Nayanthara Biography

Full Name:

Diana Mariam Kurian

Stage Name:

Nayanthara

Date of Birth:

November 18, 1984

Place of Birth:

Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Nationality:

Indian

Profession:

Actress, Model, Film Producer

Industries:

Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi

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Early Life and Education

Nayanthara, born as Diana Mariam Kurian, comes from a Malayali Christian family. Because her father was an Indian Air Force officer, she grew up in multiple cities including Gujarat, Delhi, and Chennai.

She completed her schooling from various Kendriya Vidyalayas across India. Later, she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Marthoma College, Thiruvalla (Kerala).

While studying, she began working as a part-time model, which eventually led her into the film industry.

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Career Beginnings

Nayanthara started her acting career in Malayalam cinema with the film Manassinakkare (2003) opposite Jayaram. Her natural on-screen charm and expressive acting quickly gained attention.

Soon after, she entered the Tamil and Telugu film industries, where her career skyrocketed and she became known as the “Lady Superstar” of South Indian cinema.

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Rise to Fame

She gained widespread fame through films like:

• Chandramukhi (2005) – Tamil

• Ghajini (2005) – Tamil (supporting role)

• Dubai Seenu (2007) – Telugu

• Billa (2007) – Tamil

• Sri Rama Rajyam (2011) – Telugu

• Raja Rani (2013) – Tamil

• Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015) – Tamil

• Aramm (2017) – Lead role that established her as a solo superstar

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• Imaikkaa Nodigal (2018)

• Netrikann (2021)

• Jawan (2023) – Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan

Her versatility, flawless screen presence, and powerful performances helped her achieve a level of popularity unmatched by most actresses of her generation.

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Notable Films

Tamil

• Chandramukhi

• Billa

• Raja Rani

• Naanum Rowdy Dhaan

• Aramm

• Imaikkaa Nodigal

• Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal

• Annapoorani

Telugu

• Sri Rama Rajyam

• Dubai Seenu

• Adurs

• Boss

• Yogi

Malayalam

• Manassinakkare

• Rappakal

• Natturajavu

Hindi

• Jawan (2023)

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Awards and Achievements

• Filmfare Awards South – Multiple wins

• Nandi Award

• Tamil Nadu State Film Award

• South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA)

• Most Popular Actress in South India (Repeated Rankings)

Nayanthara is widely regarded as one of the highest-paid actresses in India and the most influential female star in South cinema.

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Personal Life

Nayanthara married Vignesh Shivan (director, writer, and producer) in 2022. The couple welcomed twin sons via surrogacy in 2022.

Despite her massive fame, she is known for maintaining privacy and professionalism, focusing intensely on her craft and family.

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Physical Appearance

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Legacy

Nayanthara is celebrated for redefining what female actors can achieve in Indian cinema. She consistently delivers successful films, carries lead roles on her own, and commands star-level respect equal to top male actors.

Her transition from Malayalam films to becoming South India’s “Lady Superstar” is considered one of the most inspiring success stories in Indian entertainment.

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