Nikki Narula: Tamasha inspired my leap into cinema, Imtiaz Ali chose me
Synopsis
Nikki Narula didn't just watch Tamasha — it rewired her life. The actress reveals that Imtiaz Ali's film pushed her into cinema, and that being cast as Crystal (not the role she auditioned for) felt like the only validation she needed. Now riding strong reviews for Main Vapas Aaunga, her origin story is as cinematic as the films she's drawn to.
Key Takeaways
Nikki Narula credits Imtiaz Ali's Tamasha as the film that inspired her to pursue a career in cinema.
She auditioned for the character of Meher through Mukesh Chhabra's casting company but was selected for the role of Crystal .
Narula described being chosen by Imtiaz Ali as 'the biggest achievement' regardless of the role's size.
Her current film Main Vapas Aaunga is set in pre-Partition Punjab and is produced by Birla Studios , Applause Entertainment , and Window Seat Films .
The film is currently running in cinemas and receiving positive audience response.
Actress Nikki Narula has revealed that it was director Imtiaz Ali's 2015 film Tamasha that first pushed her to seriously pursue a career in cinema — a film she credits not just as an artistic inspiration but as a life-altering turning point. The disclosure comes as Narula basks in warm audience reception for her role in the recently released period drama Main Vapas Aaunga.
The Audition That Changed Everything
Narula's entry into the world of Imtiaz Ali came through an audition arranged via Mukesh Chhabra's casting company. She had originally tried out for the character of Meher, without any particular expectations of being selected. Days later, a call arrived — not to say she had landed Meher, but to inform her she had been cast as Crystal, a different role altogether.
'At that moment, the only thing I could think about was that Imtiaz Ali had chosen me,' she said. 'I didn't even stop to think whether the role was big or small. For me, that moment itself was the biggest achievement.'
Tamasha as a Personal Philosophy
Long before Narula set foot on a film set professionally, Tamasha had already reshaped how she thought about ambition, identity, and creative courage. She describes the film as the catalyst that helped her trust her instincts and find her own voice as a performer.
'I often say that I am in this industry because of Tamasha,' she said. 'That film gave me the courage to understand my dreams and listen to my inner voice.'
Reflecting on working directly with Ali, she added, 'For many people, it may seem like a small thing. But for me, it was validation that I'm moving in the right direction. I don't see acting as just a profession, I see it as a practice, a lifelong pursuit.'
About Main Vapas Aaunga
Main Vapas Aaunga is set in Punjab in the years before the Partition of India and follows the story of two lovers against the backdrop of the region's architectural ruins. The film is produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, along with Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films, and is currently running in cinemas.
What Comes Next
With Main Vapas Aaunga drawing positive responses, Narula's profile is rising at a notable pace. Her dual association — as an Imtiaz Ali discovery and as the lead of a well-received period film — positions her as one of the more intriguing new voices in Hindi cinema. Whether she follows this with another prestige project or an independent venture remains to be seen.
Point of View
A pre-Partition period drama with a niche setting, is an unconventional choice for a debut lead — which makes the positive reception more meaningful, not less. If the film sustains its run, Narula's arc from Tamasha-inspired dreamer to credible lead will be one of Hindi cinema's tidier origin stories this year.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Imtiaz Ali film inspired Nikki Narula to enter cinema?
Nikki Narula has said that Imtiaz Ali's 2015 film Tamasha inspired her to pursue cinema. She credits the film with giving her the courage to trust her instincts and follow her passion for acting.
What role did Nikki Narula play in Tamasha?
Nikki Narula was cast as Crystal in Tamasha. She had originally auditioned for the character of Meher through Mukesh Chhabra's casting company but was selected for a different role.
What is Main Vapas Aaunga about?
Main Vapas Aaunga is a period drama set in Punjab in the years before the Partition of India, telling the story of two lovers against the region's architectural ruins. It is produced by Birla Studios, Applause Entertainment, and Window Seat Films.
Who produced Main Vapas Aaunga?
The film is produced by Birla Studios and Applause Entertainment, along with Mohit Choudhary and Shibasish Sarkar of Window Seat Films. It is currently playing in cinemas.
How has Main Vapas Aaunga been received?
Main Vapas Aaunga has received a positive audience response since its release, with Nikki Narula's performance drawing particular appreciation from viewers.
