Nikkhil Arya on playing the sharp and silent Kotwal in Tenali Rama; says ‘My character barely speaks, but always steals the scene’

The much-loved historical comedy Tenali Rama has carved a unique space on Indian television with its perfect blend of wit, wisdom, and whimsical storytelling. At the centre of the show’s dynamic world lies the silent strength of Kotwal, played by Nikkhil Arya. Though the character speaks little, his presence is commanding—his stillness, discipline, and straight-faced humour adding a quiet gravitas to the bustling Vijayanagar court.In an exclusive conversation, Nikkhil Arya opens up about why Tenali Rama continues to be a creative high, the challenges of playing a near-silent character, and how his off-screen camaraderie with the cast brings scenes to life.“It’s Not Just Another Historical Drama”Sharing what drew him to Tenali Rama, Nikkhil says, “What really drew me in was the show’s format. It’s not the usual historical drama filled with gods, wars, or larger-than-life battles. Instead, serious mysteries are solved in a light, fun, and satirical way—yet each story ends with a meaningful social message. Balancing that tone was both refreshing and challenging.”The show’s unique treatment of historical storytelling with a moral spine struck a chord with Nikkhil, who found both joy and depth in its layered scripts.Evolving with the CharacterAs the stoic Kotwal of Vijayanagar, Nikkhil’s journey has been anything but one-note. “I’m glad my character has evolved so much. I play the kotwal of the kingdom—a serious man who rarely smiles or speaks. But somehow, that straight-faced humour in tricky situations has really worked,” he explains. “Shifting from quiet scenes to ones with emotional depth has been creatively satisfying. I also relate to the character’s values and discipline.”That balance between restraint and reaction has become the soul of his portrayal—quiet on the outside, but deeply expressive when needed.Performance Beyond WordsFew actors are tasked with making such a strong impact with so few lines. For Nikkhil, this minimal-dialogue role has been both an exercise in restraint and a rewarding creative challenge.“That’s actually one of the most challenging and fun parts of this role. You don’t need to make faces or be loud to be funny—it’s all about timing, expressions, and stillness,” he shares. “It’s tough to pull off, but when it clicks, it really stands out. That’s what keeps it exciting.”Virtues That ResonateLoyalty, justice, and integrity are the building blocks of the Kotwal’s character, and Nikkhil found them personally relatable. “These qualities really resonate with me. The only difference is that the character belongs to a different era, so I had to work on aspects like body language and speech to make him feel authentic, yet true to that time. It’s all about finding that sweet spot,” he says.By grounding the Kotwal in authenticity while retaining universal virtues, Nikkhil ensures the character remains both era-specific and emotionally accessible.Laughter Behind the ScenesWorking closely with Krishna Bharadwaj (Tenali Rama), Aditya Redij, and Kunal Pant, Nikkhil credits the camaraderie with making the experience even more memorable. “The bond we share off-screen definitely reflects on-screen. The four of us get along really well, and that comfort makes our scenes flow naturally,” he says.Recalling a light-hearted moment, Nikkhil laughs, “One hilarious moment I remember was when I got praised for a shot—only to find out later that my wig was missing! The makeup guy had forgotten to put on my kotwal hair, and none of us noticed until the entire scene was done. We had to reshoot everything, but we couldn’t stop laughing about it.”What’s Next for the Kotwal?As for what’s coming next, Nikkhil promises more twists and layered storytelling. “There’s so much more fun, unexpected twists, and clever storytelling in store for the audience! What excites me the most is that even though my character rarely communicates through words, he still manages to leave an impact.”He adds, “It’s challenging yet incredibly rewarding to convey emotions, wit, and presence mostly through expressions and body language. If the audience is connecting with him despite his silence, I think that’s a small but meaningful win for me as an actor. It’s proof that sometimes, it’s not about how much you say—it’s about how you make people feel.”