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| "I feel people think with a very narrow mindset in the film industry. Things are very competitive. But I don't think we should let this deter us from doing our thing." |
1. From science to cinema—tell us about your journey from being a researcher to becoming an actress. What inspired this transition?
I've had a deeply intellectual journey through my academic and medical pursuits, yet simultaneously, I've lived a paradoxical life where arts, cinema, and dance have always been integral to me. I'm a walking, talking blend of contradictions—that's what makes my personality so diverse. In fact, I’d love to see someone explore this complexity on the big screen.
I wouldn’t call it a transition because I’ve always been an artist at heart. Dance and music have been a part of my soul for as long as I can remember. If I had to name an early influence, perhaps O.P. Nayyar’s music played a role in shaping my artistic inclinations during my youth. But ultimately, this duality is simply who I am.
2. Winning Miss India UK and being the runner-up at Miss India Worldwide must have been defining moments. How did these pageants shape your career and personal growth?
Winning these titles expanded my network and visibility. I became more well-connected, and my popularity helped open doors in the world of glamour and entertainment. In an industry where recognition plays a crucial role, these pageants served as a stepping stone for my cinematic career.
Winning these titles expanded my network and visibility. I became more well-connected, and my popularity helped open doors in the world of glamour and entertainment. In an industry where recognition plays a crucial role, these pageants served as a stepping stone for my cinematic career.
3. As an honorary cultural and arts ambassador between Luxembourg and India, what does this role entail, and how do you bridge the two cultures?
I am always available to assist both the Luxembourg and Indian delegations whenever needed. My unique background—being of both Luxembourgish and Indian heritage—sets me apart. I also don’t know of any other Indian actresses who speak Luxembourgish, French, German, Spanish, English, and Hindi.
This makes me a strong cultural ambassador for Luxembourg and vice versa. Luxembourg is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, offering many valuable lessons, while India is an emerging global powerhouse. There is immense potential for bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and artistic collaborations between the two countries.
I am always available to assist both the Luxembourg and Indian delegations whenever needed. My unique background—being of both Luxembourgish and Indian heritage—sets me apart. I also don’t know of any other Indian actresses who speak Luxembourgish, French, German, Spanish, English, and Hindi.
This makes me a strong cultural ambassador for Luxembourg and vice versa. Luxembourg is one of the wealthiest nations in the world, offering many valuable lessons, while India is an emerging global powerhouse. There is immense potential for bilateral trade, cultural exchange, and artistic collaborations between the two countries.
4. You are trained in Western classical music and ballet—do these disciplines influence your approach to acting and performance?
Absolutely! I think musically. Music helps me focus on the nuances of acting, as certain melodies and rhythms can enhance the emotional depth of a performance.
I am also excited to announce that I’m launching my first music video under my production banner, Raizada Entertainments. The promo for the song will be released on February 14, 2025, just in time for Valentine’s season. I invite everyone to celebrate Innocent Love with us!
The music video, titled "Ishqbaazi," features 47 children in the lead. I’m incredibly excited about this project, and it’s especially meaningful because this year marked O.P. Nayyar’s 99th birth anniversary. Next year, we will be hosting a grand event to celebrate his 100th birth anniversary, and this music video is my tribute to his legacy.
Absolutely! I think musically. Music helps me focus on the nuances of acting, as certain melodies and rhythms can enhance the emotional depth of a performance.
I am also excited to announce that I’m launching my first music video under my production banner, Raizada Entertainments. The promo for the song will be released on February 14, 2025, just in time for Valentine’s season. I invite everyone to celebrate Innocent Love with us!
The music video, titled "Ishqbaazi," features 47 children in the lead. I’m incredibly excited about this project, and it’s especially meaningful because this year marked O.P. Nayyar’s 99th birth anniversary. Next year, we will be hosting a grand event to celebrate his 100th birth anniversary, and this music video is my tribute to his legacy.
5. Having worked across different industries and countries, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the entertainment world?
The industry can often be highly competitive and closed-minded. I feel that people tend to think within a limited framework, which can sometimes be frustrating.
Despite facing setbacks and being sidelined at times, I have never let that deter me. I believe in perseverance, and I always finish strong. My journey in the film industry has been slower than I would have liked, but I’ve learned to be patient. When my time comes—and it surely will—main palat doongi.
The industry can often be highly competitive and closed-minded. I feel that people tend to think within a limited framework, which can sometimes be frustrating.
Despite facing setbacks and being sidelined at times, I have never let that deter me. I believe in perseverance, and I always finish strong. My journey in the film industry has been slower than I would have liked, but I’ve learned to be patient. When my time comes—and it surely will—main palat doongi.
6. Bollywood is known for its evolving landscape. Where do you see the industry heading in terms of global appeal and storytelling?
I foresee more international collaborations in the future. I believe that European, British, French, and German film industries will increasingly merge with ours, leading to more cross-cultural productions.
Indian cinema has a deeply emotional storytelling style that resonates with audiences worldwide. Just look at how some of our films have performed exceptionally well in China! In the near future, I believe Indian films will gain even greater global recognition, releasing worldwide with universal appeal across genders, races, religions, and cultures.
I foresee more international collaborations in the future. I believe that European, British, French, and German film industries will increasingly merge with ours, leading to more cross-cultural productions.
