Nimisha Sajayan couldn’t have asked for a better debut than in Thondi Muthal (or Thondimuthalam Driksakshiyum as it’s released in India).
Sajayan’s eye-opening moment came at a screening of her film, when someone from the audience endorsed a romantic dialogue with an animated response that set off the whole cinema in response.
For the Mumbai-bred Sajayan, it was an unbelievable moment. She had gone through three auditions before clinching the role of Srija. She dropped out of college soon after she bagged the part.
Compliments have been pouring after the release of the film in India. Sajayan’s realistic portrayal of Srija has won her fans. She says people from the industry have called to congratulate her, and this self-confessed Manju Warrier fan is living her dream.
She admits though, that her acting dreams go back to the days of watching Madhuri Dixit’s films.
Last year, while watching Maheshinte Prathikaaram little did she know then that her moment of glory was merely a year away. So when she heard that she had bagged a Fahad Faasil film, she was over the moon. She said: “Obviously I was excited. He is a complete professional and came up with tips to improvise my role and acting.”
Giving all the credit to director Dileesh Pothan for her performance, Sajayan continues: “Pothan ettan [brother] told me to connect with the character of Srija and behave like her. He gave me ample freedom to explore her.”
And, co-star Suraj Venjaramoodu who plays Prasad, her onscreen husband, made her feel comfortable as well.
Having grown up in Mumbai, she had to work on her accent first. She also visited Thavanakadavu, where the story is initially placed to observe the mannerisms and style of women there.
Today Sajayan is a star, indulging her fans with selfies. Her next film, Eeda, directed by editor-turned-director Ajith Kumar, is ready for release. It’s a love story in which she is paired opposite Shane Nigam.
A black belt Taekwondo holder Sajayan looks forward to some performance-oriented roles.
