EXCLUSIVE: Naila Grrewal on Ishq Vishk Rebound, Tamasha, and more

Naila Grrewal, the latest breakout star from Ishq Vishk Rebound, is riding high on the wave of love from her fans and critics. Her character, Rhea, has struck a chord with audiences who can’t stop showering her with calls and texts. They’re totally digging her as the spirited activist in the film. Even though this role was a bit of a departure for her in terms of story and character vibe, Naila feels incredibly blessed by the appreciation. She thinks it’s because she brought a touch of vulnerability to Rhea’s strong-willed persona. “I infused Rhea with a softer side, which was new for me. My previous roles were all fierce, bold, and headstrong. Rhea needed that softer touch, and I dove right into it,” the actress shares with a grin.

Naila Grrewal

Beyond Ishq Vishk Rebound, Naila has left her mark in memorable films like Thappad, Bareilly Ki Barfi, and Tamasha. But acting wasn’t always on her radar. “For the longest time, I never saw myself as a film actor. I was deeply into theatre during my college days at Lady Shriram College in Delhi. It was there, after a play, that fate intervened with an offer to act opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Tamasha. How could I say no to Imtiaz Ali and Ranbir Kapoor?” she recalls with a laugh.

While her family was supportive of her acting dreams, they also nudged her towards a backup plan—journalism. “I was studying journalism and mass communication, which I loved. Acting just sort of happened when I stepped onto the sets of Tamasha and realised how much I enjoyed being in front of the camera.” Her big break came with Thappad, a film that made her feel validated as an actor. “Thappad was a turning point. I thought it was a small role, but Anubhav Sinha had crafted every character so beautifully. The love and recognition I received after that film made me feel like I truly belonged in this industry.”Naila’s journey led her to web series like Maamla Legal Hai, where she faced new challenges. It proved to be a daunting experience for her, transitioning from films to her first web series. Accustomed to the concise format of movies, she understood the challenge of keeping audiences engaged over several hours.

Naila Grrewal

The demands of screen time and the extensive workload inherent in a series were markedly different, requiring a

shift in approach and mindset. “I wanted to play my character in a realistic way and went to the Bombay High Court and other courts to follow how the young lawyers conducted themselves on a daily basis. I also wanted to observe the way they wore their black capes before entering the court. I wanted to be perfect with the nuances.”

She draws inspiration from actors like Manoj Bajpayee, Vikrant Massey, and Rajkummar Rao. She dreams of someday sharing screen space with the likes of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu. “I don’t pay much mind to who’s deemed the lead hero. Audiences today are discerning. They gravitate towards actors and characters they connect with, regardless of screen time. I’m not interested in labels or titles; give me a well-crafted role in a compelling story. Whether big or small, if it packs a punch, count me in.” Naila Grrewal is definitely one to watch as she continues to carve her path in Bollywood with talent, passion and a lot of heart.