Amala Paul is a name that resonates with bold choices, powerful performances, and a fearless attitude in Indian cinema. Known for her work across Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada films, she has carved a niche for herself as a versatile Indian actress and model. With a career spanning over a decade, Amala has become a household name, admired for her talent, resilience, and unapologetic individuality.
From her humble beginnings in Kerala to becoming a celebrity icon with a strong social media presence, Amala Paul’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. This blog post explores her biography, career, personal life, and the many layers that make her one of the most talked-about actresses in the Indian entertainment industry.
Early Life and Upbringing
Amala Paul was born on 26 October 1991 in Aluva, Kerala, into a Christian family. Her father, Paul Varghese, was a businessman and former theatre artist, while her mother, Annice Paul, is a singer. She has one brother, Abijith Paul, who also appeared in films.
She completed her schooling at Nirmala Higher Secondary School in Aluva. Later, she pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Communicative English from St. Teresa’s College, Kochi. Her early exposure to the arts through her parents played a key role in shaping her passion for acting.
Interestingly, Amala initially wanted to become an engineer. However, her love for performing arts led her to the film industry, despite her father’s initial disapproval. Her brother supported her dreams, and eventually, her family stood by her decision.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Amala Paul Varghese |
| Nickname | Anakha |
| Alternative Names | Amala Akkineni |
| Date of Birth | 26 October 1991 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 33 Years |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Aluva, Kerala, India |
| Hometown | Kochi, Kerala, India |
| Current Address | N/A |
| Education Qualification | B.A. in Communicative English |
| Hobbies and Interests | Dancing, Reading, Cooking, Traveling |
| Languages Known | Malayalam, Tamil, English |
| Social Media Profiles | Instagram, Twitter, Facebook |
| Wikipedia Profile | Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile | IMDb |
| Website | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Slim |
| Body Measurements | 34-26-35 |
| Height | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
| Weight | 117 lbs (53 kg) |
| Chest | 34 inches |
| Waist | 26 inches |
| Biceps | N/A |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hairstyle | Long, Wavy |
| Distinctive Features | Sharp Jawline, Bold Eyes |
| Tattoos | Back, Right Ankle |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Amala Paul’s personal life has often been in the spotlight. She married film director A. L. Vijay in 2014, but the couple divorced in 2017 due to differences over her acting career. Later, she was linked to singer Bhavninder Singh, and in 2023, she married Jagat Desai, an entrepreneur. The couple welcomed their son, Ilai Desai, in June 2024.
- Father: Paul Varghese (Businessman, Theatre Artist)
- Mother: Annice Paul (Singer)
- Brother: Abijith Paul (Actor)
- Spouse: Jagat Desai (Current), A. L. Vijay (Ex-husband)
- Children: 1 son – Ilai Desai
Amala has always been open about her relationships and life choices. She believes in living life on her own terms, which has earned her both admiration and criticism.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Husband | Jagat Desai |
| Father | Paul Varghese |
| Mother | Annice Paul |
| Children | Ilai Desai |
| Siblings | Abijith Paul |
| Affairs – Boyfriend(s) | A. L. Vijay, Bhavninder Singh, Jagat Desai |
| Significant Relationships | A. L. Vijay, Bhavninder Singh, Jagat Desai |
Rise to Stardom
Amala made her acting debut in 2009 with the Malayalam film Neelathamara, where she played a supporting role. Her breakthrough came with the Tamil film Mynaa (2010), where she portrayed the titular character. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning her the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress.
She followed it up with hits like:
- Deiva Thirumagal (2011) – alongside Vikram and Anushka Shetty
- Run Baby Run (2012) – opposite Mohanlal
- Thalaivaa (2013) – with Vijay
- Velaiilla Pattadhari (2014) – with Dhanush
- Mili (2015) – a Malayalam drama that won her the Filmfare Critics Award
- Aadai (2019) – a bold and controversial film that showcased her fearless acting
Her ability to switch between commercial and experimental cinema has made her a celebrity talent admired across regional entertainment industries.
Amala Paul – Selfie
Amala Paul – Debut Film – Neelathamara
Amala Paul – Successful Film – Aadai
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Amala Paul has received numerous accolades for her performances. She is known for choosing unconventional roles and delivering emotionally rich performances.
