Ram Gopal Varma impressed with iSmart Shankar; compares Nabha Natesh to Ileana D’Cruz

Puri Jagannadh’s latest outing, iSmart Shankar, which was released on July 19, has been getting appreciation from all corners. The latest to join this list is director Ram Gopal Varma, who watched the movie in back-to-back shows, and called it a ‘double blockbuster’. Varma praised the heroine, Nabha Natesh, and compared her to actor Ileana D’Cruz. 

To this, the actor replied,

Nabha, popularly known as the ‘pataka girl’ in Sandalwood after her debut role in Vajrakaya, is yet another Kannada heroine currently creating waves in the Telugu film industry. The film produced by Puri Jagannadh in association with Charmme Kaur has collected Rs 36 crore in three days, and is breaking records. Nabha is on cloud nine.

“At this moment, I am flying high, and not able to react to this overwhelming response,” says the actor, adding, “It’s nice of RGV to compare me to Ileana. She has been a heartthrob in the Telugu industry since the time she did Pokiri, which was directed by Puri Jagannadh. The film became a big hit, and Ileana is a star today. Comparing me to her is a big thing.”

Nabha believes the success of iSmart Shankar has propelled her to another level. “We did get a good response for the trailer, songs, and everything that was unveiled before the release. But the box office response is mind blowing. Puri has always given hits, and people have been waiting for such a film from his end. I should be glad that I could get to be a part of his project,” Nabha told CE, adding, “Apart from my performance, my on-screen chemistry with Ram has been appreciated. So much so that people have been requesting to see both of us together in a film again.” 

Even though offers have been pouring in for her, the actor wants to swim with the tide for now. “I am experiencing a flood of good response, and offers for some good projects, so it is only going to great 
from here,” she said.