Nadine Lustre is no stranger to the spotlight, but in her latest interview on The B-Side, she reveals just how much she’s evolved—both as an actress and as a professional making conscious choices about her career.
From romantic comedies to gritty thrillers, Nadine has crafted a filmography that proves she’s more than a pretty face; she’s a powerhouse performer.
Interview highlights:
- No more exes on set: Nadine is clear—she won’t work with former partners anymore. Full stop.
- Zodiac casting: To really live her characters, she assigns them Zodiac signs and even makes playlists to match their personalities. Nicole in Uninvited? Definitely a Scorpio.
- Method to the madness: From fiddling with hair to tiny gestures, she dives deep into character mannerisms, even for horror films (Deleter) and thrillers.
- From chaos to focus: Nadine remembers the whirlwind of Diary ng Panget mall tours, TV fame with On the Wings of Love, and the adrenaline-fueled years that followed. “The me back then is different now,” she admits.
- Genre-hopping: Rom-coms, fantasy (Ulan), horror (Deleter), thrillers (Uninvited)—she’s done it all and won awards along the way.
Looking back at her journey, Nadine fondly recalls her first lead role in Diary ng Panget, and even her debut in Petrang Kabayo with Vice Ganda. “It was such a privilege to work with Ate Vice,” she says, describing it as a full-circle moment when the opportunity to collaborate again came with Call Me Mother. That early experience gave her a sense of confidence, even as she navigated the whirlwind fame that followed her breakout projects.
She’s candid about the pressures of rising to household-name status, especially with her television hits like On the Wings of Love and Till I Met You. Touring abroad and connecting with international fans was surreal for Nadine, who admits, “The me that was living that life back then is different now. I’ve grown so much.” The pandemic, she notes, was a turning point, a pause that allowed her to reflect and reboot.
What stands out most in the interview is Nadine’s meticulous approach to her craft today. She describes how she prepares for roles with thoughtfulness and nuance—from assigning Zodiac signs to her characters to creating playlists that reflect their personalities. Whether it’s the anxiety-driven gestures of Lyra in Deleter or the feisty energy of Nicole in Uninvited, Nadine dissects her roles to inhabit them fully, showing that her preparation is as methodical as it is creative.
She’s also clear about her professional boundaries: she’s no longer willing to work with ex-partners, a decision that underscores her maturity and assertiveness in navigating the industry.
Nadine Lustre’s career trajectory—from rom-com darling to award-winning, genre-spanning actress—is a testament to her willingness to explore, take risks, and constantly reinvent herself. As she gears up for her latest Metro Manila Film Festival project, one thing is clear: Nadine is fully in control of her craft, her choices, and her story.
