Happy Birthday Nayanthara: 5 of her roles that are so good they are unmissable

It was in 2003 that Nayanthara kick started her association with the Southern film fraternity when she essayed the lead role in the Malayalam movie ‘Manassinakkare’.

Touted as a drama, it emerged a runaway hit at the box office and helped the Bangalore born actress get her career off to a flying start. Shortly thereafter, she found firm footing in the industry and won over a legion of loving fans, courtesy her strong screen presence as well as vivacious personality. Today, as Nayanthara turns a year older, we present before you some of her most memorable big screen outings.

Anaamika: A remake of the Vidya Balan starrer ‘Kahaani’, this Telugu thriller featured Nayanthara in the role of an IT professional who travels to Hyderabad in search of her missing husband. Directed by Sekhar Kammula, it found moderate success at the box office and helped the actress bag a SIIMA nomination. Interestingly, ‘Anaamika’ was simultaneously shot in Tamil as ‘Nee Enge En Anbe’. Nayanthara starred in both versions.

Maya: A blockbuster in every sense of the word, ‘Maya’ served as strong proof of Nayanthara’s versatility as a performer as well as her in depth understanding of characters. Touted as a horror drama, the film revolved around how the lives of three individuals get interconnected following some eerie events. Boasting of a bone chilling narrative, it was dubbed into Telugu as ‘Mayuri’.

Sri Rama Rajyam: The very last film of filmmaker Bapu’s illustrious career, ‘Sri Rama Rajyam’ was based on the Mahabharata and saw Nayanthara essaying the role of Sita. Needless to say, the actress did full justice to her role and delivered a spirited performance which helped her win a Nandi award. Interestingly, in the film she was paired opposite Telugu superstar Balakrishna.

Raja Rani: Touted as a lively romantic-comedy, ‘Raja Rani’ created a buzz among movie buffs courtesy the crackling chemistry between Nayanthara and Arya. Directed by Atlee and released in 2013, the film fared extremely well on the commercial front, collecting nearly Rs 80 crore at the box office. Moreover, it also managed a garner rave reviews and helped Nayanthara win a Filmfare award. Interestingly, it was later on remade in Bengali as ‘Shudhu Tomari Jonyo’ with Srabanti Chatterjee and Dev in the lead.

Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum: Marking Nayanthara’s return to the film industry after a short hiatus, ‘Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum’ featured her in the role of a gritty journalist. Sporting a non-glamourous look, the actress struck up a brilliant rapport with co-star Rana Daggubati and sent her fans into frenzy. Directed by Krish, it was later on dubbed into Hindi as ‘Krishna Ka Badla’.