Nayanthara was born in Bangalore (now Bengaluru) as Diana Mariam Kurian. Nayanthara comes from an aristocratic Kodiyattu family hailing from Kerala’s Thiruvalla.
Daughter of Indian Air Force officer, Nayanthara completed her studies from various states including Delhi and Gujarat. She completed her graduation from Thuruvalla’s Marthoma College and has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature degree.
She made her acting debut in the Malayalam industry with the film ‘Manassinakkare’. Her Malayalam film debut was released in 2013. Within a gap of two years each, Nayanthara made her debut in the Tamil (2205) and Telugu (2007) film industries as well. She debuted in Tamil films with ‘Ayya’ and in Telugu with ‘Yogi’.
Some of her most popular films include , Maya (2015), Thani Oruvan (2015), Babu Bangaram (2016), Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015), and Iru Mugan (2016).
Nayanthara was also said to be dating Prabhu Deva. This relationship of hers was rather controversial. At present, Nayanthara is rumoured to be dating Vignesh Shivan.
Another interesting fact about Nayanthara is that she converted her religion to Hinduism in August 2017. The actor went to the Arya Samaj temple in Chennai where she completed all the procedures and ceremonies to become a Hindu, and embraced the religion. She has won several awards and accolades, but she received her first award for ‘Best Actress’ in the year 2007 at the South Filmfare Awards.