This actress began her remarkable career in the fashion world and is now earning praise for her powerful performance in Teja Sajja’s Mirai.
Published: September 14, 2025 4:45 PM IST
Ritika Nayak, an emerging talent in Indian cinema, has captivated audiences with her compelling performance in the Telugu fantasy film Mirai. Portraying a serene yet powerful monk, her role has garnered widespread acclaim, marking a significant milestone in her acting career.
Who is Ritika Nayak?
Born into a middle-class Odia family in Delhi, Ritika’s upbringing emphasized academics. She attended Delhi Police Public School in Safdarjung Enclave and later graduated from Delhi University. Despite her academic background, Ritika harbored a creative passion, which led her to participate in modeling contests during her college years. Her victory in the Delhi Times Fresh Face Season 12 and her status as a finalist in Miss Diva 2020 opened doors to the entertainment industry.
When did Ritika Nayak make her debut?
Ritika made her acting debut in 2022 with the Telugu film Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam, earning a nomination for the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Telugu. She continued to build her filmography with roles in Nani, Mrunal Thakur’s Hi Nanna (2023), and now Mirai, where she delivers a nuanced performance that has resonated with both audiences and critics.
More about Ritika Nayak
In Mirai, Ritika portrays a monk residing in the Himalayas, a character that combines tranquility with strength. Her portrayal has been praised for its depth and authenticity, contributing significantly to the film’s success. The movie, directed by Karthik Ghattamaneni and starring Teja Sajja, has been noted for its high production values and compelling storytelling.
Ritika draws inspiration from Bollywood divas Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra, admiring their journeys and the way they’ve carved niches for themselves without industry backing. Her commitment to self-improvement is evident from her efforts to enhance her language skills, sparked by a school incident that motivated her to refine her pronunciation and vocabulary.
Story Highlights
- Ritika Nayak hails from a middle-class Odia family in Delhi and is a graduate of Delhi University with a strong academic background.
- She rose to fame after winning Delhi Times Fresh Face Season 12 and being a finalist in Miss Diva 2020.
- Ritika debuted in Ashoka Vanamlo Arjuna Kalyanam (2022) and gained recognition for roles in Hi Nanna and Mirai.
- Her powerful portrayal of a monk in Mirai received critical acclaim and marked her as a rising talent in Telugu cinema.
Ritika’s steady transition from modeling to acting showcases her versatility and determination. With her standout role in Mirai, she has proven her mettle as a serious performer.
About the Author
