RING OF ROMANCE

Even as Nazriya Nazim is making waves with the right kind of roles, her impending wedding to actor Fahadh Faasil has made her the talk of the town.

“She is magic,” says Fahadh Faasil about Nazriya Nazim. Their marriage in August 2014 has already sent her fans into a tizzy, as they speculate if she, like many Malayali actresses, will take a break from films or continue to shine in tinsel town. Nazriya has been on a roll ever since her debut in films as a child artiste in Blessy’s Palunku in 2006. She also hosted a popular show on television. However, it was a video version of the music album ‘Yuvhh’ that made her a household name. Although she made her debut as a heroine in the eminently forgettable Maad Dad last year, Neram catapulted her to instant stardom. The Tamil films Naiyaandi and Raja Rani followed. Her latest Malayalam film, Salalah Mobiles, in which she debuted as a singer, reached theatres yesterday. Om Shanthi Oshaana, with Nivin Pauly, her Neram co-star, will hit the screens soon.

In an exclusive interview with The Hindu Friday Review, Nazriya talks about her career. She also opens up on her upcoming marriage to Fahadh. Excerpts:

Last year was an eventful one for you

I think Neram gave me the right break. At that time, I felt that the film was experimental and risky, but the film’s success made people take note of me.

How was it to work in Salalah Mobiles?

It was wonderful playing my character Shahana, a simple girl from Kozhikode. I am working with Dulquer Salmaan for the first time. He is so down to earth and is an amazing co-star.

The transition from child artiste to heroine

Although I have not done too many films as a child artiste, the advantage is that you are familiar with the world of movies and it is easier to face the camera.

But the flipside is that the viewers have seen you growing up and the transformation from a child artiste to a heroine might not be accepted that easily. I did not experience such problems however, and so I consider myself lucky.

Are you relieved that you came out unscathed after the controversy of using a body-double without your knowledge in the Naiyaandi trailer?

I do not want to talk about that controversy as it is over by now. I feel that I did the right thing then. I went there to act and not for a skin show.

What is your role in director Anjali Menon's multi-starrer, the shooting of which is going on?

(Laughs) My character is that of a bubbly girl named Divya and you will see how important the role is when it comes on screen.

Your Facebook page boasts of more than 34 lakh 3.4 million followers

I love reading the comments and suggestions. It is in just a year’s time that I have reached where I am today. I am happy about it.

The announcement of your marriage to Fahadh has put you both in the limelight. Your plans?

Right now I am concentrating on finishing my projects. Fahadh has left it to me to decide whether I want to continue acting after our marriage. Our parents were the ones who suggested this match. They wanted us to decide whether or not to proceed. We started talking and fell in love. Now we have told them to go ahead with the wedding plans (smiles).