Nayanthara, often called the Lady Superstar, is one of the most celebrated Indian film actresses. With over 75 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi cinema, she has become a household name. Her journey from a college student to a top-tier celebrity is nothing short of inspiring.
Early Life and Upbringing
Nayanthara was born as Diana Mariam Kurian on November 18, 1984, in Bangalore, Karnataka. She hails from a Malayali Syrian Christian family originally from Thiruvalla, Kerala.
- Father: Kurian Kodiyattu (Indian Air Force Officer)
- Mother: Omana Kurian
- Sibling: Elder brother Leno Kurian (resides in Dubai)
Due to her father’s transferable job, she studied in various cities like Jamnagar, Delhi, and Thiruvalla. She completed her schooling at Balikamadom Girls Higher Secondary School and earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Marthoma College, Thiruvalla.
Personal Life – Age, Zodiac Sign
| Personal Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diana Mariam Kurian |
| Nickname | Lady Superstar |
| Alternative Names(s) | Nayanthara, Nayantara |
| Date of Birth | 18 November 1984 |
| Age (as of 2024) | 40 years |
| Religion | Hindu |
| Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Birthplace | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| Hometown | Thiruvalla, Kerala |
| Current Address | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Education Qualification | BA English Literature |
| Hobbies and Interests | Reading, Music |
| Languages Known | Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, English |
| Social Media Profiles link | Facebook , Instagram, Twitter |
| Wikipedia Profile link | Wikipedia |
| IMDb Profile link | IMDb |
| Website link | N/A |
Physical Appearance – Height, Weight, Body Measurements
| Physical Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Body Type | Slim |
| Measurements | 34-26-34 |
| Height | 5’2″, 157 cm |
| Weight | 117 lbs, 53 kg |
| Chest | 34 inches |
| Waist | 26 inches |
| Biceps | N/A |
| Eye Colour | Dark brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Hairstyle | Straight, layered |
| Distinctive Features | Snub nose, jawline |
| Tattoos | Wrist (revamped) |
Family and Relationships – Boyfriend/Husband, Affairs
Nayanthara’s personal life has always attracted media attention. She has been open about her relationships and family.
- Marital Status: Married
- Spouse: Vignesh Shivan, filmmaker (married on June 9, 2022)
- Children: Twin boys – Uyir RudroNeel N Shivan and Ulag Daiwik N Shivan (born via surrogacy in October 2022)
- Simbu (Silambarasan) – Relationship ended after leaked photos caused controversy.
- Prabhu Deva – Relationship with the married choreographer led to public backlash.
- Vignesh Shivan – Met during the filming of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan in 2015.
| Relationships Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse – Husband | Vignesh Shivan |
| Father | Kurian Kodiyattu |
| Mother | Omana Kurian |
| Children | Uyir Rudronil, Ulag Dhaivag |
| Siblings | Lenu Kurian |
| Affairs – Boyfriend(s) | Simbu, Prabhu Deva, Arya |
| Significant Relationships Girlfriend, Romance, Hookup | Vignesh Shivan, Simbu, Prabhu Deva |
Rise to Stardom
Nayanthara began her career as a model during college. Director Sathyan Anthikkad spotted her and offered her a role in the Malayalam film Manassinakkare (2003). The film was a hit and marked her entry into the entertainment world.
- Malayalam: Manassinakkare (2003)
- Tamil: Ayya (2005)
- Telugu: Lakshmi (2006)
- Kannada: Super (2010)
- Hindi: Jawan (2023)
Her performance in Chandramukhi (2005) alongside Rajinikanth made her a star in Tamil cinema. She continued to shine in films like Ghajini, Billa, Sri Rama Rajyam, and Raja Rani.
Nayanthara – Selfie
Nayanthara – Debut Film – Manassinakkare
Nayanthara – Successful Film – Sri Rama Rajyam
Career, Awards, and Achievements
Nayanthara has received numerous awards and accolades for her work in Indian cinema.
