Introduction
Nayanthara, often hailed as the Lady Superstar of Indian cinema, has redefined stardom with her versatility, grace, and groundbreaking roles. From humble beginnings in Kerala to becoming the highest-paid actress in South India, her journey is a masterclass in resilience and reinvention.
Biography/Wiki
| Occupation | Actress and Model |
| Real name | Diana Mariam Kurian |
| Nickname | Lady Superstar |
| Birthplace | Bangalore, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Age | 40 Years |
| Hometown | Bangalore |
| Date of Birth | 18 November 1984 |
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Early Life and Background
Born as Diana Mariam Kurian on November 18, 1984, in Bangalore, Karnataka, Nayanthara hails from a Malayali Syrian Christian family originally from Thiruvalla, Kerala. Her father, Kurian Kodiyattu, served in the Indian Air Force, leading to her education across various parts of India, including Jamnagar, Delhi, and Chennai. She completed her schooling at Balikamadom Girls Higher Secondary School in Thiruvalla and pursued a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Marthoma College, Thiruvalla.
Family and Education
Her parents belong to Kerala. Her father was an Indian Air Force official and her mother was a housewife.
She was grown up as Syrian Christian and did her school education from Jamnagar, Gujarat and Delhi respectively. She has done her graduation in English Literature from Marthoma College, Thiruvalla, Kerala.
| Family Member | Name |
| Father | Kurian Kodiyattu |
| Mother | Omana Kurian |
| Brother | Leno Kurian |
| Husband | Vignesh Shivan |
She really liked the Arya Samaj and Hindu culture and later decided to change her religion to Hinduism, so named Nayanthara.
Height and Weight
| Weight | 53 Kg |
| Height | 157 cm, 1.57 m |
| Height (feet) | 5 feet 5 inches |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Religion | Hinduism (converted) |
| Figure Measurement | 34-26-34 |
| Eye color | Black |
| Hair color | Black |
| Marital Status | Married |
Career
After completing her studies, Nayanthara started working as a model and got her first Malayalam film “Manassinakkare” in 2003.
From 2005 onwards, she started working in various Telugu and Tamil films. In those 3 years, she was featured in 16 films in both languages.
Her career rose after the release of the film “Billa” in 2007 for which she was appreciated by many critics. her release “Simha” was the biggest earner Telugu movie of 2010.
She kept on working in various films which helped her in grabbing many awards, which are discussed below in this article.
Social Media Presence
Despite her immense popularity, Nayanthara maintains a low profile on social media. She has expressed concerns about online negativity, stating that she refrains from posting about her personal life to avoid unwarranted comments. Her husband, Vignesh Shivan, is active on platforms like Instagram, sharing glimpses of their personal and professional lives.
Boyfriend
In 2006, she came in relationship with Silambarasan after release of her movie “Vallavan”. But later they both got separated.
Then in 2009, she was in news due to her relationship with actor “Prabhu Deva” during the shooting of Villu and they both decided to get married. But they both separated in 2012.
Personal Life
Nayanthara’s personal life has often been in the limelight. She was in a relationship with director Vignesh Shivan, whom she met on the sets of “Naanum Rowdy Dhaan” in 2015. The couple announced their engagement in 2021 and tied the knot on June 9, 2022, in a private ceremony in Mahabalipuram. They welcomed twin boys on September 26, 2022, through surrogacy.
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Favorites
| Hobbies | Long drive, Reading, Traveling |
| Actor | Rajnikanth |
| Actress | Simran |
| Color | Black |
| Film | Pokiri, Billa |
| Destination | Vancouver, Canada |
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Beyond acting, Nayanthara has ventured into entrepreneurship. She co-founded “Rowdy Pictures” with Vignesh Shivan, producing critically acclaimed films like “Pebbles” (2021) and “Rocky” (2021). In 2021, she launched “The Lip Balm Company,” a gender-neutral lip care brand, in collaboration with dermatologist Dr. Renita Rajan. Further expanding her entrepreneurial portfolio, she introduced a skincare line named “9Skin” and a female hygiene brand called “Femi9” in 2023.
