Nayanthara Birthday: Tollywood To Bollywood, The Superstar’s Inspiring Journey

Nayanthara, one of the highest-paid actors in the South Indian film industry, turned 38 years old on November 18, 2022. The actor, touted as the ‘Lady Superstar of South Indian films’ – a redundant epithet because she needs no gendered prefixes – predominantly works in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films and is all set to debut in Bollywood opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan.

From her Malayalam debut in a supporting actor’s role in 2003 to her Bollywood debut opposite Khan in 2023, here is a look at the actor’s inspiring career graph on the occasion of her birthday.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Vignesh Shivan (@wikkiofficial)

Nayanthara’s Professional Career

Born as Diana Mariam Kurian in Bangalore to an Air Force official father, the actor later took Nayanthara as her professional name. She debuted in the Malayalam film Manassinakkare in 2003 after she was spotted and approached by filmmaker Sathyan Anthikkad from her modelling assignments that she did part-time during her college. Though it was not a lead role, the film went on to become a huge financial success, which opened a floodgate for more movie offers for Nayanthara.

Don't Miss:From Adipurush To Pathaan: 5 Bollywood Films Eyeing A 2023 Release

Following which, she starred in two Malayalam films in 2004 – Shaji Kailas directed Natturajavu, where she played the role of the protagonist’s sister, and Fazil’s psychological thriller Vismayathumbathu alongside Mohanlal. Her portrayal of a ghost in the latter garnered critical acclaim and praise from all over. Meanwhile, in 2005, she made her Tamil debut as a lead in Hari’s directorial titled Ayya, which ran over 800 days at the theatres making her one of the most-sought after actors in the industry.

Subsequently, in 2006, Nayanthara made her Telugu debut with Lakshmi. Within two years Nayanthara had four to five releases in a year in different languages. Kannada actor Upendra Rao’s Super marked Nayanthara’s Kannada debut in 2010, which also opened to great box-office success and critical acclaim. By now Nayanthara had also received several Filmfare and Nandi Awards, among several other awards.

Following back-to-back hits in all the three film industries, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam, Nayanthara took a sabbatical of 11 months as she due to personal issues. However, she was back to ruling a male-dominated industry and made a comeback with another hit with Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum (2012), where she played a journalist. It was after a long time she played something different from the quintessential commercial roles she was often seen in.

Since then, there has been no looking back for the ‘Lady Superstar’, who eventually became one of the highest paid South Indian actors. Allegedly, she charges no less than ₹3 to ₹10 crores per film.

Nayanthara is set to debut in Bollywood opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Atlee’s Hindi Directorial debut Jawan. The film is eyeing a June 2, 2023 release and is one of the most awaited films of the year.

Nayanthara’s Personal Life

Nayanthara and actor-filmmaker Vignesh Shivan got married in a fairytale wedding at a famous resort in Mahabalipuram on June 9, this year. The wedding was a close-knit affair, with only family and few select guests in attendance.

Don't Miss:A Love Letter To Tabu: The Enduring Magic She Brings To Her Characters

The couple’s much-talked-about wedding documentary, Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale, is set to premiere on Netflix. The couple also became parents recently to twin boys through surrogacy.

Also Watch: