After making a mark with Ambajipeta Marriage Band, actress Shivani Nagaram steps into the lead with Little Hearts, alongside Mouli Tanuj of 90s Middle Class Biopic fame. The film, directed by Sai Marthand for ETV Win Originals and produced by Aditya Hasan, gears up for a grand release on September 5, presented by Bunny Vasu and Vamsi Nandipati.
Getting Involved with Little Hearts
Reflecting on her journey to the film, Shivani recounted, “Sinjith Yerramalli, the music director, is my childhood friend. When the project came to me, director Sai Marthand’s narration was so engaging. I was drawn to how he shaped every character.”
Prioritizing Strong Scripts
After her previous success, Shivani chose to wait for a project with substance. “There were offers after Ambajipeta, but I wanted to pick something with content that could attract audiences to theatres. That’s when Little Hearts felt like the right fit.”
Comparing Her Roles
She sees a difference between her projects: “Ambajipeta was a blend of love and deep emotion, while Little Hearts is lighthearted, packed with college fun. It focuses on romance but keeps things breezy.”
Playing Katyayani
About her character, Shivani said, “I play Katyayani, a student whose relationship and friendship with Akhil mirror real college experiences. The role felt natural, requiring no special prep.”
A Relatable Student Story
Shivani noted the resemblance between her character and her own life: “Katyayani is close to who I was as a student—not too serious about academics. The film is all about recalling student days and is made for the big screen. Thanks to Bunny Vasu and Vamsi Nandipati, it’s reaching a wider audience now, even overseas.”
On-Set Camaraderie
The shoot was a fun experience for the young cast. “Most of us were around the same age, so we clicked as friends. Mouli’s content creation experience added a social media vibe, while I’m less active online. Veteran actors like Rajeev Kanakala and Satyakrishna guided us and made the environment fun and supportive.”
Personal Nostalgia
“Working on this film revived memories of my own school and college days—it felt like being at summer camp. Since I studied at girls’ schools, this shoot gave me new interactions. The support from Bunny Vasu and Vamsi Nandipati made this first ETV Win theatrical release extra special.”
Musical Moments
Shivani highlighted the film’s positive response to its soundtrack. “I especially love the Rajagaadi song, where Mouli and I performed a hook step.”
Career Approach
She explained a deliberate gap before returning to screen: “I waited a year for the right project, even as new talents entered the industry. I don’t compare myself—my focus is on quality films. I’m open to both theatres and OTT. If a good web series comes, I’ll happily consider it.”
Evolving as an Actress
Shivani enjoys exploring new shades in her roles. “My first film had me in a tearful role, but Little Hearts let me play an entertaining, comic part. I look forward to more romantic comedies. Up next, I’m teaming up with Suhas in ‘Hey Bhagavan’—a full-on hilarious film—and have two more projects lined up after that.”
