Exclusive Interview: Nyrraa M Banerji on Stardom, Scrutiny, and Staying True to Her Craft

In this candid interview, actress Nyrraa Banerjee opens up about her journey into entertainment, her bold choice of roles, handling fame’s challenges, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind for future artists.

Q: What made you realize you wanted to join the entertainment world? Was it some childhood event or a college life dream kind of stuff?

Nyrraa Banerjee: Honestly, people around me used to say things like “She’s so pretty, so vibrant, she looks like a star.” I never took it too seriously back then. But during one of my college festivals, a celebrity manager happened to notice me. He actually approached my parents and suggested that I should consider giving the industry a shot. My parents weren’t too keen at first—like most families, they were hesitant about showbiz—but eventually, they thought, why not let her try? I began getting offers, and before I knew it, one project led to another. What started as a “let’s see” moment turned into a full-fledged career.

Q: How do you balance between staying true to your artistic vision and meeting the expectations of fans or studios? Because it must be hard, no?

Nyrraa Banerjee: (laughs) I think the tougher balance is between managing real life and the world of stardom. As for fans and studios, I don’t try to mold myself into everyone’s expectations—because that’s impossible. Instead, I focus on being honest to the characters I play. I dive into the role with authenticity, strength, and wit, while also keeping in mind the pulse of the audience. That’s why I choose projects that resonate with both me and the viewers. Off set, though, I completely switch off—I’m just my mother’s daughter, my brother’s sister, and my friend’s friend. Stardom stays at work; real life is something I protect fiercely.

Q: What’s the most transformative role or project you’ve worked on that changed how you view your craft—or even how you see life?

Nyrraa Banerjee: Definitely Khaki 2 on Netflix, which was released earlier this year. It was produced by Neeraj Pandey, and I played an eight-month pregnant woman—without makeup, in a very raw and powerful role. It was completely opposite of how people see me on Instagram or in my earlier work. Many actors shy away from playing such parts because they fear being typecast, but I wanted to challenge myself. And it paid off—casting directors now see me differently, recognizing the emotional range I can bring to the table. That role was transformative both for my craft and for how the industry perceives me.

Q: How do you handle the scrutiny that comes with being in the spotlight, especially during career-defining highs or lows? Sometimes people just try to get too involved in your life as a celebrity.

Nyrraa Banerjee: It’s true—people can get a little too invested. But I’ve learned to gauge energies. I remain warm and respectful, but I also maintain my boundaries. There’s a fine line between being accessible and being overexposed, and you need to know where to draw it. Sometimes, fans might get overexcited or even physically cross boundaries, and in those moments, you need to be firm yet graceful. Respect is mutual, and I make sure I give it while expecting it in return.

Q: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind in the entertainment industry? And what projects are you working on now?

Nyrraa Banerjee: My upcoming film One Two Cha Cha Cha is releasing next month, and I’m really excited about it. Beyond this, I want people to look back at my body of work and say —“Nyrraa never repeated herself, she aced every role she took on.” That’s the legacy I want: to inspire young, aspiring actors to be fearless in their choices, to break patterns, and not to be afraid of edgy, different roles. For me, success isn’t about being everywhere—it’s about leaving behind performances that matter.