Awards
She has been nominated for many awards in various categories and has won many of them. Below are a few of them :
| Year | Award Name | Award Category |
| 2015 | IIFA Utsavam Awards | Best Actress |
| 2013 | Tamil Nadu State Film Awards | Best Actress |
| 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 | South Filmfare Awards | Best Actress |
| 2011 | CineMAA Awards | Best Actress |
| 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 | South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Actress |
| 2007, 2008, 2013, 2017 | Vijay Awards | Favorite Heroine |
| 2013, 2017 | Vijay Awards | Best actress |
| 2020 | Zee Cinema Awards – Tamil | Favorite Actress Sridevi Award for Inspiring Women of Indian Cinema |
| 2018 | The Hindu World Of Women Awards | Excellence in the field of Entertainment |
Nayanthara Net Worth
Nayanthara, often referred to as the “Lady Superstar” of Indian cinema, has not only made a significant mark in the film industry but has also established herself as a successful entrepreneur. As of 2025, her estimated net worth stands at approximately ₹200 crore.
Sources of Income
- Acting Career: Nayanthara commands a remuneration of ₹10 crore per film, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in India.
- Brand Endorsements: She is a trusted face for various brands, reportedly charging ₹5 crore per endorsement.
- Business Ventures: Nayanthara has diversified her income through strategic investments and entrepreneurial endeavors.
Business Ventures and Investments
Nayanthara’s entrepreneurial spirit is evident through her involvement in various business ventures:
- Rowdy Pictures: Co-founded with her husband, Vignesh Shivan, this production company has produced successful films like “Netrikann” and “Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal.”
- 9Skin: A skincare brand launched in collaboration with Vignesh Shivan and entrepreneur Daisy Morgan, offering a range of beauty products.
- The Lip Balm Company: Invested ₹10 crore in this venture, which offers plant-based, vegan, and preservative-free lip balms.
- Femi9: A feminine hygiene brand co-founded with Vignesh Shivan and Dr. Gomathi, focusing on sustainable and comfortable sanitary products.
- The Divine Foods: Invested in this Chennai-based food tech startup specializing in superfoods and health foods.
- Chai Waale: Along with other investors, she invested ₹5 crore in this beverage brand, aiding its expansion to over 60 outlets across Chennai.
- UAE Oil Business: Made a substantial investment of ₹100 crore in the UAE’s oil sector, showcasing her global business acumen.
- Ticket9: Invested in this Coimbatore-based event tech startup, aiming to revolutionize event management and ticketing solutions.
Assets and Lifestyle
Nayanthara’s affluent lifestyle is reflected in her impressive assets:
- Real Estate: Owns multiple luxurious properties, including a ₹100 crore home and two apartments in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, each valued at approximately ₹30 crore.
- Private Jet: Possesses a private jet worth around ₹50 crore, used for personal and professional travel.
- Luxury Cars: Her collection includes high-end vehicles, with one car valued at ₹1.76 crore, featuring advanced amenities.
Films Appearance
Nayanthara has been featured in many films so far released in different languages such as Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu respectively.
