Priyamani
Priya Vasudev Mani Iyer, professionally known as Priyamani, is an Indian actress with an impressive accolade collection, including a National Film Award, three Filmfare Awards South, and a Filmfare OTT Award.
Priyamani embarked on her acting journey with the 2003 Telugu film “Evare Atagaadu.” However, it was her captivating portrayal of a village girl in the Tamil romantic drama “Paruthiveeran” (2007) that catapulted her to stardom. This role not only earned her a National Film Award for Best Actress but also a Filmfare Award for Best Actress in Tamil. Her diverse filmography encompasses notable works like “Raam” (2009), “Raavan” (2010), “Raavanan” (2010), “Pranchiyettan & the Saint” (2010), “Chaarulatha” (2012), “Idolle Ramayana” (2016), and her intriguing presence in the 2019 black comedy series “The Family Man.”
Early Life and Background:
Priyamani, whose birth name is Priya Vasudev Mani Iyer, was born on June 4, 1984, in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. She hails from a culturally diverse background, reflecting her unique heritage:
Mixed Ancestry:
Priyamani’s family background is a blend of various cultures and traditions. Her father, Vasudeva Mani Iyer, is a Tamil Brahmin, while her mother, Latha Mani Iyer, is of Telugu ancestry. This multicultural upbringing has enriched her life experiences.
Education:
She completed her early education in Bangalore and went on to pursue a degree in Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) through correspondence.
Sibling:
Priyamani has a brother named Vishakh, who has ventured into the field of modeling.
Priyamani’s diverse cultural roots and academic pursuits laid the foundation for her entry into the world of entertainment, where she eventually made her mark as a talented and award-winning actress in Indian cinema.
Career:
Priyamani’s career in the Indian film industry has been marked by versatility and acclaim. Here’s a summary of her career milestones:
Debut:
Priyamani made her acting debut in the Telugu film “Evare Atagaadu” in 2003. However, her breakthrough came later.
Breakthrough:
She gained widespread recognition for her role as Muththazhagu in the Tamil romantic drama “Paruthiveeran” (2007). This performance was pivotal in establishing her as a prominent actress in the industry.
National Award:
Priyamani’s portrayal in “Paruthiveeran” earned her the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actress.
Filmfare Awards:
She also received critical acclaim and several Filmfare Awards South, including a Filmfare Award for Best Actress in Tamil for “Paruthiveeran.”
Diverse Roles:
Priyamani’s filmography spans various genres, including notable films like “Raam” (2009), “Raavan” (2010), “Raavanan” (2010), “Pranchiyettan & the Saint” (2010), “Chaarulatha” (2012), and “Idolle Ramayana” (2016).
OTT Debut:
In 2019, Priyamani ventured into the world of web series with her role in the black comedy series “The Family Man.”
Throughout her career, Priyamani has exhibited her acting prowess and versatility, making her a respected figure in the Indian film and OTT industries.
Movies:
Year | Movie Title | Genre | Role(s) |
---|---|---|---|
2003 | Evare Atagaadu | Telugu Drama | Anjali |
2004 | Kangalal Kaidhu Sei | Tamil Drama | Vidhya |
2004 | Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam | Tamil Thriller | Anjali |
2005 | Otta Nanayam | Tamil Thriller | Vidya |
2006 | Pellaina Kothalo | Telugu Romance | Divya |
2006 | Madhu | Malayalam Drama | Suhara |
2007 | Paruthiveeran | Tamil Drama | Muththazhagu (Muthazhagu) |
2007 | Yamadonga | Telugu Fantasy | Dhanalakshmi |
2008 | Hare Ram | Telugu Action | Anjali |
2008 | Thotta | Tamil Action | Priya |
2009 | Arumugam | Tamil Drama | Aarumugham |
2009 | King | Telugu Action | Sandhya |
2009 | Ninaithale Inikkum | Tamil Drama | Ramya |
2009 | Raam | Telugu Drama | Anjali |
2010 | Pranchiyettan & the Saint | Malayalam Drama | Padmashree |
2010 | Raavanan | Tamil Action | Vennila |
2010 | Raavan | Hindi Action | Jamuni |
2010 | Golimar | Telugu Action | Priya |
2010 | Drona | Telugu Drama | Hemalatha |
2012 | Chaarulatha | Kannada Horror | Chaarulatha |
2013 | Ko Ko | Tamil Action | Priya |
2013 | Anna Bond | Kannada Action | Priya |
2014 | Ambareesha | Kannada Action | Apoorva |
2014 | Angulika | Telugu Horror | Angulika |
2015 | Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla | Malayalam Comedy | Deepika |
2016 | Idolle Ramayana | Kannada Comedy | Ragini |
2018 | Nanna Prakara | Kannada Thriller | Dr. Surya Lakshmi |
2020 | Viraata Parvam | Telugu Drama | – |
Songs:
Year | Movie Title | Song Title | Genre | Role in the Song |
---|---|---|---|---|
2006 | Pellaina Kothalo | “Atu Nuvve Itu Nuvve” | Telugu Romantic | Lead Actress in the Music Video |
2007 | Yamadonga | “Young Yama” | Telugu Fantasy | Supporting Role in the Song |
2009 | Arumugam | “Kadavulum Kadhalum” | Tamil Romantic | Lead Actress in the Music Video |
2009 | Raam | “Aarariraro” | Tamil Melody | Lead Actress in the Music Video |
2010 | Raavanan | “Kodu Poatta” | Tamil Melody | Supporting Role in the Song |
2010 | Drona | “Drona Title Track” | Telugu Action | Lead Actress in the Music Video |
2013 | Ko Ko | “Agalathey Agalathey” | Tamil Melody | Lead Actress in the Music Video |
2013 | Anna Bond | “Kaanadanthe Maayavadanu” | Kannada Melody | Lead Actress in the Music Video |
2014 | Ambareesha | “Ambareesha Title Track” | Kannada Action | Lead Actress in the Music Video |
2016 | Idolle Ramayana | “Nammebanna” | Kannada Melody | Lead Actress in the Music Video |
Web Series:
Year | Show Title | Genre | Role(s) |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | “The Family Man” (Web Series) | Action, Thriller, Drama | Suchitra Iyer – Lead Role |
2021 | “His Storyy” (Web Series) | Drama, Romance | Sakshi – Supporting Role |
Awards and Nominations:
Priyamani has received recognition and accolades for her work in the Indian film industry. Here are some of her notable awards and nominations:
National Film Awards:
- Won the National Film Award for Best Actress for “Paruthiveeran” (2007).
Filmfare Awards South:
- Won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Tamil) for “Paruthiveeran” (2007).
- Nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Tamil) for “Puthiya Mukham” (2009).
- Won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress (South) for “Chaaruhasan” (2013).
- Nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Tamil) for “Chaaruhasan” (2013).
- Nominated for the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress (South) for “Drona” (2010).
- Nominated for the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress (South) for “Raavanan” (2010).
- Nominated for the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress (South) for “Iruvar Ullam” (2016).
Personal Life:
Priyamani, known for her work in Indian cinema and web series, prefers to keep her personal life relatively private. However, here are some details about her personal life that are publicly known:
Birth and Family:
Priyamani was born as Priya Vasudev Mani Iyer on June 4, 1984, in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. She comes from a culturally diverse background, with her father being of Tamil Brahmin descent and her mother being of Telugu ancestry.
Marriage:
Priyamani got engaged to Mustafa Raj, an industrialist, in May 2016. The engagement ceremony was a private affair attended by close friends and family. They later tied the knot in a traditional ceremony on August 23, 2017.