Teja Sajja’s Mirai released in theatres on September 12, and while the Telugu fantasy film has been grabbing headlines for its visual effects and adventurous plot, one name that has stood out is Ritika Nayak. The actress, who plays the female lead in the film, is quickly becoming a fan favourite for her striking screen presence and refreshing performance. But there’s more to Ritika than just her role in Mirai. A Delhi University graduate from an Odia family, Ritika’s rise in the South Indian film industry is nothing short of inspiring.
Who is Ritika Nayak?
Before stepping into films, Ritika started her journey in the entertainment industry as a model in 2019. She rose to fame after winning the Delhi Times Fresh Face Season 12 title and later became a finalist in Miss Diva 2020. These achievements helped her gain visibility and opened doors to screen tests and auditions.
Then, the actress made her Telugu film debut in 2022 with Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam. Her role as Vasudha earned her not only audience appreciation but also a nomination for the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Telugu. This performance marked a turning point in her career, proving that she had the talent to make a mark in Tollywood. Following that, she was approached for Hi Nanna (2023). When the director Shouryav first approached her, it was for the role of Mrunal Thakur’s younger sister.
Hailing from Delhi, Ritika was born into an Odia middle-class family. She completed her schooling at Delhi Police Public School in Safdarjung Enclave. Despite growing up in an academic-focused household, she always had a creative side. It was only after entering and winning modelling contests during college that she realised she could explore acting as a serious career path.
Ritika draws inspiration from strong female figures in Bollywood, especially Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra. She admires how both actresses built successful careers without any industry backing, something Ritika relates to deeply as a newcomer with no film family connections.
During a conversation with TOI, she shared an incident from school, where someone commented on her English and said that her "pronunciations and vocabulary aren't good", which sparked Ritika’s interest in improving her language skills. She took it as a challenge, began reading books regularly, and watched Hollywood movies to improve her pronunciation and vocabulary. Over time, this became a genuine love for language and storytelling.
After her debut, Ritika was keen on finding a role that would truly challenge her and give her space to grow as an actor. Mirai provided just that. She connected with the script and her character almost instantly and called the role one filled with life, movement, and intensity.
Ritika Nayak's role in Mirai
Though Mirai features Teja Sajja in the central role, Ritika Nayak has impressed audiences with her portrayal of a powerful, calm, and layered character as a monk. As the female lead, she brings depth to the story and shares screen space with the main cast. Her performance has received appreciation from both critics and moviegoers.
In Mirai, Ritika takes on the unique role of a monk who lives in the mystical Himalayas. She described the character as one filled with energy and wisdom. Playing a spiritual and physically demanding character was a new experience for Ritika, who embraced the challenge with full dedication.
Ritika got the chance to work alongside well-known actors like Teja Sajja, Manchu Manoj, Jagapathi Babu, and Shriya Saran. Ritika was particularly impressed by Teja Sajja’s dedication. She recalled how he continued shooting despite injuries and health issues, something that motivated her to give her best as well.
Who is Ritika Nayak?
Before stepping into films, Ritika started her journey in the entertainment industry as a model in 2019. She rose to fame after winning the Delhi Times Fresh Face Season 12 title and later became a finalist in Miss Diva 2020. These achievements helped her gain visibility and opened doors to screen tests and auditions.
Then, the actress made her Telugu film debut in 2022 with Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam. Her role as Vasudha earned her not only audience appreciation but also a nomination for the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Telugu. This performance marked a turning point in her career, proving that she had the talent to make a mark in Tollywood. Following that, she was approached for Hi Nanna (2023). When the director Shouryav first approached her, it was for the role of Mrunal Thakur’s younger sister.
Hailing from Delhi, Ritika was born into an Odia middle-class family. She completed her schooling at Delhi Police Public School in Safdarjung Enclave. Despite growing up in an academic-focused household, she always had a creative side. It was only after entering and winning modelling contests during college that she realised she could explore acting as a serious career path.
Ritika draws inspiration from strong female figures in Bollywood, especially Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra. She admires how both actresses built successful careers without any industry backing, something Ritika relates to deeply as a newcomer with no film family connections.
During a conversation with TOI, she shared an incident from school, where someone commented on her English and said that her "pronunciations and vocabulary aren't good", which sparked Ritika’s interest in improving her language skills. She took it as a challenge, began reading books regularly, and watched Hollywood movies to improve her pronunciation and vocabulary. Over time, this became a genuine love for language and storytelling.
After her debut, Ritika was keen on finding a role that would truly challenge her and give her space to grow as an actor. Mirai provided just that. She connected with the script and her character almost instantly and called the role one filled with life, movement, and intensity.
Ritika Nayak's role in Mirai
Though Mirai features Teja Sajja in the central role, Ritika Nayak has impressed audiences with her portrayal of a powerful, calm, and layered character as a monk. As the female lead, she brings depth to the story and shares screen space with the main cast. Her performance has received appreciation from both critics and moviegoers.
In Mirai, Ritika takes on the unique role of a monk who lives in the mystical Himalayas. She described the character as one filled with energy and wisdom. Playing a spiritual and physically demanding character was a new experience for Ritika, who embraced the challenge with full dedication.
Ritika got the chance to work alongside well-known actors like Teja Sajja, Manchu Manoj, Jagapathi Babu, and Shriya Saran. Ritika was particularly impressed by Teja Sajja’s dedication. She recalled how he continued shooting despite injuries and health issues, something that motivated her to give her best as well.
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