Nikhil is not in a Hurry

Unlike his peers, actor Nikhil has been treading a different path when it comes to choosing scripts and he says it’s a conscious decision from his end. “Since I’m an upcoming hero and an outsider, I should pick strong scripts --only then people will come to catch my films,” he states, adding, “It’s a practice that I will follow. After ‘Swamy Ra Ra’ and ‘Karthikeya’ I was narrated the same genres but I chose not to repeat the genre. Even my next film will be different as and when I do it.

At the end of the day, I’m an audience and I would like to see a hero trying out new genres.” The suave actor is currently awaiting the release of ‘Surya vs Surya’.

He is playing a student who is affected with porphyria, a disorder which prevents him from facing the sun, in the film. “How he falls in love with a girl who loves the day light and how he gets her is the story,” he reveals. A strict diet and work out helped him to shed 10 kilos for the role of a 19-year-old.

“I survived only on cucumber, carrots and egg white during the shoot. Though I’m a foodie, I had to resist the temptation,” he laughs. Describing the film as a rom-com with a difference, he says Karthik Ghattamaneni (director of the film), besides asking him to shed weight, has given him one reference as far as acting was concerned.

“He wanted Dustin Hoffman’s body language and Tom Cruise’s confidence from ‘Rain Man’. I did try but I don’t know what I did,” he smiles. The film was shot extensively during nights and the actor says the experience was tough. “Most of the crew suffered from acidity and insomnia but they gave their best.

Bharani garu, especially, used to shoot till 3 am given his age. His role is akin to that of Thota Ramudu (from Yamaleela and Ghatothkachudu),” he says. Though has delivered two continuous hits, remuneration is the last thing that he is bothered about. “If I like a script, my pay will not decide whether I should do the film or not. I generally go with the comforts of a producer.”

So, has he signed anything up next? “I haven’t as of now, though I’m listening to scripts. Immediately after ‘Surya vs Surya’ release I will be offering my hair to Lord Venkateshwara, post which I will fly to the US for a break. I will be doing a short film course at the New York Film Institute.