Nirmal Mangar
His recent appearance in the Hindi film Ikkis, alongside Agastya Nanda, marked a significant milestone in the artistic journey of Nilesh Rai. The opportunity came after multiple auditions and a leap of faith.
“I was broke when I got called for a screen test in Mumbai. I borrowed money from a friend to book the flight,” Nilesh shares. That risk ultimately paid off, leading to his selection, NDA-style cadet training in Pune, and a role in the film.
He was also seen in the local film Dhamilo Pahad, shot in a village near Kalimpong. Though his role was brief, the audience response exceeded expectations.
“My DMs are flooded with messages. I think a lot of that support comes from the online community I’ve built, and I’m extremely grateful for that,” he says.
Early Life and Education
Born to Umesh Rai and Madhu Rai, Nilesh Rai, 29, completed his secondary schooling at Sai Gurukul, Gangtok, followed by higher secondary education at Tendong Educational Institute, Namchi. His inclination towards the performing arts emerged early, particularly through dance.
“During my school days, I performed in almost every annual function and Teachers’ Day celebration. That’s where I first realised my love for performing,” he recalls.
Discovering Theatre
The defining moment came during his college years, almost by chance. While visiting Gangtok for a reunion, his sister Suprabha Sharma took him to watch a play at Manan Kendra.
“At the time, I didn’t even know it was an NSD Sikkim Repertory production. The play was Andha Yug, and it left me overwhelmed,” he says. Though the decision to pursue theatre did not come immediately, that experience planted the seed for what would become a lifelong journey.
Training at the National School of Drama
Nilesh later auditioned for and was selected to the National School of Drama (NSD), Sikkim, a one-year residential diploma programme offering full scholarship and limited to just 20 students each year.
“I went in thinking acting was about remembering dialogues and expressing emotions on cue,” he admits. “The training showed me how much deeper the craft really is.”
The programme focused on physical discipline, voice training, yoga, meditation, and reconnecting with cultural roots. Living and training alongside peers from across the country broadened his perspective and enriched his understanding of theatre and life.
After completing his training, he spent three years with the NSD Repertory Drama Company, performing across India and representing Sikkim on national platforms.
Theatre to Digital Platforms
Today, Nilesh Rai is widely recognised as a digital content creator, particularly for his short-format comedy videos on Instagram. His theatre background plays a crucial role in shaping his work.
“My strength lies in writing—understanding how a scene flows, the rhythm, tone, dialogue, and timing,” he explains. Years of reading, analysing, and performing plays have deeply influenced his creative approach.
Drawing inspiration from everyday life—childhood memories, neighbourhood characters, and familiar social settings—his content resonates strongly with audiences. What began as a hobby gradually evolved into a full-time profession with consistent audience support.
The Creator Economy and Its Challenges
Nilesh believes the creator economy offers immense opportunities but requires sustained effort.
“Going viral is easy today. Building an audience and staying relevant is the real challenge,” he observes.
Each platform brings its own demands—from monetisation models to brand collaborations—making consistency, quality, and adaptability essential for long-term sustainability.
Representation and Future Aspirations
He strongly emphasises the importance of authentic representation of Sikkim and the Northeast in Indian cinema and digital media.
“For a long time, our stories were either missing or stereotyped. Social media has allowed us to tell our own stories in our own voices,” he says.
Looking ahead, Nilesh hopes to explore light-hearted, relatable roles—the “next-door” characters—across films, web series, and theatre.
A Message to Young Artists
To aspiring artists from Sikkim and the region, Nilesh Rai offers a simple yet powerful message:
“The world is yours for the taking.”
Rooted in discipline, culture, and creative integrity, his journey reflects a new generation of storytellers shaping Indian cinema and digital media with authenticity and confidence.