Indian cinema has a deeply emotional storytelling style that resonates with audiences worldwide. Just look at how some of our films have performed exceptionally well in China! In the near future, I believe Indian films will gain even greater global recognition, releasing worldwide with universal appeal across genders, races, religions, and cultures.
7. If you could collaborate with any filmmaker, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to work with Vijay Maurya, Vikramaditya Motwane, and Chidambaram (director of Manjummel Boys).
If I could go back in time, collaborating with Guru Dutt would have been a dream. His cinematic vision was ahead of its time, and his films remain masterpieces of Indian cinema.
I would love to work with Vijay Maurya, Vikramaditya Motwane, and Chidambaram (director of Manjummel Boys).
If I could go back in time, collaborating with Guru Dutt would have been a dream. His cinematic vision was ahead of its time, and his films remain masterpieces of Indian cinema.
8. What’s one fun fact about you that people don’t usually know?
I hate the sound of bones cracking—it makes me nauseous! It’s like a horror scene for my ears.
Even though I love speed and action films, the sound effects of bones breaking make me shudder. I guess that’s one reason I could never have been an orthopedic surgeon!
I hate the sound of bones cracking—it makes me nauseous! It’s like a horror scene for my ears.
Even though I love speed and action films, the sound effects of bones breaking make me shudder. I guess that’s one reason I could never have been an orthopedic surgeon!
Bio :
Niharica Raizada is an accomplished actress, model, and healthcare professional whose remarkable journey embodies the intersection of medicine and the arts. Born with a passion for both science and performance, Niharica pursued her academic aspirations fervently. She completed her Master of Research (MRes) in Translational Medicine at the prestigious Imperial College London, where she honed her skills in bridging laboratory research with clinical applications.
Following her studies, Niharica took her expertise to Johns Hopkins University, a renowned institution known for its innovation in medical research. There, she focused on cardiology, delving into critical research that aimed to advance the understanding and treatment of heart diseases. Her work in stem cell research has contributed significantly to the field, showcasing her commitment to improving patient outcomes and pushing the boundaries of medical science.
Transitioning from a promising medical career to the world of acting, Niharica made her debut in Bengali cinema before gaining recognition in mainstream Indian films. Her notable appearances include acclaimed movies such as Masaan (2015) and Baby (2015). She further solidified her status in the industry with major roles in Total Dhamaal (2019) and Sooryavanshi (2021), where she impressively portrayed a significant role as an Inspector. Niharica's performance in IB71 (2023) was particularly noteworthy, earning her the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Indian Television Award for Best Actress. Her versatility as an actress is evident as she has worked in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Hindi, and Malayalam, showcasing her linguistic abilities and broadening her appeal across diverse audiences.
In addition to her acting career, Niharica has made substantial contributions to the medical field. She has actively performed heart surgeries and engaged in research to better understand cardiovascular issues, emphasizing her dedication to healthcare alongside her artistic endeavors. She is also a trained martial artist and a dancer with 12 years of experience in classical ballet, jazz, and Bharatanatyam, having performed on stages in Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, the UK, the US, Sri Lanka, and many parts of India.
Niharica Raizada's multifaceted career has garnered her various accolades, including being ranked among the Times 50 Most Desirable Women in India. Her ability to seamlessly blend her talents in medicine and the arts continues to inspire many, making her a remarkable figure in both domains.
On December 14, 2024, Niharica delivered an inspiring talk titled "The Unbreakable Spirit: The DNA of Never Giving Up" at a TEDx event held at Podar International School. Organized by Aahaan Shekhar, Nami Sanghani, Sargam Bijoor, and Assad Khatri, this talk highlighted her resilience and determination in pursuing her dreams, despite the challenges she faced.
Niharica has opened her own production house, Raizada Entertainments, and is set to release her first production, Ishqbaazi, featuring 46 kids, on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2025. This venture reflects her commitment to nurturing new talent and expanding her contributions to the film industry. Following this, she is set to embark on a significant new project—a feature film that will showcase India's deep-rooted patriotism through the unveiling of the Tiranga (the Indian national flag). This ambitious film will explore the history of how the Tiranga was developed and will be the next venture from Raizada Entertainments.
In addition to her film projects, she is working closely with the Rajasthan government to promote Rajasthan tourism worldwide, utilizing her multicultural background to bridge cultures and showcase the state's rich heritage.
At this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Niharica will represent her Rajasthani roots, reflecting her commitment to highlighting the diversity of Indian culture on an international platform. This follows her iconic representation of Maharashtra at Cannes last year, where she was proud to witness a Luxembourg-Indian co-production win the Grand Prix. This win held a personal significance for her, as it symbolized the beautiful synergy of her dual heritage in cinema.
In addition to her cinematic endeavors, Niharica is also making strides in the healthcare sector by opening a 70-bed super-specialized interventional radiology center in Bangalore. This state-of-the-art facility will combine medicine and technology in unprecedented ways, further advancing her commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery.
Niharica Raizada continues to be a trailblazer, inspiring others through her dedication to both the arts and medicine, and her journey is a testament to the power of pursuing one's passions with unwavering determination.
Interviewed by : Shivam Sharma
Edited by : Shivam Sharma
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