Nayanthara, born as Diana Mariam Kurian on November 18, 1984, in Bangalore, Karnataka, is a renowned Indian actress primarily known for her work in Tamil cinema, alongside significant contributions to Telugu and Malayalam films. She is one of the highest-paid actresses in India and was the only South Indian actress to make it to the Forbes India “Celebrity 100” list in 2018. With a career spanning over two decades, Nayanthara has appeared in more than 75 films and has earned numerous accolades, including five Filmfare Awards South and several other prestigious honors. Some of her standout performances include her roles in Sri Rama Rajyam (2011), Raja Rani (2013), Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015), Aramm (2017), and Puthiya Niyamam (2016), solidifying her status as one of South India’s leading actresses.
Nayanthara Biography 2024
Nayanthara made her film debut in 2003 with the Malayalam movie Manassinakkare. She entered Tamil cinema in 2005 with Ayya and expanded her reach into Telugu and Kannada films soon after. Notable films in her career include Chandramukhi (2005), Ghajini (2005), Billa (2007), Yaaradi Nee Mohini (2008), and Viswasam (2019). In 2023, she ventured into Hindi cinema with Jawan. Beyond acting, Nayanthara is a philanthropist and the co-founder of a production house, Rowdy Pictures, alongside her husband, filmmaker Vignesh Shivan, with whom she has two children.
Nayanthara Biography Details
| Born | Diana Mariam Kurian 18 November 1984 (age 40) Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
|---|
| Alma mater | Mar Thoma College (BA) |
|---|
| Occupations | |
|---|
| Years active | 2003–present |
|---|
| Works | Full list |
|---|
| Spouse | |
|---|
| Children | 2 |
|---|
| Awards | Full list |
|---|
Nayanthara Early Life
Nayanthara was born into a Malayali Syrian Christian family in Thiruvalla, Kerala. Her parents, Kurian Kodiyattu and Omana Kurian, raised her in various parts of India due to her father’s service in the Indian Air Force. Nayanthara completed her schooling in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and Delhi before attending Balikamadom Girls Higher Secondary School in Thiruvalla. She later pursued a bachelor’s degree in English Literature at Marthoma College in Thiruvalla. Her early education across diverse locations played a role in shaping her adaptable and dynamic persona, which she later brought to her acting career.
Nayanthara Background
Aspect | Details |
Full Name | Diana Mariam Kurian |
Date of Birth | November 18, 1984 |
Place of Birth | Bangalore, Karnataka |
Family Background | Malayali Syrian Christian family from Thiruvalla, Kerala. Parents are Kurian Kodiyattu and Omana Kurian. |
Education | Completed schooling in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and Delhi. Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Marthoma College, Thiruvalla. |
Career Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Film Industry | Key Films and Roles |
Malayalam Debut | Manassinakkare (2003), where she gained attention for her role as the lead. |
Tamil Debut | Ayya (2005), where she became a well-known face in Tamil cinema. |
Telugu Debut | Lakshmi (2006), marking her entry into the Telugu film industry. |
Breakthrough Role | Chandramukhi (2005), a massive success in Tamil cinema. |
Major Achievements and Accolades
Award | Film | Year |
Filmfare Award (Telugu) | Sri Rama Rajyam | 2011 |
Filmfare Award (Tamil) | Raja Rani | 2013 |
Filmfare Award (Tamil) | Naanum Rowdy Dhaan | 2015 |
Filmfare Award (Malayalam) | Puthiya Niyamam | 2016 |
Tamil Nadu State Film Award | Raja Rani | 2013 |
Female-Centric Films and Critical Acclaim
Film | Year | Genre | Role |
Aramm | 2017 | Political Drama | District Collector |
Maya | 2015 | Horror Thriller | Investigative Officer |
Anaamika | 2014 | Psychological Thriller | Lead Role |
Netrikann | 2021 | Crime Thriller | Visually Impaired Detective |
Personal Life and Marriage
Aspect | Details |
Partner | Vignesh Shivan, filmmaker and director |
Marriage Date | June 9, 2022, in a private ceremony in Mahabalipuram |
Children | Twin boys named Uyir and Ulagam, born through surrogacy in October 2022. |
Philanthropy and Social Contributions
Activity | Details |
Donation to Cyclone Relief | Contributed ₹5 Lakhs to Chief Minister’s Relief Fund during 2012’s Cyclone Thane |
COVID-19 Support | Donated ₹20 Lakhs to Film Employees Federation of South India to help daily wage workers during the pandemic. |
Protests Participation | Actively participated in the 2017 pro-Jallikattu protests in Chennai. |
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Brand Endorsements
Brand | Role |
The Lip Balm Company | Co-founded in 2021 with Dr. Renita Rajan. |
9Skin | Launched a skincare range focusing on gender-neutral products. |
Femi9 | Launched a female hygiene brand. |
Endorsements | Tanishq, Fipola Seafood, GRT Jewellers |
Nayanthara Film Production Venture
Film | Year | Genre | Details |
Koozhangal | 2021 | Drama | Acclaimed for its critical success. |
Netrikann | 2021 | Thriller | Co-produced with her husband Vignesh Shivan. |
Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal | 2022 | Romantic Comedy | Produced under Rowdy Pictures. |
Media Presence and Popularity
Platform | Details |
Instagram | Gained 1 million followers in record time, breaking Katrina Kaif’s previous record. |
Forbes India | Featured in the Forbes India “Celebrity 100” list, with an annual earning of ₹15.17 crore in 2018. |
Chennai Times Most Desirable Woman | Awarded multiple times in 2015 and 2016. |
Legacy and Influence on Cinema
Contribution | Details |
Breaking Stereotypes | Nayanthara is seen as a feminist icon, breaking stereotypes of female characters in South Indian cinema. |
Women-Centric Films | Pioneered a shift towards women-centric films with strong roles in Aramm, Maya, and Anaamika. |
Box Office Impact | Has consistently pulled in audiences, even in female-led films, making her one of the most bankable stars in South Indian cinema. |
Notable Films and Roles
Film | Year | Role | Genre |
Ghajini | 2005 | Secondary Female Lead | Action, Thriller |
Billa | 2007 | Lead Role | Action, Thriller |
Viswasam | 2019 | Lead Role | Family, Drama |
Bigil | 2019 | Lead Role | Sports, Drama |
Controversies
Incident | Details |
Legal Dispute with Dhanush | Nayanthara accused Dhanush of holding grudges over their past relationship during Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, resulting in a legal dispute over documentary footage. |
Nayanthara Net Worth
Nayanthara net worth is estimated to be around Rs 200 crore.
Nayanthara Summary
Nayanthara is an iconic South Indian actress whose career has spanned two decades and multiple languages. Known for her powerful performances in both commercial and critically acclaimed films, she has become one of the highest-paid and most influential actresses in the industry. From her humble beginnings in Malayalam cinema to her current success in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films, Nayanthara has carved a niche for herself, often challenging gender norms. In addition to her acting career
