lady has grabbed promising characters in two upcoming Mollywood films. In Vellimoonga, Nikki will be seen as the lead lady of Biju Menon and in Enthoru Bhagyam, she will act opposite Unni Mukundan.
The actress has already completed the shooting of Vellimoonga, the debut movie of cinematographer-turned-director Jibu Jacob. In the movie, which is a family entertainer, Biju Menon dons the role of a politician.
“In the romantic flick, I play a Malayali nurse based in Delhi,” says Nikki. The film which is a fun ride revolves around Biju’s character who has a strong political influence even in his daily life.
Nikki says it was a learning experience, shooting with Biju, and actors like Siddique, Aju Varghese, Lena, Tini Tom and Sunil Sugatha. “My Malayalam language skills has improved a lot, thanks to the shooting days,” says the young lass.
Thoduppuzha was one of the major locale for the film. Nikki who is dazzled by the scenic beauty of the place says, “I have always enjoyed shooting at Kerala. We had a gala time there at the location.”
Sharath A Haridaasan’s Enthoru Bhagyam will go on floors next month. “The movie is an intense love story in which I play a middle class girl who gives a lot of importance to family values,” says Nikki who is eagerly waiting for the film’s shoot, which has locations in Kochi and Bengaluru. “I am excited to meet the crew of the movie,” she says.
Be it her looks, or the type of characters she does in Mollywood, many consider Nikki as a Malayali.
The actress says she takes it as a big compliment. “I have high regards for Malayalam industry which is giving me great opportunities.”
Nikki says she is choosy about Malayalam projects. “The acceptance post 1983 has made me more responsible. I would better wait for long, and select roles that I feel is good enough,” she says.
Nikki stepped into tinsel town only this year, but the beautiful girl has nearly ten movies in three south Indian languages in her kitty. She feels fortunate and is gung-ho about her future.
“All I want to do is work, work and work. I want to do many wonderful characters in the coming days,” she signs off.