[5][6] At age 17, Nakshatra was spotted by director Sunil Kumar Desai at a function, who called her mother, Sumithra, and expressed interest in casting her in his film.
In Vaidooryam, she played Gayathri, a "strong woman who faces hardships and goes through emotional trauma to win her love",[15] with Nakshatra stating that the role was a "huge challenge" as some scenes were "very demanding".
[17] She further added that working in the film helped her to overcome her "inner obstacles" as was a shy and reserved person but was forced to open up and "come out of my shell" for the role.
[18] In Kili Paadum Gramam she played a "pampered and bubbly village girl";[6] both films were box office bombs.
[21] In Oru New Generation Pani directed by debutant Sankar Narayan, she would be seen as Indraja, a bold and well educated girl, who is brought up by her mother.