Written for Fashion & Beauty Monitor
Nikkita Chadha is a British-Indian actress, dancer, model, tastemaker and activist. The multi-hyphenate has starred in many productions, from Disney’s live action Aladdin, Marvel’s The Eternals, Rocketman and Bridgerton, whilst being a muse for Rimmel London, Charlotte Tilbury, Levi’s, Selfridges and more. She played Yasmin in Riz Ahmed’s Oscar-winning short film ‘The Long Goodbye’ this year and is currently filming a new Apple TV series.
She uses her platform of 57.5K TikTok and 39.1K Instagram followers to champion diversity, feminist movements, LGBTQIA+ and South Asian communities.
We sat down with Nikkita this week to discuss holiday plans, working with brands and South Asian representation in mainstream media…
Do you prefer modelling, dancing or acting?
Oooh that’s always a hard question because I genuinely love all forms of artistic creation (modelling, dancing and acting) and I think they are all such transferable skills. They work so cohesively together but right now I would say acting is something I am enjoying the most as I love playing new characters!
How do you balance your time between all your skills and passions?
I think juggling life and work, especially as a freelancer is always tricky but my motto is 'Work hard, Play hard'.
What kinds of brands do you enjoy working with?
I love working with brands that have a similar ethos to me, whether that's coming from a sustainability perspective or brands who empower marginalised communities. I love to champion brands that I genuinely love and use myself. I would love to front more campaigns that speak to my ethos and collaborate socially, too.
What has been your career highlight to date?
Maybe that cheeky Oscar win this year? 'The Long Goodbye' picked up the Oscar and I can't believe I can say I was a part of an Oscar-winning film. Now that is truly a career highlight.
Which other activists do you admire?
So many! I love seeing people on TikTok sharing their views and educating people. We all can learn to be a little kinder to ourselves and the planet, and i feel social media truly has the power initiate global changes - more than we realise. I love to learn new tips and tricks to make my day-to-day life better for the environment.
Who would play you in the film of your life?
I would say my sisters can do a perfect impression of me, mostly because we're almost the same person. I would totally trust them with that role!
How do you think South Asian representation has come along in mainstream culture?
There has been so much development during the last decade of representation of South Asians in the mainstream media, but we still have so far to go. I would very much like to be a part of that shift and feel that through my work as an actor and dancer, and social platforms that i can help with that.
What advice would you give to the next generation of tastemakers?
GO FOR IT. Don't hold back and live your free authentic self!
What do you like most about TikTok?
The fact that my algorithm literally knows me to a T, and I get the most entertaining/informative/interesting videos on my feed.
How would you describe your personal style?
Casual but cool.
What beauty product is your go to?
Blush! It always makes me look much fresher and awake than i actually am!
What are your holiday plans this year?
I have just come back from Barcelona, and I am filming in Dubai later this year... But would really like to go back to India this year again but for a longer trip to really take a break and recharge.
What’s next for you?
I am currently filming two really exciting TV projects! Keep your eyes peeled!
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