Nishan Nanaiah requires no introduction. He had put forth a splendid performance for his debut movie ‘Rithu’, and there was no turning back ever since. A Post Graduate from the Pune Film Institute, acting and cinema was Nishan’s passion since his school days. His love for cinema brought him to the world of Malayalam Movies; where he believes some of the best films are made. Now, he is ready with his next flick ‘Ee Adutha Kalath’ which will be released on the 24^th of February. Nishan speaks to Kochivibe about his love for cinema, his character Rusthan in his new movie, his personal life and more.

How did your first movie ‘Rithu’ happen?

The director of the movie, Mr. Shyamprasad, was on the look-out for people who he could cast. He saw my pictures through a friend in Chennai and then decided to meet me. I had done a movie ‘Cycle Kick’ directed by Subhash Ghai. Fortunately, Shyam Sir’s son had seen that movie as he was studying at Subhash Sir’s institute. And so Shaym sir called me for the auditions. He asked me whether I could portray Sarath Varma (his character in Rithu) on-screen. I was a little skeptical, but he was confident. He even had an English version of the script for ‘Rithu’. So I could study the whole of it easily. That is how ‘Rithu’ happened.

You have worked with masters like Subhash Ghai, Sibi Malayil and Shyamaprasad. How was the experience like?

They are all experts in the field, and even I was tensed before starting to work with them. I believe, unless you have the willingness to learn, and unless there is a curious child in you, you can never grow. These experts showed me how simple and down-to-earth they are, and yet a master in their art. Sibi sir is always calm and composed, even if there is much tension around him. Similarly, everyone is different in their own way. I’m glad I could work with them and learn many things.

But don’t you think Malayalam movies haven’t been kind enough to you?

Well, you cannot expect all movies to make it big like ‘Rithu’. Every movie can’t be ‘Rithu’.  I’ve done very few movies compared to my contemporaries. Some directors can’t do justice, while others can. If it’s a story I like, I do that movie. ‘Ee Adutha Kalath’ is a movie I will be doing after a gap of one year.

Tell us something about your character in ‘Ee Adutha Kalath’?

I play the role of Rusthan, a North-Indian who comes to work in Kerala. I dubbed in my own voice for the movie, and the director Arun Kumar was particular about it. Malayalam is difficult to speak when compared to Tamil or Telugu. But I’ve always wanted to dub in my own voice for my role in a Malayalam cinema. Thanks to Arun Kumar, the dream has been realized!

Do you have plans to direct a movie, sometime down the lane?

I think you need immense patience to direct a movie, and I’m one amongst those restless people. But yeah, I might direct a movie later when I think I’ve matured enough as a person. I would love to.

You have been a part of Telegu, Hindi and Tamil film industries. Malayalam cinema is different. What do you think?

Film shootings are completed in one stretch here. The technicians are awesome. In Telugu industry, you get holidays on Sundays, public holidays etc. We don’t find all that here. Malayalam cinema has always been known for good reasons. We have beautiful scripts. Look at Priyadarshan sir’s movies! He has remade Malayalam movies which are nearly 20 years old. So that shows how powerful Malayalam movie scripts are. Malayalam cinema stands a class apart, and people worldwide respect our movies. I think we all need to live up to the expectations.

How was your experience as a student at Pune Film Institute?

I owe my entire life to my institute. I had the opportunity to get acquainted with masters in cinema like Naseeruddin Shah etc.

What are your upcoming projects?

‘Yaarkku Theriyum’ is a Tamil flick which is awaiting its release. It is directed by G. Kamaraj, and Kalabhavan Mani plays a role in it. It will be remade in Malayalam as ‘120 minutes’. I have shot for a Hindi movie ‘David’ starring Vikram, Tabu and Isha Sherwani. It is directed by Bejoy Nambiar. I have also worked for a period film named ‘Gramam’. ‘Ee Adutha Kalath’ is set for release on 24^th February.

Your message to Kochivibe Readers.

I believe in doing what my heart says. Youth is the pillar of our nation, so we need to act wise. Do what you want, but make sure you don’t hurt others. Dream big. Nothing is impossible. Every person has a USP. Know what it is, and work accordingly. There will be failures. But that’s how we learn things.

Don’t get into drugs, alcohol etc. You think they can solve your problems, but they will just add to it.