COVER STORY

A Niche of Her Own Nabha Natesh

Popularly known as Ismart Beauty (named after her block-buster movie Ismart Shanker), Nabha Natesh is a South-Indian actress who needs no introduction. She entered the world of movies with her Kannada release Vajrakaya in 2015, and then made her Telugu debut in 2018 with Nannu Dochukunduvate. Natesh is now all set to also conquer Kollywood with her Tamil releases. This powerhouse of talent is known for her versatile roles, acting skills and dance moves. In conversation with this young and fun actress, we found out about her take on love, life and career.

First things first - how did movies happened to you?

To be honest, it was a very intentional move for me. I was an engineering student and found it very boring, even though I was really good at it. Despite trying, it didn’t appeal to me and that’s when I started for looking out for more interesting career options. I needed something that would excite me, so I got trained in acting, after which I did theatre for a bit during college, too. One thing leads to the other and I started giving auditions - and the rest, as they say, is history.

Let’s talk about the three industries…

I started off in Kannada then Telugu happened and now by the grace of God, I have work in Tamil coming up. The market has expanded so well today, that your talent and work is no longer confined to one specific industry or language. Every movie is now being made on a pan Indian scale - giving you more options and more work!

Why would we talk about the industries when every project is different. There is a vast difference between each project - every set has its own culture and working style. Every film allows you to grow and experience new things.

Tell us about the one project in which you learnt the most.

I think it was my first film -Nannu Dochukunduvate, in Telugu! I had to go through a lot of training. My character was difficult and fun, even though it looks easy but it needed me to do so much of homework! It was very difficult for me as it was a new language and I had lots and lots of dialogues. I think that’s the highest number of dialogues I’ve ever had in my career. I’m constantly talking in the entire movie. Having said that, I think, that role shaped me up really well as an actor.

How would you describe the past years of your career?

Looking back, I remember continuously working for the first three years and then - when corona-virus happened, I was forced to take a break. The last two years have been comparatively low due. But over the years, I’ve had a great time, evolved not only as an actor but as a person also, and made a lot of friends and fans! I’m very happy about how things have worked out for me, but this is just the beginning… I have a lot more to do and achieve!

What kind of roles do you feel most comfortable with?

I don’t think there is any comfort with any role as such. Since I’m a theatre artist I have my process for any character. I go through that for all my roles. The first, second day of any new film is a lot of confusion with a lot of understanding of what the director wants and how it should be. But after a day or two, things settle in, as I start living and thinking like my character.

How have the last two years affected you?

I don’t think anyone had ever expected this pause. Professionally I’ve had 3 releases through this pandemic! So professionally it wasn’t too bad. While personally, it’s made me calmer and more pa-tient - maybe in the middle a little impatient, too! But I’m back to being patient now!

from the public eye?

Yes! Not just the public eye, there are a certain things about me that are not known to anybody! That’s just the kind of person I am.

On the work front, what next?

There are quite a few things in the pipeline, but you’ll have to wait for an official announcement.

Quick Questions:

If a crystal ball could tell you the truth about yourself, your life, the future or anything else, what would you want to know?

I’d want to know if in the end, I’ve achieved everything I aspired to, in life.

What is your most treasured childhood memory?

Our summer holidays at my grandmother’s house. During those two months, we’d be a lot of kids, playing, fighting, eating and making merry together.

If someone made a movie on your life, who would you want to be the director?

I don’t think my life is good enough to be a story yet! (laughs)

What movie, picture, or video always makes you laugh no matter how often you watch it?

A lot of movies and series! F.R.I.E.N.D.S., Big Bang Theory, Modern Family - are some, I can watch on repeat mode.

Of the many things you do, which one makes your heart beat the fastest?

I’m a good dancer but every time before a dance shot, when I’m in front of the camera and they count down - my heart starts beating so fast! I get tensed for some reason.

Who do you trust to give advice? My family and a few of my friends.

What’s the criteria for an eligible guy to get noticed by Nabha?

Sense of humour and his style factor… then maybe looks!

The top three things you’re looking for in a life partner?

I’m not looking for a life partner right now! (winks)

What’s your idea of a perfect date?

A really nice dinner and a good movie after.

How do you deal with breakups?

I don’t remember the last time I had to deal with one!

What roles do love and affection play in your life?

They play a very important part in my life - love is everything! Whether it’s from your parents, friends or a significant other - the love you give and receive is what makes you into the person you are. Human need affection for reconfirmation for their being. I show a lot of love to everyone and I’m blessed to get it in return

You’re known for your style sense. Let’s walk into your wardrobe:

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Oh my God! I don’t think I have counted the number of shoes I have. I think including my heels and sneakers they should be 30 odd pairs but I have more sneakers than heels.

Your most favourite accessory?

As cliche as this sounds it would be my smile! I’m not someone who likes to accessorise too much, maybe a ring or chain sometimes - but I never forget to carry my smile with me!

What’s your fashion staple?

It was a pair of jeans and a t-shirt with sneakers, just before the pandemic. But now I think I’d say an easy-breezy dress! I’m too used to being comfortable!

Three things you bought over a year ago, but haven’t touched?

A lot of my luxury bags haven’t been used thanks to the world closing down. They’re just lying in my closest.

How many pairs of denims do you own?

Quite a few! I own about 25 pairs. In fact, just recently I discarded about 10 pairs as they were out of shape.