Content creator-turned-actor Niharika NM has opened up about one of the biggest setbacks in her acting career. Ahead of her Bollywood debut in Bhai Tera Star Hai, the actress revealed that she lost a film after refusing to perform intimate scenes, saying she chose to stay true to her personal boundaries despite the opportunity.

Niharika will soon make her Hindi film debut opposite Raghav Juyal in the comedy-drama, which releases on July 30.

In a recent interview, Niharika shared that she had signed a film contract after successfully clearing auditions and a look test. However, she later discovered an intimacy clause in the agreement.

According to the actress, she informed the makers that she was not comfortable performing intimate scenes on screen.

She said the filmmakers were initially willing to work around the issue by using a body double. However, the male actor reportedly was not comfortable filming those scenes with a body double, and the project eventually did not move forward with her.

Niharika explained that maintaining her comfort level was more important than accepting every role that came her way.

She acknowledged that refusing certain projects made her career journey more challenging, but said she did not want to compromise on her personal values.

Before entering films, Niharika built a large following through comedy sketches and digital content. She revealed that acting had always been her ultimate goal and that she spent several years preparing for it.

According to Niharika:

• She trained with a production house for nearly three years.

• She attended film school.

• She has a background in theatre.

These experiences, she said, helped prepare her for a career in acting.

Niharika also spoke about her early struggles in the Hindi film industry, saying she initially auditioned for Bollywood projects but found the industry's expectations regarding appearance and beauty standards discouraging.

She felt the emphasis on looks and skin tone did not align with her values, prompting her to explore opportunities in South Indian cinema instead.

The actress later signed a three-film contract with filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj's production house, Stone Bench Films.

While under contract, she had to turn down several South Indian films that later became commercial successes. Although she described missing those projects as one of her biggest career regrets, she said she was happy for the actors who eventually starred in them.

After completing her contract, she expanded her work across multiple film industries.

Niharika made her acting debut in Tamil cinema with Perusu and has since appeared in films including Mitra Mandali and Idhayam Murali. She also had a guest voice role in Season 7 of the American animated sitcom Big Mouth.

She is now set to make her Hindi film debut with Bhai Tera Star Hai, directed by Vivek B. Agrawal. The comedy-drama stars Raghav Juyal, Sanjay Kapoor, Nikki Walia, and Niharika NM, and is scheduled to release in theatres on July 30.

Niharika NM's latest revelation highlights the importance of personal choice and professional boundaries in the entertainment industry. While her decision reportedly cost her a film, the actress says she has no regrets about standing by her principles as she begins the next chapter of her acting career.