Interview: Nikita Dutta: ‘Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins’ marks a turning point for me

Nikita Dutta has steadily carved a niche for herself in the entertainment industry with her striking performances and magnetic screen presence. Known for her versatility and emotional depth, she first gained attention with notable TV shows before making a strong transition to films and web series. After impressing audiences in #TheWakingofaNation , Nikita now shines brighter than ever in Netflix’s high-octane thriller #JewelThiefTheHeistBegins . With each role, she continues to prove she’s a force to watch out for. She spoke to our Sr Editor Keerti Kadam. Excerpts……

After The Waking of a Nation, you’ve once again impressed audiences with Jewel Thief: The Heist Begins. How does it feel to receive so much love?

It feels incredible! The Waking of Nation was very special, but Jewel Thief is even closer to my heart. Playing Farah was challenging and exhilarating at the same time. The love I’m receiving only reassures me that I’m on the right path.

Tell us about your character, Farah. What drew you to this role?

Farah is layered — she’s vulnerable yet strong, stylish yet restrained. She’s trapped in a life she never chose, but she fights in her own quiet, dignified way. I was immediately drawn to her emotional depth. It wasn’t just about looking glamorous; it was about portraying her internal battle with subtlety, and that excited me as an actor.
Farah taught me the strength of silent resistance.

You share significant screen space with #SaifAliKhan . How was that experience?

Working with Saif was an absolute masterclass. He’s effortless, charming, and brings so much intensity to his performance. Our chemistry was crucial to the story, and he made it so easy for me to match his energy. There were moments during emotional scenes where just a look from him elevated the whole exchange.

#JaideepAhlawat and #KunalKapoor also star alongside you. How was the dynamic on set?

Jaideep is phenomenal — his portrayal of Rajan Aulakh is so menacing yet nuanced. Watching him work was inspiring. Kunal brought such a calm, grounded energy to the sets. He plays a strong counterbalance to all the chaos happening in the story. Overall, it was a powerhouse team, and I’m grateful I got to be a part of it.

Jewel Thief has been praised for its fast-paced narrative and visual style. What was it like shooting under directors #KookieGulati and #RobbieGrewal ?

Kookie and Robbie brought so much vision and passion. They made the shoot incredibly exciting, even when we were racing against time or shooting in tough international locations. They kept the emotional core intact while crafting an action-packed thriller. Their belief in me really pushed me to deliver my best.

How did you prepare for such an emotionally intense role?

I spent time understanding Farah’s backstory, her silence, her suppressed emotions. I worked a lot on her body language — how someone under constant threat would carry themselves. It wasn’t about melodrama; it was about subtle resistance and resilience.

Audiences and critics have hailed this as your breakout performance. How do you feel about that?

Honestly, it’s overwhelming and humbling. I always believed that if given the right opportunity, I could bring more to the table than just glamour. Jewel Thief allowed me to explore that, and the positive response makes me even more excited for what’s next.

With Jewel Thief now streaming on #Netflix , why should audiences not miss it?

Because it’s a complete package! There’s style, suspense, emotional depth, thrilling heist action, and performances that stay with you. Plus, I think audiences will enjoy seeing a different side of me. I promise — it’s worth the ride!

By Keerti Kadam