
16/07/2025
Actress Navya Nair & Family
Actress Navya Nair (born Dhanya Raju Nair on 14 October 1985, Alappuzha, Kerala) is a celebrated figure in South Indian cinema, known for her timeless performances, dance skills, and dignified off-screen persona. Here's a refined look at her qualities and career:
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🎭 Versatility in Acting
Debuted early in Ishtam (2001) while still in school and gained fame with Nandanam (2002), earning the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress .
Acted across Malayalam, Tamil, and Kannada cinema, with memorable roles in Chathikkatha Chanthu (Malayalam), Azhagiya Theeye (Tamil debut, 2004), and Kannada hits like Gaja and Drishya .
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🏆 Awards & Recognition
Kerala State Film Awards: Best Actress for Nandanam, Kanne Madanguka, and Saira .
Filmfare Award (South) for Nandanam .
District-level Kalathilakam title in Alappuzha youth festival for her artistic prowess .
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💃 Exceptional Dance & Stage Presence
Trained classical and flamenco dancer; performed at numerous shows and founded a dance troupe, SHIVOHAM, in 2015 .
Also appeared as a judge and host on Malayalam TV shows like Munch Dance Dance, Bharthakkanmarude Sradhaku, and Laughing Villa .
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🎬 Powerful Comebacks
After marriage in 2010 and a career break, she made a strong return:
Played a key role in Kannada sequel Drishya 2 (2021), to positive reviews .
Starred in Malayalam Oruthee (2022) as a resilient working-class woman, earning critical acclaim .
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🌟 Personal Qualities
Intelligent & grounded: School topper (92% in 10th), holds a BA in English and an MBA .
Humble & witty: Recently corrected erroneous printing claims at a public event with grace and humor .
Family woman: Married businessman Santhosh Menon in 2010, with a son, Sai Krishna .
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📌 Summary Table
Aspect Details
Born 14 Oct 1985, Cheppad (Alappuzha)
Education BA in English, MBA; school topper
Career Start Ishtam (2001), breakthrough in Nandanam (2002)
Languages Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada
Awards 2× Kerala State, 1× Filmfare (South), Kalathilakam
Dance Classical, flamenco; judge/host on dance shows
Break & Return Marriage 2010, returned with Drishya 2 and Oruthee
Personal Traits Graceful denial of public inaccuracies, humble, family-oriented
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🎥 Recommended Films to Explore
Nandanam – evergreen performance of a servant girl.
Chathikkatha Chanthu – Malayalam comedy classic.
Azhagiya Theeye – charming Tamil romantic debut.
Drishya / Drishya 2 – intense thriller (Kannada).
Oruthee – strong comeback, socially relevant drama.