Nazriya: Im now clear on what kind of films I want to be part of – Times of India

Cute, bubbly, girl next door. No longer. Thats probably what Nazriya Nazim proved with her latest outing as the alcohol-swilling, weed-smoking Esther Lopez in Anwar Rasheed's Trance. It was a breakaway from the roles that she is best known for in films such as Ohm Shanti Oshana and Bangalore Days. In a candid chat, the actress talks to us about her biggest worry playing Esther, working with husband Fahadh and if she misses the process of doing back-to-back films. Esther Lopez is one of the bravest characters that you have played. What about the role appealed to you?Everything that you see onscreen. I think thats what appealed to me to do this. And I havent played such a character before. So, there was that curiosity on how the role would turn out if I play it. I think thats also one of the reasons why Anbukka (Anwar Rasheed) wanted me to do the role. Anbukka took the risk and it wasnt easy for him. Frankly, its also the first time that someone has approached me to do a character like this. Its not like I took a decision that I wont play such roles. When you started out and especially when you were busy in 2013 and 2014, did you at any point wish that the audiences perception of you would change, because the type of roles that you were doing were similar?The time I was mostly active was during those two years, and back then I was really busy to entertain such thoughts. And there was so much love from the audience for my roles, and I didnt go through that phase where I had to think about that.

What preparations helped you play Esther better?More than the character, it was her habits that I was more worried about. I wanted to get those right before we started shoot be it smoking or drinking. I didnt want to look like an actor who had no idea about these when she was playing a chain-smoker and an alcoholic. We had already decided on Esthers look, so I had to get that right too. But apart from these, there werent any other preparations. Everything else was done on the set.

The makers of Trance have been lauded for bravely attempting such a subject. As Fahadh was an integral part of the movie, did you two discuss the characters and the content before the shoot?Yes, at different points. Fahadh was involved in the film, much before I was approached to do a role. So, I was in the loop about the discussions and the story before I became part of the film. I always knew that feel of the movie and what they were trying to do with Trance, because obviously we live in the same house.

Everyone has been praising Fahadhs role as Viju Prasad/Joshua Carlton for the intensity he brought to the role. Is he involved with his characters even when he is not shooting?I think he is. He is totally with the film till it is over. He works on his character every day even after coming home. Trance, especially, had a lot of dialogues including Bible verses and he was completely involved in it.

How supportive has Fahadh been to your life and career?Being an actor, its kind of an inspiration to be around him. His dedication and hard work for each and every film pushes me too. He has always been supportive. There has never been a discussion on whether I should or shouldnt do films. There was a time after our wedding when I had lazy days and he would say, You should listen to scripts. Entha madiyaayo?

A lot of directors were part of Trance Anwar Rasheed, Amal Neerad, Gautham Vasudev Menon and Dileesh Pothan. What was your major takeaway being part of a movie like this?Being there and seeing the process. It was unlike any other film I did. To be part of a movie with such great names, irrespective of the length of the character, was a big deal.

Do you seek out roles now, or do you wait for good characters to find you?I have been waiting for roles, thats how I have worked.

But do you miss that process of doing back-to-back films and to prepare for roles?I do, sometimes. But I am very clear on what kind of films I want to do and what characters I want to play. I have that clarity now.

Though there has been gaps between your acting assignments, you have been in the thick of things as a producer and singer. Compared to when you were at your busiest, how would you say that industry has changed?The biggest change would be social media. It has become crazy now. There are so many ways to put out your film and promote it. It has become easier and better, but at the same time you must be careful. Anything happening behind the scenes comes out instantly. We are also at a good space and amazing content is being made.