Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Nayanthara – The Lady Superstar needs no introduction. She has been ruling the South-Indian film industry for the last two decades and now with the #JawanTsunami, she has become equally popular among the Hindi audience as well. In this article, we have tried to present a brief biography of Nayanthara.
Introduction
In the glitzy world of Indian cinema, where dreams take center stage, Nayanthara’s journey stands as a testament to grit, talent, and unwavering determination. Beyond the glamorous facade, her life story is a compelling narrative of rising to prominence, breaking barriers, and carving her own path in the fiercely competitive South Indian film industry.
Early Life and Background
Childhood in Bengaluru
Nayanthara was born as Diana Mariam Kurian on November 18, 1984, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India. She was born in a Syrian Christian family. Her father’s name is Kurian Kodiyattu and her mother is Omana Kurian.
Education and Modeling
As her father was an Indian Air Force official, Nayanthara studied in various parts of India. She did her schooling in Jamnagar, Gujarat, and Delhi. In Thiruvalla, she studied at Balikamadom Girls Higher Secondary School, Thirumoolapuram and then attended Marthoma College, Thiruvalla for her bachelor’s degree in English Literature.
While pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in English Literature, Nayanthara was drawn to the world of modeling. Her striking looks and charismatic presence soon earned her opportunities in the modeling industry, laying the initial stepping stones for her eventual entry into films.
Entry into the Film Industry
The Debut: “Manassinakkare” (2003)
Nayanthara’s cinematic journey commenced with the Malayalam film “Manassinakkare” in 2003. Although it was a modest beginning, her performance caught the industry’s attention, signaling the arrival of a promising talent.
Rising Star in South Indian Cinema
Tamil and Telugu Ventures
Nayanthara soon ventured into Tamil and Telugu cinema, where her versatility as an actress shone through. Memorable roles in movies like “Ghajini,” “Chandramukhi,” and “Billa” established her as a sought-after leading lady.
Awards and Recognition
Her dedication to her craft didn’t go unnoticed. Nayanthara received numerous awards and accolades, including Filmfare Awards and Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, which validated her acting prowess.
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Maya | Best Actress | Won |
| Thani Oruvan | Nominated | ||
| 2016 | Naanum Rowdy Dhaan | Nominated |
Kalaimamani Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Contribution of Tamil Cinema | Kalaimamani | Won |
Ananda Vikatan Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Naanum Rowdy Dhaan | Best Actress | Won |
| 2017 | Aramm | Won | |
| 2019 | Airaa | Nominated | |
| 2022 | Connect | Nominated |
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Raja Rani | Best Actress | Won |
Mathrubhumi Film Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Language | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | E | Best Actress | Tamil | Won |
Edison Awards (Tamil)
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Raja Rani | Best Actress | Won |
| 2015 | Naanum Rowdy Dhaan | Won | |
| Thani Oruvan | The Gorgeous Belle | Nominated | |
| 2016 | Iru Mugan | Best Actress | Nominated |
| 2017 | Aramm | Won | |
| 2018 | Imaikkaa Nodigal | Won | |
| 2019 | Kolaiyuthir Kaalam | Nominated | |
| Bigil & Viswasam | Favorite Actress | Nominated | |
| 2020 | Mookuthi Amman | Nominated | |
| 2021 | Netrikann | Best Actress | Nominated |
| 2022 | O2 | Nominated |
Filmfare Awards South
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Language | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Billa | Best Actress | Tamil | Nominated |
| Tulasi | Telugu | Nominated | ||
| 2008 | Yaaradi Nee Mohini | Tamil | Nominated | |
| 2010 | Boss Engira Bhaskaran | Nominated | ||
| Simha | Telugu | Nominated | ||
| Super | Kannada | Nominated | ||
| 2011 | Sri Rama Rajyam | Telugu | Won | |
| 2012 | Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | Raja Rani | Tamil | Won | |
| 2015 | Naanum Rowdy Dhaan | Won | ||
| 2016 | Iru Mugan | Nominated | ||
| Puthiya Niyamam | Malayalam | Won | ||
| 2017 | Aramm | Tamil | Won | |
| 2018 | Kolamavu Kokila | Nominated |
Kerala Film Critics Association Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Language | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Puthiya Niyamam | Best Actress | Malayalam | Won |
Nandi Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Sri Rama Rajyam | Best Actress | Won |
CineMAA Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Sri Rama Rajyam | Best Actress (Jury) | Won |
Bharatamuni Film Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Sri Rama Rajyam | Best Actress | Won |
Ugadi Puraskar Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Sri Rama Rajyam | Best Actress | Won |
TSR-TV9 Film Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Sri Rama Rajyam | Best Actress | Won |
