Actor Nikkita Chadha stops by on Close-Up Culture to chat about her role in the highly-anticipated film, What’s Love Got To Do With It?
Set between London and Lahore, the movie follows filmmaker Zoe as she documents her childhood friend’s arranged marriage to a bride from Pakistan.
Hi Nikkita, welcome to Close-Up Culture. You star in the comedy-drama ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?’ – it looks amazing. What attracted you to this story and this project?
I think initially what attracted me was the beautiful storyline and the amalgamation of both cultures (south Asian and British) within it but then also the fact that my role gets to dance AND act, which of course are my two favourite things in the world!
You play the role of Baby. As you say, you get to show off some of your dance talents. Can you tell us about the role and your experience playing Baby?
Haha, yes! I love baby. She’s a lil’ feisty rebel with a huge love for dance. Fun fact, ‘Baby’ is quite a common pet name in the Asian culture. I know 3 people we refer to as ‘Baby’ and never call them by their real name!
There were so many talented people working on this film. What was the atmosphere like on set?
Omg, so many icons! I remember filming and walking past the trailers to get to mine and seeing director Shekhar Kapur, Emma Thompson, Asim Chaudhry (aka Chabuddy G) and just feeling like: wow, I’m so happy to be a part of this production!
What are your earliest memories of wanting to act and perform?
My earliest memories start from literally being a child. Ever since I could talk and walk, I was performing. When I was like 4, I started writing, performing and directing my own shows (for my parents at home in the living room, very small scale, haha!)
And then, I remember when my sisters were born and were old enough I would force them to be my crew for my performances. One would do props and the other lighting and sound, haha. There would always be a fabulous kids Christmas or Diwali performance by the Chadha sisters, but always starring myself.
You’ve been involved in some high-profile projects, including Bridgerton and Marvel’s Eternals. What has been one of the standout experiences, for you personally, in your acting career so far?
I think just being on a huge film set takes your breath away. When you see how many crew members, SA’s and how much work and thought goes into each shot. It’s just incredible. So inspiring!
What direction would you like to take your career in the future?
I would absolutely love to do more TV and Film. I love set life. I just want to play interesting complex characters that I can really indulge into.
Do you have any upcoming projects or ambitions to share with us?
Yessss I do! Excitingly! I’m currently filming for a new BBC comedy and also just wrapped on an incredible new thriller series for Apple TV called ‘Hijack’ starring Idris Elba. So keep your eyes peeled this year!
Follow Nikkita on Instagram – 𝐍𝐈𝐊𝐊𝐈𝐓𝐀 𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐃𝐇𝐀 (@nikkitachadha)