In Conversation with Nikita Rawal: Activism, Cinema Journeys, Cybersecurity, and Future Dreams

Dr. Nikita, acclaimed actor and co-founder of Aastha Foundation, has made her mark in Bollywood and Tollywood with powerful roles and a strong commitment to social causes. In this exclusive interview, she shares insights on her journey, artistic growth, and passion for change.

As co-founder of the Aastha Foundation, how do you integrate social activism into your everyday life?

Social activism isn’t something I switch on and off it flows into my daily routine. At Aastha Foundation we work on larger projects, but even in my personal life I make conscious choices, like supporting local communities, spending time with underprivileged kids, or simply raising my voice on issues that matter. It’s about turning compassion into a habit, not an occasion.

Having worked in both Bollywood and Tollywood, what differences have you noticed in storytelling and performance approaches?

Both Bollywood and Tollywood are vibrant in their own ways. In Bollywood, I feel storytelling often leans towards blending realism with glamour, while in Tollywood there’s a strong emphasis on cultural depth and high-energy performances. As an actor, I’ve noticed Tollywood pushes you to be larger-than-life on screen, whereas Bollywood often challenges you to bring subtle emotions alive. For me, moving between the two has been like learning two different languages of cinema each enriching the other.

Tell us about your experience working on Grey is the Colour and Red. What challenges and rewards did these roles bring?

Grey is the Colour and Red pushed me as an actor because web series demand raw honesty you can’t hide behind glamour or shortcuts. The challenge was sustaining that truth across episodes, but the reward was the freedom to explore deeper shades of a character. For me, it felt less like acting and more like having an ongoing conversation with the audience.

Do you feel the industry stereotypes actresses who come from strong dance backgrounds?

I don’t see my dance background as a stereotype I see it as an advantage. Dance gave me discipline, expression, and an understanding of rhythm that I now carry into acting. Yes, the industry initially notices you for your performance skills on stage, but when you move into spaces like web series, the canvas is much broader. There, your depth as an actor matters more than your label. For me, dance has been a foundation, not a limitation it’s the language that made my transition into layered roles much more powerful.

You’ve faced hacking and privacy breaches—do you think Bollywood needs stronger conversations around cyber security?

After my recent hacking incident, I truly understood how exposed artists are in the digital space. It’s not just about personal photos or messages our phones and accounts often hold scripts, creative notes, and professional exchanges. I think Bollywood definitely needs stronger conversations around cyber security. What I find positive is that with the rise of web series, many of us are becoming more tech-aware and cautious. For me, the experience, though scary, became a reminder to protect not just my privacy but also my creative work.

If you could influence one government policy in India, what would it be and why?

If I could influence one government policy, it would be to strengthen awareness and accountability around both cyber security and social responsibility. After my own hacking experience, I saw how fragile our digital world can be but I also believe safety isn’t just the government’s job, it’s ours too. Just like we take social responsibility in everyday life whether it’s supporting communities, protecting the environment, or standing up for each other we also need to treat digital safety as a shared responsibility. Stronger policies would empower people, but real change comes when society embraces it together.

Which director or actor do you still dream of collaborating with?

I still dream of collaborating with storytellers and performers who challenge me to grow. For me, it’s less about a particular name and more about working with people who bring honesty, depth, and a fresh perspective to their craft. The kind of collaboration where you walk away not just with a project, but with an experience that transforms you as an artist.

Do you see yourself experimenting with darker, more complex roles in web series?

Yes, I definitely want to explore darker and more complex roles in web series. The digital medium gives space to experiment with characters that aren’t always safe or glamorous, and that excites me as an actor. I also feel such roles become even more rewarding when you’re working with co-actors who push you to dig deeper because the right collaboration can turn a challenging role into a truly transformative experience.