Nimisha Vakharia has carved a niche for herself with her compelling performances. Currently playing the character of Manorama in the show Pyaar Ka Pehla Adhyaya Shiv Shakti, Nimisha brings a unique depth and authenticity to her roles. As we celebrate Friendship Day, she shares her heartfelt thoughts on the significance of friendship in her life and career.
“I believe friendship is the only relationship we choose. Unlike our family connections—mother, father, aunt, uncle—which are given to us, friendship is a bond we form, making it very precious,” Nimisha reflects. This sentiment is reflected in her close-knit friendships, especially with her childhood best friend, Meeta Somaiya. Nimisha and Meeta embody the adage “opposites attract.” Nimisha describes herself as short-tempered, while Meeta is calm and relaxed. Despite these differences, they have learned a great deal from each other and deeply value their friendship.
“The quality I most cherish in a friendship is the understanding that you don’t need to see each other every day. When you do meet or talk, there’s no need to explain everything—they just get it. A true friend is always one call away and trusts you implicitly,” Nimisha explains. This profound understanding and trust form the cornerstone of her relationships.
Balancing a demanding career with personal relationships can be challenging, but Nimisha emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and understanding in friendships. “Maintaining friendships can be challenging in our busy world, with working 12 hours a day. However, a good friend respects your work and understands your commitments,” she notes. Her best friend, who is not from the entertainment industry, keeps her grounded with honest criticism. “Though we may go long periods without talking or meeting, when we do connect, it feels like no time has passed. Being there for each other in times of joy and distress is what truly matters.”
On set, Nimisha has forged strong bonds with her co-stars. She is particularly close to Nikki Sharma (Shakti) and Prince (Dharam). “I’ve made many friends, but I’m especially close to Shakti (Nikki Sharma) and Dharam(Prince). Shakti and I share a unique bond; even though she now shoots in a different location, I can sense her mood just by how she greets me in the morning when we are shooting together. This connection translates well on screen, as seen in our chemistry with Dharam as well. I can be myself around both of them,” she shares.
Friendship has significantly impacted Nimisha’s personal and professional life. She recalls a time when she felt insecure about her looks and took on small roles. Her best friend Meeta played a pivotal role in boosting her confidence, reminding her that talent and a good soul are more important than appearance. “Meeta boosted my confidence, reminding me that it’s not just about appearance but also about having a good soul. She helped me focus on my talent rather than my looks. She helped me with the understanding of finances and understanding the market. Despite our nine-year age gap, we remain best friends, just as I do with Shakti, who is also younger than me,” Nimisha recounts.