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award – Best Actress for Mynaa (2010)
- Filmfare Critics Award South – Best Actress for Mili (2015)
- SIIMA Awards – Best Actress for Run Baby Run and Oru Indian Pranayakadha
- Vijay Award – Best Debut Actress
- Asiavision Award – Outstanding Performer of the Year
She has also been featured in magazines and media coverage for her bold fashion choices and outspoken views.
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actress, Producer |
| Debut Film | Neelathamara (2009) |
| Notable Roles | Mynaa, Aadai, Ratsasan, Mili, Cadaver |
| Recent Films – New Movies | The Goat Life, Level Cross, Christopher |
| Upcoming Films | Adho Andha Paravai Pola, Dwija, Minmini |
| Popular Television Series | Kudi Yedamaithe, Ranjish Hi Sahi, Victim |
| Awards and Achievements | Filmfare Critics Award, SIIMA Awards, Tamil Nadu State Award |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | MamyPoko Pants, International Soap Brand |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Amala Home Foundation, Eye Donation Campaign |
| Professional Associations | South Indian Artistes’ Association (SIAA) |
| Training and Education | B.A. English, St. Teresa’s College |
| Production Company | Amala Paul Productions Pvt. Ltd. |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Ratsasan, Velaiyilla Pattathari, Run Baby Run, Hebbuli, Pasanga 2 |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Aadai, Mynaa, Mili, Cadaver, Amma Kanakku |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Finances Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $5 million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $50K–$120K |
| Per Endorsement Charges | $35K+ |
| Sponsorship Deals | MamyPoko Pants, Soap Brand, Jewelry Label |
| Business Ventures | Amala Paul Productions, Modeling, Film Production |
| Investments | Real Estate, Fashion, Wellness |
| Real Estate Holdings | Kochi Villa, Mumbai Apartment |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Designer Wardrobe, Art Decor, High-End Gadgets, Jewelry, Kochi Villa |
| Cars Collection | Mercedes S-Class, Audi A6, Mercedes E220D, Jaguar XF |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Aamir Khan |
| Favorite Actress | Katharine Hepburn |
| Favorite Film | The Godfather |
| Favorite Music Bands | A.R. Rahman, Ilayaraja, Harris Jayaraj |
| Favorite Sport | Basketball, Soccer |
| Favorite Books | The Archer, Osho, The IndiGo Story, The Courtesan |
| Favorite Colour | Pink, Blue |
| Favorite Food | Biryani, Thai, Prawn Fry, Pazhampori, Upma |
| Things s/he like | Reading, Cooking, Dancing, Traveling, Nature |
| Things s/he dislike | Name changes, Career restrictions, Media intrusion, Legal hassles |
Top 5 Best Films – Amala Paul
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Mynaa | 2010 | Mynaa |
| Aadai | 2019 | Kamini |
| Mili | 2015 | Mili |
| Run Baby Run | 2012 | Renuka |
| Velaiilla Pattadhari | 2014 | Shalini |
Controversies – Amala Paul
- Fake Registration Case: In 2017, Amala was accused of using fake documents to register a luxury car in Puducherry to evade taxes.
- Sindhu Samaveli Backlash: Her role in this controversial film led to public outrage and even death threats.
- Divorce from A. L. Vijay: Their separation made headlines, especially due to alleged interference from her in-laws.
- Secret Wedding Rumors: Reports of a secret wedding with Bhavninder Singh surfaced in 2020, which she later denied.
- Harassment Complaint: In 2022, she filed a complaint against her ex-boyfriend for harassment and business fraud.
Interesting Facts – Amala Paul
- She changed her screen name to Anakha early in her career but later reverted to Amala Paul.
- She is a vegetarian and an animal lover, with a pet dog and cat.
- Amala has over 4 million followers on Instagram, making her a social media influencer.
- She was crowned Miss Beautiful Smile during her school and college days.
- She has tattoos on her back and right ankle.
- She once aspired to be an engineer before choosing acting.
Amala Paul is more than just an Indian film actress. She is a trailblazer, a fighter, and a creative force in the world of Indian cinema. Her journey from a small town in Kerala to becoming a celebrity icon is filled with passion, challenges, and triumphs.
