Telugu actress Niharika Konidela has recently shared insights about her journey in the film industry and her independence as a producer. Known as the daughter of mega-star Nagendra Babu, Niharika has made waves by establishing her own production house, Pink Elephant Pictures, and producing her first film, ‘Committee Kurrallo,’ which turned out to be a massive success, garnering both impressive box office collections and numerous awards.
After the success of her debut film, Niharika took a brief hiatus before launching her second project, a horror-comedy titled ‘Rakas.’ Directed by Manas Sharma, this film features actors Sandeep and Nayan Saari in lead roles and is set to be released on April 3. The teaser for ‘Rakas’ was unveiled on Sunday during a media event where Niharika revealed several interesting details about her filmmaking journey.
One of the standout revelations was Niharika’s declaration that she has not sought any financial assistance from her father for her productions. She stated, “I stopped taking money from my dad since I was 20, after I hosted the show Dhee Junior in 2015. He occasionally gives me pocket money out of love, but I have never relied on him for the funds to produce movies.” This independence marks a significant milestone for the actress as she navigates her career in a highly competitive industry.
During the media interaction, Niharika was also asked why she has not acted in her own films. She responded thoughtfully, saying, “When someone approaches me with a story, I do not put conditions that I must be cast as the lead. I listen to the story first and select the actors who fit the narrative. Unless I am genuinely interested in the role, I do not insist on being the heroine. So far, I haven’t come across any stories that appealed to me enough to take on a lead role.”
Another reporter inquired about her family’s reaction when she decided to enter the film industry. Niharika shared that her initial aspiration was to become a doctor, a plan that was met with resistance from her family. “When I told them I wanted to be a doctor, they advised against it, explaining the pros and cons. Some relatives who are doctors also discouraged me, saying it would be challenging. Later, when I expressed my interest in acting, they again detailed the ups and downs of the industry. Ultimately, they told me to follow my heart,” she explained.
Niharika concluded that, after weighing her options, she found acting to be a more accessible path than pursuing a medical career. “It seemed easier to become an actor than a doctor, and that’s why I decided to step into the film world,” she said, emphasizing her passion for filmmaking and acting. Her journey reflects not only her determination but also her desire to carve out her own identity within the cinematic landscape of Tollywood.
