In Coversation with Nikki Galrani

Photos: Reji Bhasker

She’s got a spark that makes her shimmer in this world of stardom.

The first thing that I noticed about Nikki Galrani is that, she is ever so energetic, despite hours of traveling and shooting. Even for a second you do not sense the enervation from her voice.

As we conversed about cinema, wedding and fashion, I sensed a spark. A spark that ignites stardom. In the 17th Asianet film awards, she won an award for the Best New Face of the Year. In the movie, 1983, Manjula Sasidharan plays a very responsible woman who forsakes a relationship for a responsible marriage, but in real life she’s got a really surprising take on a wedding. She’s someone who’s got the quirks of planning a runaway wedding, loves diamonds in her fashion appetite, and someone who has the zest for life.

Since your debut movie, 1983, guess many directors have been bowled over. How did it start?

It has been a year and a half since I entered the industry, and I am already ten movies old! I have done movies in all the four south Indian languages. My recently released Tamil debut movie, Darling, became a super hit in Tamil Nadu. I also did about 45-50 ads in a span of ten months. My director and producer had seen a couple of my ads. I had done a lot of ads in Kerala. So, they happened to see those ads and few Tamil movies that I was working on. They happened to get my details, and they called me over. We had a meeting, and that is how I got the film.

How was your experience working in 1983?

I had no connection with Kerala. The whole experience was Latin and Greek for me because I did not know the language. Many times, I  had no idea what people   were talking about.  Nivin was my translator. He would teach me what each of them said. That is how I got to  understand. But now, this place is like  home for  me. I have gotten used to the food, the people, the language, movies, and the  Malayalam industry. In fact, on 30th Jan 2015, 1983 completed a year  of release.  So much has happened over a year, and the growth  has  been really good.

Working with two distinctive people like Nivin Pauly and Biju Menon must have been fun, what did you learn while  acting with them?

Nivin falls in my age group and my generation. He was very cool. It was only a little later, I realized that he was very quiet and calm.  (She laughs) I am like a  firecracker! He is a very good listener and a darling. I heard a lot about Biju Chettan. He is very sweet, and he  helped me a lot with the language and the   dialogs.  Both Nivin and Biju Chettan were helpful.

Who are the people you admire the most in Malayalam film industry?

Mammukka, Lalettan and Dileep Chettan. After working with Dileep Chettan in Ivan Maryadaraman, I was in complete awe. I think he is one of the sweetest person anybody can meet. He is a superstar, but he doesn’t have ‘ superstar fantasies.’  He is one of the most down to earth people. You learn how to be humble and simple just being with him.

 Now that you seem to be comfortable in the South, planning to journey to Bollywood?

I am not going go after Bollywood. My entry into Bollywood would be when the right opportunity comes my way. If something good comes my way and I am happy with it, I will take it up. I am very happy; I have just gone with the flow and all the movies that I have done, just happened.

Fashion is a part of filmdom, is it just a necessity or something that’s part of you?

Being a designer, I have this huge passion for fashion I did my fashion designing from Vogue Institute of Fashion Designing, Bangalore before I started acting. I am quite crazy about clothes.

Modeling just happened in my life. (On her opinions having fashion icons) I don’t believe in having one role model per se. I think it’s about following a sense of style that I feel good and comfortable in. I never stuck to one person. I have always been open to a variety of things, and I keep experimenting. That is how my style sense goes. I have always believed in looking up to people. I think there is so much to learn from different kinds of people because of their individual qualities. But, I am very fond of Audrey Hepburn.

When it comes to accessorizing, what’s your essential?

I am mad about diamonds. I can live without eating, but not without wearing diamonds. It comes from the Sindhi blood. You can see me wearing diamonds every day.  (I later asked her about her style staples and opinions on brands)Yes, I am brand specific.  I don’t mind wearing things that aren’t branded,as long  it looks good. It is the confidence that matters when you wear something.

Manjula Sasidharan had a very sad love story in 1983 where her wedding did not happen the way she wanted. Do you have any dream wedding plans?

(She chuckles) I want to run away and get married! It is one of my major desires. I still tell my parents that when I reach the age of wanting to get married, I am going to make it a point to run away, come back and then celebrate with them. Of course, this is with the guy my family knows. When I tell this to my parents, they just laugh it off. I wish I had strict parents who would get shocked about me running away and getting married. (After our laugh settles down, she continues) When I get married, I will have to obviously take inputs from my fiancé. I would like to have a contemporary touch and still have some functions that are totally desi.

So apart from a runaway wedding, who would be the perfect designer to put together your ensemble?

My favorite designers are Manish Malhotra, Falguni and Shane Peacock. I love their collection. These designers know how to make a woman look like a bride. With the kind of detailing they put into their costumes, they do not go overly traditional, but strike a balance for today’s Indian Bride. Their costumes have the proper Indian touch, and it’s a dream to be fitted in their costumes for a wedding.

If it was to be a filmy and truly a fairy tale wedding, which movie has the best wedding?

Diwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge. The movie has such a wonderful story; any girl would love to be in her role. (To get a little filmy, I asked her to quote a dialogue)

What kind of food would you like on your wedding?

I am Biryani lover. It depends on the kind of people whom I would be calling in. I would let my family take a call on the food. But on my list, biryani has to be there!

Your dream wedding car.

Maybe a Rolls Royce!

The song you would want to play when you walk down aisle.

The perfect song that I want to listen to  while I walk down the aisle would be Taylor Swift’s Love Story, especially the last stanza.

A romantic gesture you would like at the wedding.

One of my all time favorites is Hero by Enrique. I would like it if the guy sings for me.

The brands that are must-haves in your wardrobe

Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and Chanel are my top favorites.