The multiple-award-winning actor Nithya Menen has added yet another accolade to her already impressive list of accomplishments. In what many are calling her most significant achievement to date, Nithya recently bagged the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in the film Thiruchitrambalam. She shares this esteemed honor with Manasi Parekh, who won for her role in Kutch Express.
When asked about her reaction to the big win, Nithya admitted to feeling somewhat incredulous. “I think I was in a bit of disbelief when I heard the news,” she mentioned. “I was in the middle of something at home, and was about to have lunch when Dhanush (her co-star from Thiruchitrambalam) called me. He said, ‘Congratulations,’ and my immediate response was, ‘For what?'” Nithya recalls with a laugh. “And that’s when he said, ‘What do you mean, you’ve got the National Award!’ I honestly thought he was joking. It was definitely unexpected.”
Nithya, who has graced screens across all southern film industries as well as Bollywood and even English-language films, is known for her versatility and depth as an actress. Despite this, she asserts that she never chooses roles with the anticipation of winning awards. “That’s one thing I have not clearly done,” she says. Her thoughts are evident for those who have seen her in roles such as the affable Shobana in Thiruchitrambalam or her charismatic performances in Tamil films like Mersal and O Kadhal Kanmani.
“My drive has always been to choose exciting films. I want to leave the world a better place than what it was when I came in. I wouldn’t say I like doing very morose themes or exhibiting negative emotions. My intention has been to do roles that make people happy and I feel it’s much nobler to do that,” Nithya elaborates.
The actor is particularly thrilled to have won the award for a romantic comedy-drama, a genre that often gets overshadowed in the critical spheres. “Any work done for a film, even if the genre is light, deserves credit and recognition,” she asserts.
. “Every film doesn’t have to be a Revenant to be actually good. There’s a lot of debate on social media on how I fit more in such lighter films and it’s not at all true. It’s actually a choice. Can I do the other roles? Of course, I can. But I just don’t want to,” says a determined Nithya, adding that “doing happy roles makes her happy.”
“So being given validation for a film like Thiruchitrambalam is very big for me, and I’m grateful to the jury for having the subtle eye and recognizing it even though the genre is a lighter one,” she adds.
Asked about her celebration plans for this significant achievement, Nithya laughs. “I don’t know if it’s good or bad that I don’t celebrate anything. I shall probably treat myself to a film (laughs). I’m in the middle of my next film’s development and I’m very much in the moment. You need to do the work to get the awards, right?”
Nithya, who was last seen in Tamil cinema in Thiruchitrambalam, already has several exciting projects lined up. Films like Kadhalikka Neramillai with Jayam Ravi under the direction of Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi, and Dear Exes directed by debutant Kamini, co-starring Vinay Rai, Navdeep, Prateik Babbar, and Deepak Parambol, are on her schedule. “I’ve also got a film with Vijay Sethupathi and it’ll not just be a romantic film but something that breaks genres. That’s something I’m very much looking forward to,” says Nithya with palpable enthusiasm.
Interestingly, Nithya and Vijay Sethupathi last worked together in the Malayalam film 19(1)(a). “This one is a Tamil film; since our Malayalam film, we’ve gotten along so well and wanted to do another film. I think it will be a nice experience for all of us,” she signs off with a smile.
Nithya Menen’s journey in Indian cinema continues to inspire many, and her dedication to choosing roles that uplift and bring joy to her audience only cements her position as one of the most cherished actors in the industry. As she embarks on new cinematic adventures, her fans eagerly await more memorable performances from this incredibly talented star.
