What’s the Journey Behind Nayanthara’s Transformation from TV to Cinema?
Nayanthara, affectionately known as the Lady Superstar of South Indian cinema, is currently riding high on both personal and professional fronts. The actress is making waves with her Bollywood debut in the highly anticipated film Jawan, where she stars alongside the iconic Shah Rukh Khan. But how did this celebrated actress begin her journey in the film industry?
Before she became a household name, Nayanthara, born Diana Mariam Kurian, was a television host. She made her mark on the Malayalam fashion and lifestyle show Chamayam, which aired on Kairali TV. The show was renowned for its insights into fashion, beauty tips, and celebrity gossip. Nayanthara, with her charm and poise, quickly became a beloved figure on the show.
A recently viral video from Chamayam showcases Nayanthara in a floral-printed black and red outfit, with simple makeup and a tiny bindi, offering a nostalgic glimpse into her early career. The clip highlights her natural on-screen presence and charisma.
Nayanthara’s transition from television to film was driven by her long-standing aspiration to become an actress. She initially tried her hand at modelling, which eventually led to her debut as a television host. Her big break came with the Malayalam film Manassinakkare (2003), directed by Sathyan Anthikkad. In the film, Nayanthara portrayed Gauri, a role that was intended for a newcomer to give more prominence to the established actress Sheela. Sathyan discovered Nayanthara through a magazine ad featuring her as a jewellery model, and he was instantly impressed. He offered her the role, and Nayanthara’s performance in Manassinakkare received widespread acclaim, establishing her as a promising new talent in the industry.
Following her success in Malayalam cinema, Nayanthara made her Tamil debut with Ayya in 2005 and ventured into Telugu cinema with Lakshmi in 2006. Her career continued to flourish, and she eventually expanded into Bollywood with Jawan in 2023, marking her entry into a new cinematic realm.
On the personal front, Nayanthara is happily married to director Vignesh Shivan, and together they are raising twin boys, Uyir and Ulag. Her journey from a television host to one of the most prominent actresses in Indian cinema is truly inspiring, and her upcoming projects are highly anticipated by fans and critics alike.
- PTC PUNJABI