Q 1: Did you like acting since childhood?
A: As a child, acting wasn’t exactly my first career choice, you know. I mean, I was really fascinated by movies and had a strong connection to them, especially because my dad directed and produced a Kannada movie in the early nineties. So, I got a little taste of the industry through that. But apart from that, there wasn’t much, you know? I was quite active in extracurricular activities during my college and school days, but I never really thought of acting as a potential career for myself. If anything, I saw myself more as a singer or even an IAS officer when I was a child. It’s funny how destiny had something else planned for me, though.
Q 2: When did you decide that you wanted to become an actress?
A: In 2017, to be honest, that’s when I made the decision to become an actress, right after my pageant experience. You see, I was actually working as an engineer back then. But when I won the Miss India Super talent title in 2017, everything changed. I had the incredible opportunity to represent India in South Korea for the Miss Super Talent of the World 2017 competition. The thing is, I couldn’t get leave from work for 22 days to participate, so I had to resign from my job to fly to South Korea. When I returned, I found myself without a job. However, during that same time, a few movie opportunities came my way, and I thought, why not explore where this path takes me?
Q 3: Tell me a little about yourself.
A: To give you a little background about myself, I come from Mangalore. My parents also live there. My dad is an interior designer and is involved in business, while my mom is a homemaker. I have a brother who is an architect and currently resides in Italy. So, that’s my family. As for my education, I completed my schooling at Saint Agnes Girls High School in Mangalore. For my 11th and 12th grades, I attended Canara PU College. After that, I pursued engineering at Mangalore Institute of Technology and Engineering. Alongside my studies, I was also preparing for the civil services exam. To support myself financially, I took up a job in Bangalore. And then, unexpectedly, the pageant opportunity came along, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Q 4: Did you take up any training in acting?
A: To be honest, I didn’t have any formal training in acting before entering the industry. However, I did participate in workshops prior to each movie shoot to prepare myself. Now, coming to when I actually started acting and what inspired me to pursue it, as I mentioned earlier, my acting career took off in 2017. It all began when I was offered a few opportunities after my pageant experience. Those opportunities opened the doors for me to embark on this exciting journey in the world of acting.
Q 5: What projects are you currently involved in?
A: Speaking of what I’m currently involved in, I’m actively pursuing my career in the movie industry. My debut in the film industry happened with the movie “Ramadhanya.” Following that, I had a release titled “Abbara” alongside Prajwal Devraj. Another project I worked on was “Mr. Bachelor” with the talented Krishna, which also gained attention. However, it was the song “Shake it Pushpavati” from the movie “Kranti” with Darshan sir that truly brought me into the limelight. Excitingly, I have another movie in the pipeline with the esteemed Upendra sir, called “Trishulam.” I’m eagerly anticipating its release and looking forward to hearing your feedback. Additionally, I hope to sign more projects in the near future, and I’ll be sure to keep you updated on those developments.
Q 6: Who is your inspiration?
A: When it comes to my sources of inspiration, or rather, my favorites, I have always held Shri Devi ma’am and Mala Shri ma’am in high regard. As a child, I watched their movies and looked up to them for their exceptional acting skills and the diverse roles they portrayed. I also admired the numerous opportunities they received and how brilliantly they brought their characters to life on the screen. Their versatility as actors was truly commendable, making them the epitome of talent in their times. My aspiration is to follow a similar career path as them, or at the very least, to connect with audiences and leave a lasting impact, just as they did.
Q 7: How is your experience working in the industry so far?
A: My journey in the industry has been a mixture of blissful moments and numerous challenges. Like any other profession, facing hurdles is a part and parcel of the job. However, I must admit that the movie industry, being familiar with it from a closer perspective, has been particularly challenging for me. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on my career, causing a delay of two crucial years. As a newcomer in the industry, that period was supposed to be a time of many releases for me. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, many of my projects were postponed, and my progress in the movie industry became slower than anticipated.
One of the toughest aspects of this line of work, in my experience, is the constant uncertainty. The movie industry is known for its unpredictability. When there is work, there is an abundance of opportunities. However, during periods without projects, there is an absolute dearth of work. This aspect became even more evident during the COVID-19 crisis. At times, I found myself regretting my decision to quit my job as an engineer. At least then, I had a stable salary that would arrive at the end of each month. But during the pandemic, with no films in hand and all the money spent, it was an incredibly tough and challenging phase for me.
Despite the difficulties, I remain resilient and determined to overcome these obstacles in my career. I believe that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and I’m committed to making my mark in the movie industry, no matter how uncertain the path may be.
Q 8: The entertainment industry is said to be full of stress and pressure; what do you do to tackle the pressure that comes with your work? Tell us about the toughest part of your work? And why do you think it is tough for you?
A: Indeed, the entertainment industry, like any other industry, is filled with stress and pressure. However, it’s important to recognize that stress is prevalent across various sectors nowadays. Personally, I have found my ultimate stress buster, and that is working out. Engaging in physical exercise keeps me energized and alive. Additionally, meditation plays a significant role in helping me find inner peace, which can be elusive at times. It serves as a valuable tool to combat the pressures I face. I strongly believe that incorporating regular physical exercise and meditation into our lives can greatly assist in managing stress and pressure. It is something I would encourage everyone to consider and practice.
Q 9: Do you still get nervous going in front of the camera?
A: When it comes to facing the camera, I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, but there is definitely a tinge of anxiety that accompanies the experience. The reason behind this is that every time I step in front of the camera, I’m taking on a new role, facing new challenges on set. Each day brings a fresh and exciting opportunity to portray different characters in various movies. However, this ever-changing landscape also brings forth a fair share of anxiety. So, yes, I do feel a sense of anxiousness when standing in front of the camera, ready to dive into a new role.
Q 10: How does it feel to be so famous at such a tender age? What would you like to say to your fans?
A: Being famous is indeed a blessing that I have always yearned for in my career. It took me some time to enter the industry, with my first movie released in 2018. Finally, experiencing a taste of fame feels like a true gift from God. When I embarked on this journey, I always envisioned having a prefix before my name—a title given by the audience and viewers who shower their love upon me. And now, I have earned the prefix of “Pushpavati Nimika Ratnakar,” which is undeniably a result of God’s blessings and the prayers of many people.
I owe everything to my fans. They are the reason behind my success today. Even when my movies were released, I was just a nobody. But it was that one song, “Pushpavati,” that changed my life. It brought me recognition and fame. I attribute all of this to my fans, the celebrities who supported me, and especially to the D-Boss community. Without their love and support, I would still be unknown. To this day, I am overwhelmed by the love they show me. They call me Karnataka’s new crush, darling, baby and express their immense affection. It fills my heart with joy and contentment.
However, along with this fame, I feel a great responsibility. The love I receive from my fans motivates me to give my best and provide them with enough entertainment. I strive to keep them engaged and satisfied. I sincerely hope that God blesses me with more opportunities to entertain them and continue to bring happiness into their lives.
