Niharika NM on Sai Pallavi: 'Bhai Tera Star Hai' actress reveals her biggest inspirations
Synopsis
Niharika NM didn't just pick a film — she picked a genre she believes Hindi cinema is getting wrong. In a candid conversation ahead of 'Bhai Tera Star Hai', she name-drops Sai Pallavi, Tabu, and Sridevi as her north stars, and credits Raghav Juyal's on-set energy for pushing her performance. A content creator stepping fully into films, on her own terms.
Key Takeaways
Niharika NM cites Sai Pallavi as her biggest inspiration, praising her simplicity, talent, and dignified personality.
She also admires veteran actresses Tabu and the late Sridevi , calling Tabu an 'evergreen performer.' Niharika chose 'Bhai Tera Star Hai' based on her own instinct as an audience member, noting Hindi comedy has recently underperformed.
She described co-star Raghav Juyal's on-set energy as a major factor in elevating her own performance.
The film, directed by Vivek B.
Agrawal , released in theatres on 30 July 2026 .
Actress and content creator Niharika NM has spoken candidly about the celebrities who inspire her most, singling out South star Sai Pallavi as a standout influence — even as she gears up for the theatrical run of her latest comedy, 'Bhai Tera Star Hai', which released on 30 July 2026.
Why Sai Pallavi Stands Out for Niharika
Niharika praised Sai Pallavi for a combination of qualities she described as rare in the industry — simplicity, natural beauty, acting talent, and a dignified public persona. She noted that these traits collectively set Pallavi apart from her contemporaries. Beyond Pallavi, Niharika also expressed deep admiration for veteran performers Tabu and the late Sridevi, calling Tabu an 'evergreen performer' and highlighting her versatility in both acting and dance.
What Drew Her to 'Bhai Tera Star Hai'
'I really liked the script. I found it very fun, and the cast and crew were also very fresh. It is a very young and new film. In today's time, I feel the comedies that are coming out are not making that much of an impact. So, when I read the script as an audience member, I felt this was something I would genuinely enjoy. And if I like watching such films, I want to be a part of them. This is exactly that kind of film,' Niharika said.
Her remarks point to a deliberate creative choice — one rooted in audience instinct rather than commercial calculation. Notably, mainstream Hindi comedy has struggled to find consistent box-office footing in the post-pandemic era, making her observation about the genre's recent underperformance particularly pointed.
On-Screen Chemistry with Raghav Juyal
Niharika was equally effusive about her co-star Raghav Juyal, describing the collaboration as energising both on and off the set. 'I had a lot of fun working with Raghav. It was fun both on-screen and off-screen. What you see in two or three seconds is basically stretched out for hours while shooting. Matching his energy in the scenes also pushes you to perform better because he brings so much energy to every moment. If the scene is written with that kind of energy, you have to match his pace and enthusiasm, and it turns out great,' she said.
About the Film
Directed by Vivek B. Agrawal, 'Bhai Tera Star Hai' features an ensemble cast including Raghav Juyal, Sanjay Kapoor, Barkha Singh, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Vivan Bhatena, Niki Aneja Walia, and Vikalp Mehta. The film opened in theatres on 30 July 2026, positioning itself as a fresh entry in a Hindi comedy space that has seen few breakout successes in recent years.
With a young cast, a first-time-feeling ensemble, and a lead who chose the project on pure audience instinct, 'Bhai Tera Star Hai' will be a test of whether relatable, energy-driven comedy can recapture the multiplex audience it once commanded.
Point of View
Depending on how the film performs. Her observation that Hindi comedy 'is not making that much of an impact' is a quiet indictment of a genre that once reliably packed multiplexes. Whether a fresh ensemble and high-energy casting can reverse that slide is the real question this film poses.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Niharika NM find Sai Pallavi inspiring?
Niharika NM has said she admires Sai Pallavi for her simplicity, natural beauty, acting talent, and dignified personality, describing these as qualities that make the South actress stand out in the industry.
What is 'Bhai Tera Star Hai' about and when did it release?
'Bhai Tera Star Hai' is a Hindi comedy directed by Vivek B. Agrawal, featuring Niharika NM alongside Raghav Juyal, Sanjay Kapoor, Barkha Singh, and others. It released in theatres on 30 July 2026.
Why did Niharika NM choose to do 'Bhai Tera Star Hai'?
Niharika said she read the script as an audience member and felt it was the kind of comedy she would genuinely enjoy watching. She noted that mainstream Hindi comedies have not been making a strong impact recently, and this film felt like a refreshing exception.
What did Niharika NM say about working with Raghav Juyal?
Niharika described the experience as energising, saying Raghav Juyal brings intense energy to every scene, which pushed her to match his pace and perform better. She said the collaboration was enjoyable both on-screen and off-screen.
Which other actresses does Niharika NM admire besides Sai Pallavi?
Niharika NM has expressed admiration for Tabu, whom she called an evergreen performer with exceptional acting and dancing skills, and for the late Sridevi, both of whom she counts among her inspirations.
