Nayanthara — Biography
| Full Name | Diana Mariam Kurian |
|---|
| Known As | Nayanthara, Lady Superstar |
|---|
| Date of Birth | 18 November 1984 |
|---|
| Age | 41 years (as of 2026) |
|---|
| Birthplace | Thiruvalla, Kerala, India |
|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
|---|
| Ethnicity | Malayali |
|---|
| Religion | Christianity |
|---|
| Profession | Actress, Producer |
|---|
| Active Since | 2003 |
|---|
| Net Worth | ₹150 crore (approx. as of 2026) |
|---|
| Spouse / Partner | Vignesh Shivan (m. 2022) |
|---|
| Children | 2 sons (twin boys, born 2022) |
|---|
| Education | B.A. English Literature, Marthoma College, Kerala |
|---|
Who is Nayanthara?
She's the highest-paid actress in South Indian cinema and has been ruling the industry since 2003. Known as the "Lady Superstar," Nayanthara has acted in over 80 films across Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. She's also a producer now and shows no signs of slowing down.
Physical Stats
| Attribute |
Measurement |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
Family
| Relation |
Name |
| Father | Kurian Kodiyattu |
| Mother | Omana Kurian |
| Sibling(s) | Lenu Kurian (brother) |
| Spouse / Partner | Vignesh Shivan |
| Children | Twin sons (born 2022) |
Early Life
Nayanthara was born Diana Mariam Kurian in Thiruvalla, Kerala. Her father is a businessman and her mother is a homemaker. She grew up in a Syrian Christian family in Kerala and later moved to Tamil Nadu for college. She studied English Literature at Marthoma College before stepping into films.
Career
Nayanthara is best known for her powerful performances in Tamil and Telugu cinema. She's one of the few actresses to carry a film on her shoulders and make it a hit.
| Year |
Work / Project |
Role / Notes |
| 2003 | Manassinakkare | Debut Malayalam film |
| 2005 | Chandramukhi | Breakthrough Tamil film |
| 2005 | Ghajini | Telugu blockbuster |
| 2007 | Billa | Lead role in remake |
| 2009 | Adhurs | Telugu comedy hit |
| 2010 | Simha | Telugu action drama |
| 2012 | Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum | Telugu political drama |
| 2013 | Raja Rani | Tamil romantic drama — critical acclaim |
| 2014 | Naanum Rowdy Dhaan | Comedy thriller |
| 2015 | Bhaskar the Rascal | Malayalam comedy |
| 2016 | Maya | Horror film — won her a Filmfare |
| 2017 | Dora | Tamil horror |
| 2018 | Aramm | Police role — praised |
| 2019 | Love Action Drama | Malayalam romantic comedy |
| 2020 | Mookuthi Amman | Comedy drama |
| 2021 | Netrikann | Blind woman role |
| 2022 | O2 | Survival thriller |
| 2023 | Jawan | Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan |
| 2024 | Annapoorani | Social drama |
Her role in "Maya" got her a Filmfare Award and proved she could lead a film alone. That's when the "Lady Superstar" tag really stuck.
Personal Life
Nayanthara married director Vignesh Shivan in 2022 after being in a relationship for several years. The couple welcomed twin sons later that year. She's known to be private about her personal life but shares glimpses on social media.
Net Worth
| Detail |
Info |
| Estimated Net Worth | ₹150 crore |
| As of | 2026 |
| Primary Income Sources | Film acting, brand endorsements, production |
Most of her wealth comes from film fees and endorsements. She's been one of the highest-paid actresses in India for years.
Awards and Achievements
| Year |
Award |
For / Category |
| 2016 | Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil | Maya |
| 2018 | South Indian International Movie Award (SIIMA) | Best Actress – Tamil for Aramm |
| 2022 | Kalaimamani Award | Contribution to Tamil cinema |
Social Media
Lesser-Known Facts
- Her real name is Diana Mariam Kurian. She changed it to Nayanthara for the screen.
- She worked as a model before films and even did a few TV commercials.
- She's a trained classical dancer and learned Bharatanatyam for years.
- Nayanthara turned producer in 2020 with her own production house, Rowdy Pictures.
- She was the first South Indian actress to be featured on the cover of Forbes India.
Frequently Asked Questions about Nayanthara
- How old is Nayanthara?
- She was born on 18 November 1984, so she's 41 as of 2026.
- What is Nayanthara's net worth?
- Her net worth is estimated at ₹150 crore, mostly from films and endorsements.
- Is Nayanthara married?
- Yes, she married director Vignesh Shivan in 2022.
- Where is Nayanthara from?
- She was born in Thiruvalla, Kerala, India.
- What is Nayanthara known for?
- She's known as the "Lady Superstar" of South Indian cinema with over 80 films in multiple languages.
