Popular Dubai RJ Nyla Usha (she’s on Malayalam station Hit 96.7) has made quick strides in the Malayalam film industry in the last year. Three films in succession is no joke for one who was enjoying her radio career and never aspired to work in films.
‘Punyalan Agarbattis’ is her second outing after her debut in ‘Kunjanathande Kada’ opposite Mammootty.
“It was like a ten days vacation,” says Usha in an email interview that she squeezed in between breaks on her radio show.
“I never felt like I was shooting for a movie, because the character is so much like me. Initially there were plans of me riding a scooter with the hero behind and I spent a day learning under an instructor, but later they realized that our lives were more important and so those scenes were shelved.”
“Life has indeed changed,” says Usha, adding, “My family is equally excited and all our myths of an acting career got washed away. The way you are treated at the sets is quite amazing. I think it’s quite a safe profession for women, if one is clear of her stand.”
Sharing her excitement are her listeners who often messaged her after watching her first film. “[The station] have been extremely supportive in terms of giving me breaks to do films.”
Usha has just wrapped Ashiq Abu’s upcoming film, ‘Gangster.’ She is paired opposite Mammootty again.
“I play a modern Muslim girl and will look completely different from my earlier two films,” said the RJ.
