Nithya Menen: ‘I’m glad it was Thiruchitrambalam that got me the National Award’ 

So, you weren’t following the awards announcement?

Not at all. Honestly, I didn’t know they were announcing the National Awards. It might sound unusual, but I actually live under a rock. I like to be cut off from the bustle. I didn’t expect it at all. 

But since the announcement, there has been an immense outpouring of love for Shobana, and you too… 

Oh my goodness, it was overwhelming. Do so many people have my number? Do this many people care about me? Do this many people care about me winning the award? What truly was a blessing was the genuineness in their wishes. The win felt personal to a lot of people, and they are celebrating it like it is their own win. Isn’t that such a blessed place to be put in? 

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But Shobana isn’t exactly a role that would traditionally be considered a “National Award-winning performance”… 

I’m glad this conversation is finally happening. I feel satiated with the fact that Thiruchitrambalam is the film that got me this award. The thing is I always want to do films that make me happy while I am doing it, and make others happy while watching it. I believe there is more merit in making another person smile or be happy than trying, in a very self-centred way, to do a role in the hope that it will be validated with an award.

Dhanush and Nithya Menen from Thiruchitrambalam

This is a constant debate that never actually dies down, right? 

But tell me, why can’t people see a light-hearted film and award the writing, the direction, the acting, etc… Take, for instance, a comedy film. It isn’t easy to write or act in that genre of films. But why is it ignored for the awards just because it is not dramatic. This win for Thiruchitrambalam and Shobana proves that awards aren’t given just for dramatic roles. You shouldn’t have to be in prosthetics to win an award. There is a kind of mongering towards doing certain types of dramatic roles. I come from a different place. I want to do roles and stories that makes the world a better place. I believe it is a nicer place to come from. 

Despite this being the primary driving factor in your choice of roles, you’ve exhibited a wide range in your recent works. 

I think everyone gets saturated with formulaic stuff. Not everyone wants to watch the same kind of things, right? You need to cater to all demographics. There are people who want to watch calmer and softer things that entertain them without having to flinch. And there is a lot more that I can do in this space too, right? I am more than happy to do such films because there are enough and more people doing the other things anyway. 

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Going forward, do you think a recognition like this on the national scale will define the work you do? 

I don’t think so. I am not an actor in the formative stage of my career. By now, the filmmakers and the audience know the kind of work I do. Also, the films and the team I choose to work will not change because I won a National Award. Honestly, the award will just add to whatever already is, but it won’t define me.