Known for her fearless approach to storytelling, Nyrraa M Banerji, delves into her latest gripping project, Checkmate, her creative process and the lessons she’s learned along the way in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer. With an exciting array of roles under her belt and more in the pipeline, she continues to redefine what it means to be a multifaceted artist in today’s dynamic world of entertainment
Tejal Sinha
Nyrraa M Banerji is a force to reckon with in the world of entertainment, blending beauty, talent and an undeniable spark that sets her apart. From her beginnings in South Indian cinema to her impactful roles on television and gripping performances in web series, she has fearlessly explored every facet of storytelling. Her career is a testament to her versatility and bold choices, effortlessly stepping into roles that challenge conventions and captivate audiences. She has once again mesmerised viewers with her thrilling new series Checkmate.
In an engaging conversation with The Pioneer, she opens up about her journey, her approach to acting and the intriguing projects on the horizon.
Reflecting on her evolution as an artist, Nyrraa credits her diverse experiences for shaping her both personally and professionally. “Transitioning from films to television and reality shows has opened up my creative horizons. It has helped me explore new facets of my personality,” she shares.
Interestingly, reality shows, particularly Bigg Boss, marked an important yet challenging chapter in her career. “I’ve never been part of a reality show before, and honestly, it tested me in ways I didn’t expect. As the daughter of a naval officer, I have an analytical mindset. I study patterns, look for facts and present my arguments with precision. This analytical nature made it hard for me to adapt to the unpredictable and chaotic environment of a show like Bigg Boss.”
Although her journey on Bigg Boss was short-lived, it left a lasting impact. “It gave me the strength to be constantly alert and self-aware. Now, apart from analyzing others, I focus on self-analysis-how I’m feeling, thinking, and reacting. That level of internalization has become part of my daily routine.”
From starting her career in South Indian films to Bollywood, web series, and television, the Khatron Ke Khiladi fame has created a strong and diverse fan base. “Each medium has its own unique style of working and preparation. Exploring them has not only given me immense confidence but also taught me to adapt and evolve as an actor,” she notes.
After taking a two-year sabbatical following personal losses, she ventured into television, which further solidified her presence. “It allowed me to reach a wider audience, from South Indian cinema enthusiasts to web series fans and television viewers,” she says.
Nyrraa is currently gearing up for her new web series, Checkmate, produced by Shavuntan Telefilms. “I share a special bond with the production house, and I trust their creative vision completely. Whenever they approach me with a project, I know it’s going to be remarkable,” she says.
Speaking about the show, she reveals, “Checkmate follows the journey of a simple girl who grows up in a toxic, unloving family environment. After enduring years of abuse, she snaps and transforms into a serial killer. Despite her dark path, the story beautifully explores her emotional struggles, her desire for love, and how life keeps bringing her back to square one.”
The character’s complexity intrigued Nyrraa. “She’s not entirely a hero or a villain. She has a nurturing, feminine side, especially in her love for children, which is her safe space. But life’s circumstances push her into actions she doesn’t wish to take.”
Nyrraa’s preparation for Checkmate involved immersing herself completely in the character’s emotional world. “I didn’t do specific homework for the role. Instead, I read the script repeatedly until I started feeling the character’s emotions as my own. Only when you genuinely feel the character can you bring it to life on screen,” she explains.
As an actor with significant experience, Nyrraa also contributed her ideas to enhance her role. “The creative team and I share a great rapport. We’re usually on the same page when it comes to the vision for the character. That synergy allows us to collaborate seamlessly. There were many moments during the shoot where I improvised, and the team loved it. Those spontaneous additions often brought out the best in the scenes,” she shares enthusiastically.
Despite the intensity of the role, she made sure to disconnect from the character after the shoot. “I’m very particular about leaving my character behind once the camera stops rolling. It’s important to maintain that balance and not let the emotions spill over into real life.”
While Checkmate delves into the darker aspects of human emotions, Nyrraa found it relatable in some ways. “We all have moments when life feels unfair, and we face betrayal from people or circumstances. I tapped into those personal feelings to portray my character’s emotional journey,” she says.
However, she also emphasizes that she didn’t need to draw directly from her life. “It wasn’t about mimicking my experiences but channeling the emotional essence of those moments. That’s the beauty of acting – you use your feelings as a medium to tell someone else’s story.”
With an impressive body of work, Nyrraa admits to being selective about her projects. “I’m very particular about the roles I choose. I strive to avoid repetition and ensure that each character I portray brings something unique to the table. Most of my roles have been vibrant, bubbly, and chirpy, but Checkmate is a significant departure from that,” she explains.
The actress also shared her excitement about an upcoming Netflix series. “It’s entirely different from anything I’ve done before. I’m in a completely deglamorized look, with no makeup and a very natural appearance. I can’t reveal much right now, but I can promise it’s something to look forward to.”
Looking ahead, Nyrraa is eager to strike a balance between different types of roles. “I want to alternate between playing simple, grounded characters – like a doctor or a lawyer – and more glamorous, positive lead roles. I think it’s important to explore both sides of my personality as an actor. While I’m often approached for glamorous roles, I also want to showcase my genuine, unfiltered self on screen,” she reveals.
Beyond her acting career, Nyrraa’s journey is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and creative spirit. As she continues to explore diverse roles and mediums, her dedication to storytelling remains unwavering.
With Checkmate set to premiere and exciting projects in the pipeline, Nyrraa is undoubtedly a name to watch out for. As she puts it, “I’m here to create, to inspire, and to keep evolving – not just as an actor but as a person.”
Her words and work reflect the true essence of a multifaceted artist, and her fans can eagerly anticipate what’s next in her ever-evolving career.
