Ann Saleem on Nayika Nayakan: The show felt like a rehearsal for the future, it taught us fame isn't permanent
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Since their time on the talent show, each contestant has gone on to chase their dreams in acting, whether it's in films, television, or OTT platforms, they're making their mark everywhere. We caught up with Ann Saleem for a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
'I feel incredibly grateful to have been part of the show. I don't think anyone else could be as blessed to have experienced such a journey. We were so young, full of passion and a burning thirst for acting.
There were many moments when I wondered, 'Why did they choose me?' But looking back, it was the biggest opportunity any aspiring actor could ever dream of," she gushed.
As memories came flooding back at the mere mention of Nayika Nayakan, we asked Ann to pick one of her most memorable performances from the show.
'Without a doubt, the Avvai Shanmughi round with Venki. Performing the
dance in the male avatar was absolutely hilarious and unforgettable.
We had such a blast!," Ann recalled with a laugh.
Speaking about the viral performance in her Susan avatar alongside Meenakshi, Ann revealed that the skit actually stemmed from one of their casual, random conversations.
'Back in school, we used to have a blast mimicking those 'society ladies' who brag about their lives in that signature tone. During one of our casual chats, I slipped into that mode, and Meenakshi responded so perfectly—it just clicked.
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We then took the idea to the director, and he loved it too. That's how we built a storyline around it. Even now, people still talk about it, and we're so glad we went ahead with it,' Ann shared.
If there's one thing that makes us all a little jealous of the Nayika Nayakan contestants, it's the way they've managed to maintain such a strong bond with each other. Even today, many of them continue to set major BFF goals with their unbreakable friendship and constant support for one another.
'Every friendship we built on the show is for life. We never saw each other as competitors, we just wanted everyone to give their best. If Vishwa was great at dance, we'd all go to him for tips. If Vincy nailed humour, she'd help us out. We were truly a team. Even though our paths have diverged, we're all doing what we love, and each person's success or setback feels personal to the rest of us. And it's not just among the contestants,
sir is still the same.
He treats us like his own, and that warmth hasn't changed one bit,' the actress added.
To wrap up our chat, we asked Ann about the one lesson Nayika Nayakan had taught her. Without missing a beat, she replied, 'Fame isn't permanent.'
'The show taught us so much. Honestly, it felt like a rehearsal for the future—a trailer for what 'life in the limelight' would be like. Back then, we were all new to the world of online comments. I still remember after my first performance, the very first comment on YouTube was, 'That brown coat girl is going way overboard.' It hit me hard. But after my second performance, the feedback turned positive. So, we all learned not to take online comments to heart, whether they're good or bad.
These little experiences taught us that fame isn't permanent,' she concluded.
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