Nayanthara Biography, Career, Net worth – The Lady Superstar of Indian Cinema
Nayanthara (born Diana Mariam Kurian on November 18, 1984) is a 40‑year‑old Indian actress and film producer, celebrated as the “Lady Superstar” of South Indian cinema.
With a career spanning over two decades, she has acted in more than 75 films across Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam industries, and in 2023 made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan.
She is one of the highest‑paid actresses in India and the only South Indian actress to be featured in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list (2018).
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Diana Mariam Kurian |
| Stage Name | Nayanthara |
| Profession | Actress, Producer |
| Birth Date | November 18, 1984 |
| Age (2025) | 40 years |
| Birth Place | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Known As | “Lady Superstar” of South Indian cinema |
| Height & Weight | 5’5” (165 cm), ~55 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Education | B.A. in English Literature, Mar Thoma College, Kerala |
| Religion | Raised Christian, converted to Hinduism in 2011 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Vignesh Shivan (filmmaker, m. 2022) |
| Children | Twin boys (born 2022 via surrogacy) |
| Years Active | 2003–present |
| Net Worth (2025) | ~$25 million |
Early Life & Education
Born in Bengaluru and raised in Kerala, Nayanthara studied English Literature at Mar Thoma College. She was discovered by director Sathyan Anthikad and made her debut in the Malayalam film Manassinakkare (2003).
Career Journey
- Malayalam Debut: Manassinakkare (2003).
- Tamil Breakthrough: Ayya (2005) and Chandramukhi (2005).
- Telugu Success: Lakshmi (2006), Dubai Seenu (2007).
- Women‑centric Films: Maya (2015), Aramm (2017), Netrikann (2021).
- Bollywood Debut: Jawan (2023), one of the highest‑grossing Indian films.
- Producer: Co‑founded Rowdy Pictures with husband Vignesh Shivan.
Awards & Achievements
- 5 Filmfare Awards South
- 7 SIIMA Awards
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award
- Nandi Award (Telugu)
- Featured in Forbes India Celebrity 100 (2018).
Physical Statistics
| Height | 5’5” (165 cm) |
| Weight | ~55 kg |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Type | Slim, Elegant |
| Distinctive Features | Graceful screen presence, expressive eyes |
Personal Life
Nayanthara married director Vignesh Shivan in June 2022. The couple welcomed twin boys via surrogacy later that year. She is known for her privacy and rarely gives interviews.
Net Worth & Business Ventures
- Estimated net worth: $25 million (2025).
- Income from films, endorsements, and production house Rowdy Pictures.
- Launched 9Skin, a skincare brand, in 2023.
Interesting Facts
- Nicknamed “Lady Superstar” for her box‑office dominance.
- Converted to Hinduism at the Arya Samaj Temple in Chennai in 2011.
- Known for her strong screen presence and ability to carry films as a solo lead.
FAQs
Q1: What is Nayanthara’s real name?
Diana Mariam Kurian.
Q2: Who is Nayanthara’s husband?
Filmmaker Vignesh Shivan.
Q3: What was Nayanthara’s Bollywood debut?
Jawan (2023) opposite Shah Rukh Khan.
Q4: How many awards has she won?
Over 15 major awards, including 5 Filmfare South.
