EXCLUSIVE! From Festivals to Future Frames: Nanda Yadav Gets Candid On Shantiniketan And Beyond

Nanda Yadav interview: 'Shiksha Mandal' actress Nanda Yadav is on cloud nine as her critically acclaimed film 'Shantiniketan' is all set to be screened at the Nepal International Film Festival. Ahead of the screening, the talented actress exclusively spoke to Filmibeat about her reaction to seeing her work showcased at a major platform.

Here are excerpts from the interview!

1-Congratulations on your film being selected for the Nepal Film Festival! Can you tell us how it feels to have your work showcased on such a prestigious platform?

A River Finds Its Course-Like a river that knows its path even before it sees the ocean, Shantiniketan has found its way to the Nepal Film Festival. It is a moment of gratitude, knowing that stories, like water, flow where they are meant to be. To be part of this celebration of cinema, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, feels like a homecoming of the soul.

2-What has been the most rewarding part of the journey with your current film, and how did it feel when you learned it would be featured at the festival?

The moment I found out Shantiniketan was selected, I felt the magic of cinema all over again-that indescribable feeling of knowing a story born from love and passion will now resonate with new audiences. It was a reminder that films don't just belong to their creators; they belong to the world.

3-Can you describe the creative process behind your film? Were there any particular challenges you encountered while bringing your vision to life?

The creative process behind Shantiniketan was an exercise in resourcefulness, intuition, and unwavering belief-qualities that define independent cinema. Without the safety nets of large-scale productions, every decision carried weight. Each frame had to earn its place, each moment had to justify its existence, and every limitation became an opportunity for invention.Challenges were inevitable-tight budgets, constrained time, and the ever-present need to do more with less. But that's the beauty of independent filmmaking: it forces you to strip a story down to its essence, to rely on ingenuity rather than excess. It demands resilience, not just in execution but in spirit. In the end, Shantiniketan was not just created-it was fought for, nurtured, and brought to life through sheer determination and love for the craft.

4- As you reflect on your career, how has your approach to acting in films evolved over the years, and how has that influenced the work you are presenting at the festival?

Over the years, my approach to acting has shifted from performance to presence. Early in my career, I focused on technique-on perfecting expressions, mastering dialogue, and embodying a character from the outside in. But with time, I've come to realize that the most compelling performances come not from control, but from surrender. Now, I approach each role with a deeper understanding of emotional truth, allowing the character to shape me as much as I shape them.

This evolution is reflected in Shantiniketan. Rather than imposing a performance, I let the story dictate my rhythm, trusting in stillness as much as action, in silence as much as words. Independent cinema, in particular, thrives on authenticity, and this film gave me the space to explore raw, unfiltered emotion. It's a culmination of years of learning-not just about acting, but about listening, feeling, and trusting the moment as it unfolds.

5-Looking ahead, what kind of stories are you most excited to explore in your upcoming projects? Are there any specific themes or genres you're drawn to right now?

Looking ahead, I'm drawn to stories that challenge both the body and the mind-narratives that pulse with intensity, whether through high-stakes action or the raw magnetism of human desire. Action excites me because it's a physical extension of emotion-rage, resilience, survival-all expressed through movement. It demands complete immersion, pushing both mental and physical limits, and I'm eager to explore roles that blend physicality with depth.

At the same time, erotica fascinates me for its ability to strip characters down to their most vulnerable, primal selves. It's not just about intimacy but about power, psychology, and the unspoken tensions that drive human connection. I want to explore stories that challenge perceptions of desire, ones that are bold yet deeply human, visceral yet poetic. Whether through raw physical action or charged intimacy, I'm excited to dive into roles that demand fearlessness and absolute presence.

6-How do you balance artistic integrity with the commercial aspects of filmmaking , especially as you work on new projects?

For me, balancing artistic integrity with the commercial side of filmmaking is like walking a tightrope-you need both skill and trust to stay steady. I believe great cinema lives at the intersection of art and audience; a story must stay true to its soul, but it also needs to reach people, to move them.

As I step into new projects, I focus on choosing roles that challenge me as an artist while also resonating with a wider audience. It's not about compromise but about finding harmony-blending authenticity with accessibility, depth with excitement. At the end of the day, the most powerful films are the ones that don't just express, but connect.

7-With your success at the Nepal Film Festival, are there any specific international collaborations or film festivals you're hoping to participate in next?

The Nepal Film Festival has been a beautiful step in this journey, like a door opening to new horizons. It has only strengthened my desire to collaborate with filmmakers who push boundaries, who tell stories that linger long after the screen fades to black.I dream of taking my work to festivals like Cannes, Berlinale, TIFF, and Sundance-not just for the honor, but for the chance to be part of a global conversation, to share and learn from artists across cultures. Cinema is a bridge, and I'm eager to walk it, discovering new worlds, new voices, and new stories waiting to be told.

8-Is there a particular actor, director, or collaborator you would love to work with on your future projects?

Indian cinema has been shaped by storytellers and performers who bring both grandeur and depth to the screen, and collaborating with them would be an extraordinary experience. Rajkumar Hirani's ability to blend humor with profound human emotions, creating narratives that stay with audiences long after the credits roll, is something I truly admire. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's world-building, his meticulous attention to visual and emotional detail, and his ability to craft timeless epics make him one of the most inspiring filmmakers of our time. And of course, working with Shah Rukh Khan would be a dream. He has redefined the art of romance on screen, making every moment feel timeless and every emotion deeply personal. "Ishq to Shahrukh khan se hi seekha hai "His ability to bring both intensity and tenderness to a character, to create chemistry that lingers long after the film ends, is unparalleled.To share the screen with him-to experience the magic he brings to romance and performance-would be an unforgettable journey.

9-What new directions are you hoping to take with your future films? Are you looking to experiment with different storytelling techniques or technologies?

I'm excited to explore new directions that challenge both the craft of storytelling and my own artistic boundaries. Cinema is constantly evolving, and I want to be part of that evolution-whether through unconventional narratives, immersive visual styles, or performances that break away from traditional molds.

I'm particularly intrigued by the intersection of technology and storytelling-how innovations like virtual production, AI-driven cinematography, or even interactive narratives can open up fresh possibilities. But at its core, cinema is about emotion and connection, and I want to experiment with stories that feel bold, unpredictable, and deeply human.

Whether it's high-intensity action, layered psychological dramas, or intimate character studies, I'm open to discovering new ways to bring stories to life-ones that not only entertain but leave a lasting impact.

10-To wrap up, what advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers, especially those hoping to get their work showcased at film festivals like the Nepal Film Festival?

To aspiring filmmakers, I would say-trust your voice, trust your vision, and trust the journey. Every great film begins with a single idea, a spark that only you can bring to life. The road may be uncertain, filled with challenges and doubt, but the stories that come from a place of truth and passion will always find their way.

Film festivals like the Nepal Film Festival celebrate originality and fearless storytelling. So, create without hesitation, embrace the imperfections, and keep pushing forward. The world is always waiting for new voices, new perspectives, and new stories. If you believe in your film, others will too. Keep going-your moment is coming.