Actress and acclaimed Bharatanatyam exponent Navya Nair recently graced the stage in Chennai during the auspicious Margazhi season, performing at Kartik Fine Arts on December 30. In an exclusive conversation following her performance, she opened up about her multifaceted artistic journey, her prolonged absence from Tamil cinema, and shared her concerns regarding the modern challenges faced by artistes, including the proliferation of AI-generated images.
A Homecoming in Chennai's Margazhi Season
Expressing her joy at performing in the cultural capital during its most celebrated music and dance festival, Navya Nair stated that the experience felt profoundly special. She recalled her previous performances in the city, which include a show at the Raj Bhavan for the Navaratri kolu festival. That opportunity, she revealed, came from the Honourable Governor after he witnessed her performance at an event commemorating the birth anniversary of the legendary M Balamuralikrishna. "Both performances are special to me, as I danced in front of eminent people who value art," she reflected.
When discussing her formative influences in dance, Navya credited her guru, the renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Priyadarsini Govind, as a monumental figure in her life. She described her guru as an "encyclopedia of persona and grace," placing her next only to her mother. "I can speak to her about anything, not just dance," Navya shared, highlighting the deep personal bond they share.
The Tamil Cinema Hiatus and Openness to Return
Navya Nair's last Tamil film was 'Rasikkum Seemane' in 2010, leading many to wonder about her prolonged break from the industry. The actress clarified that this absence was "purely coincidental" and not a deliberate move. "I haven't been getting any scripts from Tamil, but someone did reach out to me recently," she disclosed. Emphasizing her continued affection for the Tamil film industry, she affirmed, "I like the Tamil film industry, and I'm open to working here if I get good scripts."
Looking back at her actual Tamil debut in 'Azhagiya Theeye' (2004), Navya revealed she had received offers even earlier but couldn't accept them due to date clashes. She was thoroughly impressed by director Radha Mohan when he approached her for the film and fondly remembered her co-star Prasanna as being down-to-earth and pleasant to work with.
Navigating Modern Film Industry and Social Media
Having last appeared in the Malayalam film 'Paathirathri' (2025), Navya is currently in no rush to sign new projects and is carefully listening to scripts. She expressed a strong desire to experiment with her roles moving forward. "I'm always open to doing out-of-the-box characters. I sometimes feel that I should play some crooked and cruel characters," she said, hinting at a possible shift in her on-screen persona.
Reflecting on the seismic shifts in the film landscape since her peak in the 2000s, she pointed to the double-edged sword of social media. "The difference between then and now is that social media is instantly flooded with opinions after a film's release. So, the negativity can hit you harder," she observed. She contrasted this with the past, where an actor would typically have moved on to another set by the time reviews poured in. Today, the constant cycle of interviews and online interactions makes the process more intense. However, she remains philosophical: "That said, if a film is meant to work, it'll work."
On the topic of actors being judged for their off-screen statements, Navya firmly believes an artiste's work should be the primary focus. "What truly matters is whether an actor can pull off a character. Art is beyond the statements and personality of an individual," she asserted. Adopting a cautious personal policy, she added, "I don't comment about anything that's out of my control. My statements are always about my personal experiences and human emotions."
On Drishya Franchise and the AI Threat to Artistes
Navya Nair played a pivotal role in the Kannada remakes of the blockbuster 'Drishyam' franchise—'Drishya' and 'Drishya 2'—portraying the character of Meena. She highlighted that even remaking a proven success comes with no guarantees, as audience tastes vary across linguistic markets. When queried about the possibility of a 'Drishya 3', she responded, "I don't know whether they are making the film. I haven't received any calls."
The interview also touched upon a growing and disturbing trend in the digital age: the circulation of AI-generated images of artistes. While Navya did not delve into detailed personal anecdotes on this in the excerpts, her mention of it as a "growing concern" underscores the new vulnerabilities public figures face. This issue represents a modern challenge where technology can be misused to create false, potentially damaging content, adding another layer of complexity to life in the public eye.
Through the conversation, Navya Nair emerged as an artiste deeply connected to her roots in classical dance, thoughtfully navigating her cinematic journey, and consciously adapting to the evolving dynamics of fame and technology in the entertainment industry.
