Who is Nayanthara?
Nayanthara, born as Diana Mariam Kurian, is one of the most celebrated actresses in South Indian cinema. Known as the “Lady Superstar”, she has worked in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films for more than two decades. With her powerful screen presence, versatile roles, and iconic career choices, she has become one of the highest-paid actresses in India. Alongside her acting achievements, she remains a respected figure known for her grace, independence, and strong public image.
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Diana Mariam Kurian |
| Stage Name | Nayanthara |
| Date of Birth | 18 November 1984 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 40 Years |
| Birthplace | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Hometown | Thiruvalla, Kerala |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actress, Producer, Entrepreneur |
| Religion | Christianity (converted to Hinduism in 2011) |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts (English Literature) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Husband | Vignesh Shivan (Film Director) |
| Children | Twin sons – Uyir & Ulag |
| Debut Film | Manassinakkare (Malayalam, 2003) |
| Known For | Being South India’s Lady Superstar |
| Net Worth | Approx. ₹200+ Crore (2025) |
Nayanthara Early Life
Nayanthara was born on 18 November 1984 to an Indian Army family. Because her father served in the Armed Forces, she lived in various cities across India, including Gujarat, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu. This constant travel helped her adapt to different cultures and languages; it later played a major role in her ability to work across three film industries.
Her childhood was simple, disciplined, and rooted in Christian values. From a young age, she showed interest in dancing, reading, and stage activities but never planned to become an actress. Her initial dreams were focused on academics and building a career outside the entertainment world.
Nayanthara Education
Nayanthara completed her schooling in multiple cities due to her father’s transfers. She later studied in Kendriya Vidyalayas, where she was known as a bright and confident student.
For higher education, she moved to Kerala and pursued:
- Bachelor of Arts in English Literature
Marthoma College, Thiruvalla
During college, she did part-time modeling, which unexpectedly opened the doors to the film industry.
Nayanthara Family
| Family Member | Profession / Details |
| Father | Kurian Kodiyattu – Retired Indian Army Officer |
| Mother | Omana Kurian |
| Brother | Leno (older brother), works in Dubai |
| Husband | Vignesh Shivan – Film Director & Producer |
| Children | Twin boys: Uyir & Ulag |
Her parents supported her early modeling career but were initially unsure about acting. However, after seeing her dedication and success, they fully stood behind her decisions.
Nayanthara Career
Early Career (2003–2005)
Nayanthara’s career began unexpectedly when she was spotted during a modeling assignment. Malayalam director Sathyan Anthikad offered her the lead role in Manassinakkare (2003). The film became a major success and introduced her as a promising newcomer.
Soon, she starred in Malayalam films like:
- Natturajavu
- Vismayathumbathu
Her expressive acting and natural beauty quickly made her a rising star.
Entry into Tamil and Telugu Cinema (2005–2009)
Nayanthara entered Tamil cinema with Ayya (2005), which was a breakthrough hit. The same year, she gained nationwide attention with Chandramukhi, starring alongside Rajinikanth. This film changed her career and established her as a leading actress.
She then gave several successful films:
- Ghajini (Telugu version)
- Billa
- Yaaradi Nee Mohini
During this period, she built a strong fan base and started receiving scripts in all major South Indian languages.
Career Transformation & Dominance (2010–2017)
After a brief break, she returned stronger and more focused, taking up powerful women-centric roles. Films like:
- Raja Rani
- Naanum Rowdy Dhaan
- Maya
- Imaikkaa Nodigal
showed her versatility and brought critical praise.
She became one of the few actresses who could deliver solo blockbusters without relying on a male superstar.
Lady Superstar Era (2017–Present)
Nayanthara emerged as the highest-paid actress in South India and earned the title “Lady Superstar.”
Her iconic films include:
- Aramm
- Viswasam
- Kolamaavu Kokila
- Kaathu Vaakula Rendu Kaadhal
- Jawan (Hindi debut with Shah Rukh Khan)
Her performance in Aramm, where she played a district collector solving a social crisis, is considered one of her best.
Recent News (2024–2025)
Nayanthara continues to stay in headlines due to her strong cinematic presence and personal milestones.
- She recently joined the cast of NBK 111, directed by Gopichand Malineni and starring Nandamuri Balakrishna.
- On her 41st birthday, her husband Vignesh Shivan gifted her a Rolls-Royce Spectre worth approx. ₹10 crore.
- She also addressed breakup rumors through a light-hearted Instagram post, putting speculation to rest and showing her calm public persona.
Nayanthara Personal Life
Nayanthara met director Vignesh Shivan during the shooting of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in 2015. Their friendship soon turned into a strong relationship. After years of understanding and companionship, the couple married on 9 June 2022 in a beautiful ceremony.
In 2022, they welcomed twin boys, whom they lovingly named Uyir and Ulag.
Apart from acting, Nayanthara:
- Loves reading
- Enjoys interior design
- Runs her own skincare brand “9SKIN”
- Co-owns the production house Rowdy Pictures with her husband
She is private, disciplined, and known to maintain a low-profile personal life.
Controversy
Nayanthara has largely maintained a clean image. However, media has created unnecessary rumors at times — especially related to her personal life and marriage.
She recently addressed breakup rumors with a simple but effective social-media post.
Beyond small gossip, she stays away from controversies and focuses on her work.
Nayanthara Social Media
| Platform | Handle | Followers | Content Type |
| @nayanthara | 10M+ | Family moments, brand work, film updates | |
| Nayanthara | 282K+ | Posters, promotions | |
| Not active | — | — |
Nayanthara Net Worth
| Source | Estimated Earnings |
| Film Salary | ₹5–10 crore per film |
| Brand Endorsements | ₹3–5 crore per deal |
| Business (9Skin, Rowdy Pictures) | Multi-crore yearly earnings |
| Assets | Luxury houses, real estate, Rolls-Royce Spectre, high-end cars |
| Total Net Worth | ₹200+ Crore approx. |
Nayanthara Physical Appearance
| Feature | Details |
| Height | 5’5” (165 cm) |
| Weight | 55 kg (approx.) |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Measurements | 34-26-34 |
| Skin Tone | Medium/Fair |
| Style | Elegant, minimal, classic |
Interesting Facts about Nayanthara
- She is the highest-paid actress in South India.
- Known as the Lady Superstar of Tamil cinema.
- She converted to Hinduism in 2011 at the Arya Samaj Temple, Chennai.
- She rarely attends public events and values privacy.
- She owns one of the most successful skincare brands, 9SKIN.
- Her film Aramm is considered a benchmark for female-led cinema.
- She made her Bollywood debut with Jawan alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
- She is the only South actress to have multiple ₹100+ crore films across three industries.
FAQs
Q1. Who is Nayanthara?
Nayanthara is an Indian actress known as the Lady Superstar of South cinema.
Q2. What is Nayanthara’s real name?
Her real name is Diana Mariam Kurian.
Q3. What is Nayanthara’s age?
She is 40 years old (as of 2025).
Q4. Who is Nayanthara’s husband?
Film director Vignesh Shivan.
Q5. How many children does she have?
Twin boys, Uyir and Ulag.
Q6. What is her debut film?
Manassinakkare (Malayalam, 2003).
Q7. What is Nayanthara’s net worth?
Approximately ₹200+ Crore.
Q8. Which industry is she most known for?
Primarily Tamil cinema, but she also works in Telugu and Malayalam films.
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