When Nithya Menen said she was criticised for her curly hair: ‘People said you’re too short, too fat, but I could only be myself’ - EXCLUSIVE

Nithya Menen is one of the most loved actresses in Indian cinema and while she’s largely done movies in Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil and Kannada films, even the north audience recognises and appreciates her. However, Nithya hasn’t really fitted into any mould. As it’s her birthday today, here’s recalling her chat with ETimes where the actress spoke about breaking stereotypes, even when it comes to the way actresses are expected to look on-screen.When asked about how she could be herself, Nithya told ETimes, “You have to be yourself. That is something which today I’m starting to see a trend of people not being themselves. People are micromanaging their looks, their face. But you don’t need any of that. You have to be yourself, or else you will get diluated. For me, I was just unable to do anything else, than be myself. But that’s what gets you recognised and when I get recognised, I hope it gives people the feeling that they can be themselves.”Further when asked if she’s had any moments of feeling insecure, Nithya said, “Everyone has moments of insecurity. I remember, initially, I had curly hair and when I was growing up in school and college, it was heavily criticised. At that time, straightening was a big trend, everyone used to do it. But I couldn’t imagine doing something that was not me. So, I found ways to make my curls look good, naturally. I never used products and I still don’t. There was always this criticism for me that you’re short or too fat, your hair is too big, eyebrows are too big. Thankfully, I was somehow made like that where I thought, ‘why would you talk about my looks? I have something more to offer. Look at what I bring to the character.’ It doesn’t matter how tall or short I am or how thin or fat. Look at the subtle things I bring to the craft.”The actress won a National Award last year for her film ‘Thiruchitrambalam’ with Dhanush. Nithya was last seen in ‘Kadhalikka Neramillai’.