| Year of Release | Film Title | Language(s) of Release |
| 2003 | Manassinakkare (Debut) | Malayalam |
| 2004 | Vismayathumbathu | Malayalam |
| 2004 | Natturajavu | Malayalam |
| 2005 | Ayya | Tamil |
| 2005 | Chandramukhi | Tamil |
| 2005 | Thaskara Veeran | Malayalam |
| 2005 | Rappakal | Malayalam |
| 2005 | Ghajini | Tamil |
| 2005 | Sivakasi | Tamil |
| 2006 | Kalvanin Kadhali | Tamil |
| 2006 | Lakshmi | Telugu |
| 2006 | Boss | Telugu |
| 2006 | Vallavan | Tamil |
| 2006 | Thalaimagan | Tamil |
| 2006 | E | Tamil |
| 2007 | Yogi | Telugu |
| 2007 | Dubai Seenu | Telugu |
| 2007 | Sivaji | Tamil |
| 2007 | Tulasi | Telugu |
| 2007 | Billa | Tamil |
| 2008 | Yaaradi Nee Mohini | Tamil |
| 2008 | Kuselan | Tamil |
| 2008 | Kathanayakudu | Telugu |
| 2008 | Satyam | Tamil |
| 2008 | Salute | Telugu |
| 2008 | Aegan | Tamil |
| 2008 | Twenty:20 | Malayalam |
| 2009 | Villu | Tamil |
| 2009 | Anjaneyulu | Telugu |
| 2009 | Aadhavan | Tamil |
| 2010 | Adhurs | Telugu |
| 2010 | Bodyguard | Malayalam |
| 2010 | Goa | Tamil |
| 2010 | Simha | Telugu |
| 2010 | Boss Engira Bhaskaran | Tamil |
| 2010 | Elektra | Malayalam |
| 2010 | Super | Kannada |
| 2011 | Sri Rama Rajyam | Telugu |
| 2012 | Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum | Telugu |
| 2013 | Ethir Neechal | Tamil |
| 2013 | Greeku Veerudu | Telugu |
| 2013 | Raja Rani | Tamil |
| 2013 | Arrambam | Tamil |
| 2014 | Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal | Tamil |
| 2014 | Anaamika | Telugu |
| 2014 | Nee Enge En Anbe | Tamil |
| 2015 | Nannbenda | Tamil |
| 2015 | Bhaskar the Rascal | Malayalam |
| 2015 | Massu Engira Masilamani | Tamil |
| 2015 | Thani Oruvan | Tamil |
| 2015 | Maya | Tamil |
| 2015 | Life of Josutty | Malayalam |
| 2015 | Naanum Rowdy Dhaan | Tamil |
| 2016 | Puthiya Niyamam | Malayalam |
| 2016 | Idhu Namma Aalu | Tamil |
| 2016 | Thirunaal | Tamil |
| 2016 | Babu Bangaram | Telugu |
| 2016 | Iru Mugan | Tamil |
| 2016 | Kaashmora | Tamil |
| 2017 | Dora | Tamil |
| 2017 | Aramm | Tamil |
| 2017 | Velaikkaran | Tamil |
| 2018 | Jai Simha | Telugu |
| 2018 | Kolamavu Kokila | Tamil |
| 2018 | Imaikkaa Nodigal | Tamil |
| 2019 | Viswasam | Tamil |
| 2019 | Airaa | Tamil |
| 2019 | Mr. Local | Tamil |
| 2019 | Kolaiyuthir Kaalam | Tamil |
| 2019 | Love Action Drama | Malayalam |
| 2019 | Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy | Telugu |
| 2019 | Bigil | Tamil |
| 2020 | Darbar | Tamil |
| 2020 | Mookuthi Amman | Tamil |
| 2021 | Nizhal | Malayalam |
| 2021 | Netrikann | Tamil |
| 2021 | Aaradugula Bullet | Telugu |
| 2021 | Annaatthe | Tamil |
| 2021 | Rocky | Tamil |
| 2022 | Kaathuvaakula Rendu Kaadhal | Tamil |
| 2022 | O2 | Telugu |
Philanthropy and Social Initiatives
Nayanthara is known for her philanthropic efforts. She actively participated in the 2017 pro-jallikattu protests in Chennai, advocating for traditional cultural practices. Through her various brands, she promotes health, wellness, and positivity among women, aiming to break societal stigmas associated with menstruation and female hygiene.
Brand Ambassador
She is currently endorsing few brands also. Following is the list of them :
- Tanishq
- Taka Sky
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
On Magazine Covers
She is also featured on the cover page of many leading magazines :
- Vogue
- South Scope
- Sinemawood
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Some Other Facts
- Got the Nandi award for best actress in 2011.
- Featured in Kochi Times’ list of “15 most desirable women” in 2014.
- Ranked 4th in Kochi Times list of most desirable women of 2019.
- Ranked 2nd in Kochi Times list of most desirable women of 2016.
- Also did dubbing for Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil films.
Conclusion: The Eternal Queen of Hearts
Nayanthara’s journey from Diana to the Lady Superstar is a testament to talent, tenacity, and timeless appeal. Whether through socially relevant roles, philanthropic efforts, or redefining motherhood on her terms, she continues to inspire millions. As she balances family and films, her legacy as a cultural icon remains unmatched.