- Filmfare Awards South: 5 wins
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award: Best Actress (Raja Rani, 2013)
- Nandi Award: Best Actress (Sri Rama Rajyam, 2011)
- SIIMA Awards: 7 wins
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Most Versatile Actress (Jawan, 2024)
- Featured in Forbes India Celebrity 100 list (2018)
- Owns production house Rowdy Pictures
- Starred in over 75 films across 5 languages
- Known for female-led films like Aramm, Maya, Netrikann, and Annapoorani
| Career Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Profession(s) | Actress, Producer |
| Debut Film | Manassinakkare (2003) |
| Notable Roles | Sri Rama Rajyam, Raja Rani, Aramm, Netrikann, Jawan |
| Recent Films – New Movies | Annapoorani, Iraivan, Jawan, Connect, Gold |
| Upcoming Films | Rakkayie, Toxic, Thani Oruvan 2, Mookuthi Amman 2, Dear Students |
| Popular Television Series | N/A |
| Awards and Achievements | Filmfare South, SIIMA Awards, Nandi Award, Tamil Nadu State Award, Dadasaheb Phalke Award |
| Endorsements/Brand Collaborations | The Lip Balm Company, Tanishq, Usha, Tata Sky, Kay Beauty |
| Philanthropy/Charity Work | Education support, Animal welfare, Women empowerment |
| Professional Associations | Rowdy Pictures, South Indian Film Industry |
| Training and Education | BA English Literature, Mar Thoma College |
| Production Company | Rowdy Pictures |
| Box Office Success – Hit Movies | Jawan, Bigil, Viswasam, Bodyguard, Billa |
| Critical Acclaim Movies | Aramm, Maya, Sri Rama Rajyam, Puthiya Niyamam, Netrikann |
Assets and Finances – Net Worth
| Financial Profile | Information |
|---|---|
| Net Worth in Dollars | $24 million |
| Per Movie Charges in Dollars | $1.2–2.2 million |
| Per Endorsement Charges in Dollars | $600,000–$1 million |
| Sponsorship Deals | Slice, Tanishq, Tata Sky, Kay Beauty, Fipola |
| Business Ventures | Rowdy Pictures, 9Skin, Femi9, Lip Balm Co., Ticket9 |
| Investments | UAE oil business, Divine Foods, Chai Waale, Lip Balm Co. |
| Real Estate Holdings | Chennai mansion, Mumbai flat, Hyderabad apts, Kerala home |
| Luxury Items/Properties Owned | Private jet, spa-style bathroom, home theatre, gym, pool |
| Cars Collection | BMW 7 Series, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes GLS 350D, Ford Endeavour, Innova Crysta |
Favorite Things, Likes and Dislikes
| Favorite Things | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Actor | Rajinikanth, Vijay |
| Favorite Actress | Simran |
| Favorite Film | Pokiri, Billa, Yaaradi Nee Mohini |
| Favorite Music Bands | Yuvan Shankar Raja collaborations |
| Favorite Sport | Yoga, Pilates |
| Favorite Books | Tamil poetry, fiction |
| Favorite Colour | Black, Yellow |
| Favorite Food | North Indian cuisine, coconut smoothie |
| Things s/he like | Homemade food, reading, prayer, coconut water |
| Things s/he dislike | Junk food, processed sugar, restrictions |
Top 5 Best Films – Nayanthara
| Film Name | Year of Release | Character Played |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Rama Rajyam | 2011 | Sita |
| Raja Rani | 2013 | Regina |
| Aramm | 2017 | District Collector Madhivadhani |
| Naanum Rowdy Dhaan | 2015 | Kadambari |
| Jawan | 2023 | Narmada Rai (NSG Officer) |
Controversies – Nayanthara
- Leaked photos with Simbu caused a media storm and affected her public image.
- Relationship with Prabhu Deva, who was married at the time, led to protests by women’s groups.
- Beer-buying scene in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan sparked political backlash.
- Surrogacy debate after announcing the birth of her twins raised legal and ethical questions.
- Legal feud with Dhanush over a documentary clip used without permission.
Interesting Facts – Nayanthara
- Her name Nayanthara means “Star of the Eyes”.
- She converted to Hinduism in 2011 at Arya Samaj Temple in Chennai.
- Co-founded The Lip Balm Company with dermatologist Dr. Renita Rajan.
- Owns a private jet and multiple luxury properties across India.
- eatured in Netflix documentary Nayanthara: Beyond the Fairytale.
- Estimated net worth of over ₹200 crores.
Nayanthara’s journey from a small-town girl to a top Indian actress is a story of grit, grace, and growth. She has broken barriers, redefined female roles in cinema, and built a legacy that inspires millions. Whether it is her powerful performances or her bold personal choices, she continues to be a celebrity icon in Indian entertainment.
