Nayanthara facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nayanthara
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Nayanthara at the 2013 Filmfare Awards
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| Born |
Diana Mariam Kurian
18 November 1984 |
| Alma mater | Mar Thoma College (BA) |
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| Years active | 2003–present |
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Works
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Full list |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Full list |
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Nayanthara (born Diana Mariam Kurian on November 18, 1984) is a famous Indian actress and movie producer. She is best known for her work in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam movies. People often call her the "Lady Superstar" because of her success.
She is one of the highest-paid actresses in India. In 2018, Forbes India magazine named her on its "Celebrity 100" list. She was the only actress from South India to make the list that year. Over her long career, she has acted in more than 75 films. She has won many awards, including five Filmfare Awards South.
Nayanthara started her acting journey in 2003 with the Malayalam film Manassinakkare. She later became a star in Tamil and Telugu movies. She is known for playing strong female characters in films where she is the main star. Some of these movies include Maya (2015), Aramm (2017), and Kolamaavu Kokila (2018).
She has also starred in many blockbuster hits like Chandramukhi (2005), Billa (2007), Bigil (2019), and Jawan (2023), which was her first Hindi film.
Besides acting, Nayanthara helps people in need through charity work. She also owns a movie production company called "Rowdy Pictures" with her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. They have two children.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Nayanthara was born as Diana Mariam Kurian in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Her family is from Thiruvalla, a town in Kerala. Her father, Kurian Kodiyattu, was an official in the Indian Air Force. Because of her father's job, Nayanthara grew up in different parts of India, including Jamnagar, Gujarat, and Delhi.
She completed her schooling in various cities. For college, she attended Mar Thoma College in Thiruvalla. She earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature.
Acting Career
How Her Career Began (2003–2007)
While in college, Nayanthara worked as a part-time model. Director Sathyan Anthikkad saw her modeling photos and offered her a role in his movie Manassinakkare (2003). At first, she said no because she wasn't interested in acting. But she eventually agreed to do just one film. The movie was a big hit, and she started getting more acting offers.
In 2005, she made her debut in Tamil cinema with the movie Ayya. The same year, she starred in the superhit horror-comedy Chandramukhi with the famous actor Rajinikanth. This movie was so popular that it ran in theaters for over 800 days. It made Nayanthara one of the most popular actresses in Tamil cinema.
She made her first Telugu movie, Lakshmi, in 2006. She acted in many films during this time, showing her talent in different kinds of roles.
Becoming a Superstar (2007–2013)
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In 2007, Nayanthara starred in the stylish action film Billa. Her performance was praised by everyone, and the movie was a huge success. She looked very glamorous and cool in the film, which won her many fans. This role earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil.
She continued to star in successful films like the family-friendly Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008). Critics said she gave a great performance, showing a wide range of emotions. In 2010, she had five hit movies in four different languages, including Bodyguard (Malayalam) and Boss Engira Bhaskaran (Tamil).
One of her most famous roles came in 2011 with the film Sri Rama Rajyam. She played the goddess Sita. Her performance was so powerful that she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu and the Nandi Award for Best Actress.
After a short break, she returned in 2013 with the romantic comedy Raja Rani. She played a woman in a difficult marriage and won her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil. Critics said it was one of the best performances of her career.
Success with Female-Led Films (2014–2022)
Starting in 2014, Nayanthara became famous for starring in "female-centric" films, where the story revolves around her character. The horror movie Maya was a big success. In it, she played a single mother with a secret past.
She also won another Filmfare Award for the comedy Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015). In this film, she played a deaf girl who wants to get revenge in a funny way.
In 2017, she starred in Aramm, a social drama where she played a district collector who helps villagers. This role won her another Filmfare Award. She also starred in successful action films like Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018) and Bigil (2019).
During this time, she also appeared in movies with other top actors. She was in the historical film Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019) and acted alongside Rajinikanth again in Darbar (2020) and Annaatthe (2021).
Expanding to Hindi Cinema (2023–Present)
In 2023, Nayanthara made her debut in Hindi cinema with the action movie Jawan, starring opposite Shah Rukh Khan. She played a police officer in the film. Jawan was a massive blockbuster and became one of the highest-grossing Indian films ever made.
Later that year, she starred in Annapoorani: The Goddess of Food, where she played a young woman who dreams of becoming a great chef. In 2025, she appeared in the movie Test. Nayanthara has several other movies planned, showing that she continues to be one of the busiest and most successful actresses in India.
Personal Life
Nayanthara began a relationship with director Vignesh Shivan in 2015 while they were working on the film Naanum Rowdy Dhaan. The couple got married on June 9, 2022, in Mahabalipuram. In October 2022, they welcomed twin sons, who were born through surrogacy.
Work Outside of Films
Nayanthara is known for her kindness and supports many social causes. She has donated money to help people affected by natural disasters and to support workers in the film industry. She also supports traditional Indian culture and participated in the 2017 pro-jallikattu protests in Chennai.
In 2021, Nayanthara started her own business, The Lip Balm Company. She also launched a skincare brand called 9Skin and a brand for female hygiene products called Femi9.
With her husband, she started a film production company named Rowdy Pictures. The company has produced several successful and award-winning films, including Koozhangal (2021) and Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal (2022).
Filmography
Nayanthara has acted in over 75 movies in a career that has lasted for more than two decades. She has worked in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi films.
Awards and Recognition
Nayanthara has won many awards for her acting. These include five Filmfare Awards South, which are among the most respected awards in South Indian cinema.
- Best Actress (Telugu) for Sri Rama Rajyam (2011)
- Best Actress (Tamil) for Raja Rani (2013)
- Best Actress (Tamil) for Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015)
- Best Actress (Malayalam) for Puthiya Niyamam (2016)
- Best Actress (Tamil) for Aramm (2018)