Asianet Film Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Manassinakkare | Best New Face of the Year | Won |
| 2010 | Bodyguard | Best Actress | Won |
| 2017 | Puthiya Niyamam | Nominated |
Santosham Film Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Sri Rama Rajyam | Best Actress | Won |
South Indian International Movie Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Language | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Sri Rama Rajyam | Best Actress | Telugu | Won |
| 2013 | Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum | Nominated | ||
| Best Actress (Critics) | Won | |||
| 2014 | Raja Rani | Best Actress | Tamil | Nominated |
| 2015 | Anaamika | Telugu | Nominated | |
| 2016 | Naanum Rowdy Dhaan | Tamil | Won | |
| Bhaskar the Rascal | Malayalam | Won | ||
| 2017 | Iru Mugan | Tamil | Won | |
| Puthiya Niyamam | Malayalam | Won | ||
| 2018 | Aramm | Tamil | Won | |
| 2019 | Kolamavu Kokila | Nominated | ||
| 2020 | Viswasam | Won | ||
| 2021 | Mookuthi Amman | Nominated | ||
| 2022 | Netrikann | Nominated |
Vijay Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Billa | Favourite Heroine | Won |
| 2008 | Yaaradi Nee Mohini | Won | |
| 2009 | Aadhavan | Nominated | |
| 2010 | Boss Engira Bhaskaran | Nominated | |
| 2013 | Raja Rani | Won | |
| Best Actress | Won | ||
| 2014 | Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal | Favourite Heroine | Nominated |
| 2017 | Aramm | Won | |
| Best Actress | Won |
Sunfeast Tamil Music Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Billa | Best Actress | Won |
Behindwoods Gold Medal
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Raja Rani | Best Acting Performance | Won |
| 2018 | Nayanthara | The Golden Lady of South Indian Box Office | Won |
JFW- Divas of South Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Nayanthara | Divas of South | Won |
JFW Movie Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Imaikkaa Nodigal | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Nominated |
| Kolamavu Kokila | Best Actress – Women Centric Film | Nominated | |
| 2019 | Airaa | Nominated | |
| Viswasam | Best Actress in a Leading Role | Nominated | |
| 2020 | Mookuthi Amman | Best Actress – Women Centric Film | Nominated |
| 2021 | Netrikann | Won | |
| Best Women-Centric Film(Along with Vignesh Shivan) | Won |
The Hindu World Of Women Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Nayanthara | Excellence in the field of Entertainment | Won |
South Scope Style Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Nayanthara | Youth Icon (Female) | Won |
Zee Cinema Awards – Tamil
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Airaa | Best Actress | Nominated |
| Viswasam & Bigil | Favorite Actress | Won | |
| Nayanthara | Sridevi Award for Inspiring Women of Indian Cinema | Won |
The Galatta Crown Awards
| Year | Artist/Work | Category | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Mookuthi Amman | Favourite Actress | Won |
| Nayanthara | Empress of Indian Cinema | Won | |
| Netrikann | Favourite Heroine | Nominated |
Personal Life and Struggles
Challenges and Triumphs
Nayanthara’s personal life has been marked by challenges and triumphs. Her relationship with Prabhu Deva, a renowned choreographer and filmmaker, garnered media attention and eventually ended. However, she emerged from this period with renewed strength, focusing on her career and personal growth.
Philanthropy and Social Initiatives
Nayanthara is known for her philanthropic efforts, actively supporting various social causes. Notably, during the 2012 cyclonic storm Thane in Tamil Nadu, she demonstrated her humanitarian spirit by contributing a generous sum of Rs. 5 lakhs to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nayanthara extended her support to the Film Employees Federation of South India by donating Rs. 20 lakhs to assist daily wage workers in the film industry.
Aramm Foundation
Beyond the silver screen, Nayanthara’s compassionate side shines. She founded the Aramm Foundation, dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities and supporting social causes, showcasing her commitment to making a difference.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Inspiring Generations
Nayanthara’s journey from Diana Mariam Kurian to Nayanthara, the Queen of South Indian Cinema, is a story of unwavering determination and undeniable talent. She continues to inspire generations of aspiring actors with her dedication and success.
Upcoming Projects
After the massive success of Jawan, Nyathara is set to feature in the movie Iraivan which is an upcoming Tamil-language psychological action thriller film written and directed by I. Ahmed. This movie is scheduled to release on 28 September 2023. Apart from this, Nayanthara has signed two more Tamil movies Ladysuperstar75 and Test.
Conclusion
Nayanthara’s life is indeed “Beyond The Fairy Tale.” Her story reminds us that true success requires perseverance, resilience, and staying true to one’s passion. From Bengaluru to the bright lights of Indian cinema, Nayanthara’s journey is a testament to the adage that dreams do come true when you chase them relentlessly.
