Nikhil Siddhartha is on cloud nine this year. He started it with the birth of his baby boy Dheera Siddhartha in February, whom he adores beyond belief, and now, his film Karthikeya 2 has won Best Telugu Film at the 70th National Film Awards. (Also Read: 70th National Film Awards full list of winners: Brahmastra, Ponniyin Selvan Part 1, Aattam win big ) “I’m so happy.
..I’m at a loss for words,” says Nikhil in an exclusive chat with Hindustan Times.
“Sometimes you’re so lost in all the trappings of making a successful film, awards like this make you feel good about the recognition,” he adds, getting his bearings. ‘It makes me want to work harder’ Chandoo Mondeti’s Karthikeya changed Nikhil’s career twice. When the first part was released in 2014, people were drawn to the film's blend of mythology and contemporary topics.
And now, the sequel has won a National Award. “I feel energised after this win; it makes me want to work harder now. We were pleased when we released Karthikeya 2 in Hindi, too, and it was received well.
But this is a surprise,” he says. A post shared by Nikhil Siddhartha (@actor_nikhil) Nikhil believes the film got this recognition because everything from the story to the characters felt relatable. “ Karthikeya ’s USP has always been how connected families feel to it.
People from all walks of life could enjoy it. Even today, when I attend an event, someone will walk up to me and ask when we’ll begin work on the third film. (laug.