With two major releases lined up this year, Niddhi Agerwal is all set to make 2025 her biggest year yet. Starring opposite Telugu cinema legends Pawan Kalyan in Hari Hara Veera Mallu and Prabhas in The Raja Saab, the actress dives into larger-than-life roles that demand intense prep, both physically and emotionally, her journey, her admiration for the stars and more
Suresh Kavirayani
sureshkavirayani@gmail.com
This year is turning out to be a milestone for actress Nidhhi Agerwal, who is headlining two massive projects — Hari Hara Veera Mallu opposite Pawan Kalyan and The Raja Saab with Prabhas. While Hari Hara Veera Mallu is set to hit the screens on July 24, The Raja Saab will follow later.
But for now, Nidhhi is visibly excited about the release of Hari Hara Veera Mallu, a period action drama where she plays a regal queen. “Finally, the film is releasing and I’m crossing my fingers,” she shares. “It’s been a long journey and a big relief.”
Her look in the film is dramatically different from her earlier roles. “Aishwarya is the stylist and she did extensive research for the costumes and jewellery. I play the character of Panchami and getting into that look every day took nearly two hours.”
She credits the direction and costume teams for handling the visual transformation with great precision. “I wore real jewellery, which was very heavy and sometimes stressful to carry. One person from the jeweller’s shop was always around me, just to ensure everything was in place,” she laughs.
Known for her dancing skills, Nidhhi already had a foundation in Kathak. But for HHVM, she went a step further. “I learnt Bharatanatyam specifically for this film. I also trained in horse riding. It really pushed me as a performer in every way,” she says. She recalls the first day on set vividly: “The song Kollagottinadhiro was shot on a real set and it was my first day. The scale and seriousness of the film were evident right from that moment.”
Nidhhi reveals she did not sign any other project during the filming of HHVM because she was bound by contract. “The film took several years, which was difficult and challenging. At times, people would tell me the film might not happen. Those comments would worry me. But finally, it’s releasing and that’s all that matters now.”
She adds, “The contract is only for the first part, but I will be part of the second part too, since the story continues.” Speaking about sharing screen space with the Power Star, Nidhhi says: “I’ve seen his films and I know his swag, his acting and his massive fandom. When I landed at the airport, many people told me, ‘You’re doing a film with Pawan Kalyan, so do it well.’ I was very conscious and prepared myself mentally.”
Describing their on-set conversations, she adds: “Pawan Kalyan sir is a very literary kind of person. We had a lot of interactions between shots. He spoke passionately about poetry and Telugu literature. I feel privileged to work with him. His stardom is unmatched. Doing a hundred films is equal to doing just one with him.”
Originally brought on board by director Krish Jagarlamudi, Nidhhi expresses her gratitude: “Krish sir was the one who chose me for this role and I’m always thankful. Later, Jyothi Krishna took over. Both are very special in their own way. Jyothi sir is very updated with modern technology and his approach is very current.”
She also shares how Krish gave her visual references for the character: “He sent me some black-and-white photos. I didn’t have to do much in terms of preparation for the look — the direction department had already done such detailed work.”
Nidhhi also stars opposite Prabhas in the upcoming romantic entertainer The Raja Saab. Comparing her two leading men, she shares: “The bigger the star, the more humble they are. Pawan Kalyan sir has an aura that fills the entire set. Everyone becomes alert the moment he arrives. His eyes are very powerful. He grasps dialogues instantly and slips into character with ease.”
On Prabhas, she says: “Prabhas sir is the nicest person I’ve ever met — not just in the industry, but in my life. He’s the sweetest person and truly a darling. He has so many dialogues in the film and his comic timing is great. Shooting The Raja Saab has been very fun. Compared to Hari Hara Veera Mallu, it feels like a light-hearted ride.”
Asked whether she signed HHVM because of Pawan Kalyan, she clarifies: “Krish sir narrated the story to me, but even before that, I had decided in my heart to do the film. Pawan Kalyan sir is such a big star and I feel lucky to be opposite him. Also, Rathnam sir is a legendary producer and has given so many blockbusters. I play a queen — so I thought, why should I say no?”
With promotions in full swing, Nidhhi is preparing for a busy few weeks ahead. “Right now, I’m focusing on promotions and waiting for the release. This year is going to be very special for me. Two of my biggest films are hitting the screens,” she signs off, radiating hope and confidence.