List of All Films of Nayanthara
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Language(s) |
| 2003 | Manassinakkare | Gauri |
Malayalam
|
|
2004
|
Vismayathumbathu | Reetha Mathews | |
| Natturajavu | Katrina | ||
|
2005
|
Ayya | Selvi |
Tamil
|
| Chandramukhi | Durga | ||
| Thaskara Veeran | Thankamani | Malayalam | |
| Rappakal | Gauri | ||
| Ghajini | Chitra |
Tamil
|
|
| Sivakasi | Herself | ||
|
2006
|
Kalvanin Kadhali | Haritha | |
| Lakshmi | Nandhinee |
Telugu
|
|
| Boss | Anuradha | ||
| E | Jyothi |
Tamil
|
|
| Thalaimagan | Mekala | ||
| Vallavan | Swapna | ||
|
2007
|
Yogi | Nandini |
Telugu
|
| Dubai Seenu | Madhumathi | ||
| Sivaji: The Boss | Herself | Tamil | |
| Tulasi | Vasundhara Ram | Telugu | |
| Billa | Sasha |
Tamil
|
|
|
2008
|
Yaaradi Nee Mohini | Keerthi (Komalavalli) | |
| Kuselan / Kathanayakudu | Herself | Tamil Telugu |
|
| Satyam / Salute | Deivanayaki alias Deiva (Tamil)Divya (Telugu) | Tamil Telugu |
|
| Aegan | Mallika | Tamil | |
| Twenty:20 | Herself | Malayalam | |
|
2009
|
Villu | Janvi | Tamil |
| Anjaneyulu | Anjali | Telugu | |
| Aadhavan | Thara | Tamil | |
|
2010
|
Adhurs | Chandrakala | Telugu |
| Bodyguard | Ammu | Malayalam | |
| Goa | Herself | Tamil | |
| Simha | Gayatri | Telugu | |
| Boss Engira Bhaskaran | Chandrika | Tamil | |
| Elektra | Elektra Alexander | Malayalam | |
| Super | Indira | Kannada | |
| 2011 | Sri Rama Rajyam | Sita / Lakshmi |
Telugu
|
| 2012 | Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum | Devika | |
|
2013
|
Ethir Neechal | Herself | Tamil |
| Greeku Veerudu | Sandhya | Telugu | |
| Raja Rani | Regina John |
Tamil
|
|
| Arrambam | Maya | ||
|
2014
|
Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal | Pavithra | |
| Anaamika / Nee Enge En Anbe | Anaamika | Telugu Tamil |
|
|
2015
|
Nannbenda | Ramya | Tamil |
| Bhaskar the Rascal | Hima | Malayalam | |
| Massu Engira Masilamani | Manini |
Tamil
|
|
| Thani Oruvan | Mahima | ||
| Maya | Maya Mathews, Apsara[b] | ||
| Life of Josutty | Swapna | Malayalam | |
| Naanum Rowdy Dhaan | Kadambari | Tamil | |
|
2016
|
Puthiya Niyamam | Vasuki Iyer | Malayalam |
| Idhu Namma Aalu | Myla |
Tamil
|
|
| Thirunaal | Vidya | ||
| Babu Bangaram | Sailaja | Telugu | |
| Iru Mugan | Meera George |
Tamil
|
|
| Kaashmora | Rathna Mahadevi | ||
|
2017
|
Dora | Pavalakkodi | |
| Aramm | Madhivadhani | ||
| Velaikkaran | Mrinalini | ||
|
2018
|
Jai Simha | Gauri | Telugu |
| Kolamaavu Kokila | Kokila |
Tamil
|
|
| Imaikkaa Nodigal | Anjali Vikramadityan | ||
|
2019
|
Viswasam | Niranjana | |
| Airaa | Bhavani, Yamuna[b] | ||
| Mr. Local | Keerthana Vasudevan | ||
| Kolaiyuthir Kaalam | Shruthi Lawson | ||
| Love Action Drama | Shobha | Malayalam | |
| Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy | Siddhamma | Telugu | |
| Bigil | Angel Aasirvaatham |
Tamil
|
|
|
2020
|
Darbar | Lilly | |
| Mookuthi Amman | Mookuthi Amman | ||
|
2021
|
Nizhal | Sharmila | Malayalam |
| Netrikann | Durga/ Nancy | Tamil | |
| Aaradugula Bullet | Nayana | Telugu | |
| Annaatthe | Adv. Pattammal |
Tamil
|
|
|
2022
|
Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal | Kanmani Ganguly | |
| O2 | Parvathy | ||
| Godfather | Sathyapriya Jaidev | Telugu | |
| Gold | Sumangali Unnikrishnan | Malayalam | |
| Connect | Susan | Tamil | |
|
2023
|
Jawan | Narmada Rai Rathore | Hindi |
| Iraivan † | TBA | Tamil | |
| TBA | Ladysuperstar75 † | TBA |
Tamil
|
| TBA | Test † | TBA |
