Vishak Nair, a rising star in the Indian film industry, is set to make his mark with his upcoming film Footage, where he plays the lead role. Additionally, he will be seen portraying the character of Sanjay Gandhi in the biopic Emergency, directed by Kangana Ranaut. Nair, who hails from Sharjah and studied at Delhi Private School, Dubai, discovered his passion for acting during his high school days through participation in theatre and cultural activities.
His journey into the film industry began with his debut film Anandam, after which he pursued engineering and continued his theatre training in India. Nair’s father, a Chartered Accountant, initially hesitated but ultimately supported his decision to pursue acting. He credits his acting skills to his teacher and his involvement in cultural festivals in Sharjah and Dubai during his school days. Additionally, Nair is also trained in western classical music from K M Conservatory, AR Rahman’s music school.
Nair shares his experience of working with Kangana Ranaut in the film Tejas and Emergency, highlighting her creative vision and dedication to her craft. In Emergency, Ranaut portrays the role of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, while Nair plays the enigmatic character of Sanjay Gandhi. He emphasizes the importance of humanizing the character rather than caricaturing him, drawing inspiration from various sources to portray a nuanced performance.
Apart from his Bollywood projects, Nair also plays the lead role in the Malayalam film Footage, opposite acclaimed actress Manju Warrier. He praises Warrier for her professionalism and commitment to her craft, citing her willingness to learn and evolve as an actor. Nair’s multilingual abilities, fluently speaking languages like Hindi and Malayalam, have garnered attention from directors like Anurag Kashyap, who appreciated his linguistic skills.
Reflecting on his journey in the film industry, Nair recalls his initial struggles and the moments that solidified his passion for acting. From his first shot to working with industry icons like Mamooty, Nair has continued to expand his horizons and collaborate with talented individuals like Anjali Menon and Radhika Apte. With aspirations of directing a female-centric action film in the future, Nair remains focused on honing his skills and exploring new opportunities in the industry.
Despite his success and diverse cultural experiences, Nair always considers Rolla, Sharjah, as his true home. He cherishes his memories of playing sports in the scorching heat and values the support of his family, particularly his mother who works as a Superintendent Engineer. Looking ahead, Nair plans to revisit his roots in the UAE with his wife, showcasing the places that hold a special place in his heart, including his school and the community where he grew up.
