Nithya Menen’s ‘Poetic’ National Award Win: Accepted Honour with ‘Cow Dung in Fingernails’
Chennai: National Award-winning actress Nithya Menen has given fans a candid glimpse into the realities of acting, sharing a ‘poetic’ and unforgettable anecdote from the day she received the country’s highest cinematic honour.
The actress took to social media to share captivating behind-the-scenes (BTS) photos from her recently released rural drama, ‘Idli Kadai,’ marking a year since the shoot began. The pictures showcase Menen in character, one in particular featuring a tender moment as she gently touches a calf.
The biggest revelation, however, came as she reflected on the contrast between her on-set reality and the glittering National Award ceremony. Menen revealed that she went straight from the ‘Idli Kadai’ set—where she had just completed a scene involving manual labour—to the prestigious event.
”I went straight from this to the National Award ceremony—with dirt in my fingernails :),” Menen wrote. “having picked up cow dung with my hands just the previous day for a scene. I found the whole thing very poetic.”
The actress, who won the National Award for Best Actress for her performance in the coming-of-age romantic comedy ‘Thiruchitrambalam,’ shared her astonishment with friends, telling them, “I went and received the Award from the president with cow dung in my fingernails.” She expressed that the juxtaposition of the raw, earthy experience of the village shoot and the formal, revered award ceremony was deeply compelling for her.
’Idli Kadai’ is a heartfelt rural drama that sees Nithya Menen reuniting with her ‘Thiruchitrambalam’ co-star Dhanush, who also directed the film. Following its theatrical run, the film is set to make its digital debut, streaming on Netflix from October 29. The newly shared BTS moments and the star’s memorable award story are delighting fans, further highlighting her dedication to her craft and authentic acting experiences.
