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My acting career will now be like before and after Kranti, says Nimika Ratnakar

The actor's dance number "Pushpavathi" in Darshan’s upcoming film "Kranti" is going viral, with over 13 million views so far.

Shashiprasad S M

Published Jan 12, 2023 | 4:33 PM ⚊ Updated Jan 13, 2023 | 11:03 AM

Nimikar Ratnakar pushpavathi

Actor Nimikar Ratnakar became an overnight sensation in Sandalwood with her dance number 'Pushpavathi' in upcoming movie 'Kranti'. (Supplied)

Model-turned-actress Nimika Ratnakar has been waiting for the right opportunity that would boost her acting career.

A native of Mangaluru, she made her acting debut in Ramaa Dhanya in 2018.

“In my debut film, I essayed a character with three different shades. The character had a mythological touch to it. Though it was praised, I was waiting for bigger opportunities,” Nimika told South First.

She essayed a couple of noteworthy roles, like that in Abbara, alongside Prajwal Devaraj. “I have been enjoying a moderate journey in Sandalwood. But then, all this changed with just one call,” she said.

The offer was for a dance number in Challenging Star Darshan’s forthcoming film Kranti, and it changed things overnight for the actor.

“I was travelling to places for work when the Covid-19 case numbers started coming down and the restrictions were being relaxed in phases. One of my contacts called me several times to inform me that a big production house was looking for an actress for its upcoming film. I had no idea that it was for Kranti,” she recalled.

Nimika auditioned for the role; she had no clue that it was for a special cameo appearance, though.

“But soon, I was told to report to the sets of Kranti,” she said with excitement.

“Pushpavathi” is composed by music director V Harikrishna. Filmmaker-lyricist Yogaraj Bhat penned its lyrics. Harikrishna, who is also directing Kranti, lent his voice along with Aishwarya Rangarajan.

Soon after the song was released, it went viral on various platforms. It clocked has 13 million views on the official YouTube channel so far. And that is besides all the Reels being made based on the dance number.

With “Pushpavathi” receiving a warm response from the Kannada audience, it has been an unbelievable experience for the actor.

“Now, my career will be categorised as before Kranti and after Kranti,” Nimika smiled.

The actor said she was a nobody until some time ago. But everyone started recognising her and her work ever since she became a part of Darshan’s Kranti.

On co-star Darshan

While many are not aware of Darshan’s dancing skills, Nimika said Ganesh — who choreographed the “Pushpavathi” song — would explain the moves on the sets and Darshan would get the hang of it in no time.

“Initially, I was just processing the fact that I was dancing alongside Darshan sir. But it turned into a memorable, learning experience for me. He would patiently stand for photos with all 300-400 dancers, that too after finishing the work,” she pointed out.

Nimika Ratnakar recollected a recent incident where Darshan’s fans came to watch her movie Mr Bachelor.

“It was overwhelming for me. One of the fans gave me a packet of specially-cooked food and referred to me as ‘Pushpavathi’,” she said.

“All these days, the audiences were watching my movies only because their favourite actor was part of it. But now, they are watching my film because I’m a part of it,” the actor exclaimed.

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