Nayanthara the stunning beauty from Kerala has emerged on the South Indian film scene as one of the top actresses since her debut in films in 2003 with a Malayalam movie 'Manassinakkare'.

Nayanthara who was born as Diana Mariyam Kurien on November 18th, 1984 in Thiruvalla town of Kerala in India has grown up with her dreams in eyes to become an actress. Which is why she is named 'Nayanthara' meaning stars in her eyes or starry-eyed.

Nayanthara was born into a Syrian Christian orthodox family to Omana Kodiyattu and her Air Force official-husband Kurian. Nayanthara who is fondly called Nayan had her education in several schools in Kerala and in parts of North India because her father being an Air Force official was on constant transfers. Nayanthara studied in Balikamadom High School in Thiruvalla for her +2. She later joined Marthoma College in Thiruvalla to study English literature for her BA degree.

The dazzling beauty Nayanthara at the age of nineteen entered the best model hunt show conducted by the Thissur Advertising Club in 2003. Showcasing her brilliant modeling talents, Nayanthara went on to become the 1st runner-up in the Best Model contest. She soon hit the modeling world with her hot commercial campaigns and became the cynosure of all eyes in the film world.

Well-known director Satyan Anthikkad was the first to net this gorgeous beauty Nayanthara, for he cast her in his film 'Manassinakkare' opposite Jayaram in 2003. The movie was a super hit and for starry-eyed Nayanthara, her dream to become a star at last came true. She has never looked back since then and went on become one of the most sought after actresses in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu language movies.

Her next two films were Malayalam 'Vismayathumbathu' & 'Natturajavu' in 2004 both starring Mohanlal became blockbuster hits. In 2005, Nayanthara plunged into Tamil films with 'Ayya' starring Sharath Kumar. Next Nayanthara bagged her breakthrough role in 'Chandramukhi' starring Rajnikanth. The movie was also dubbed in Telugu and both versions became big blockbuster hits. Her amazing performance was critically hailed by the audiences. Even when she looked girl-next door as the gardener's daughter in the film, Nayanthara's sensuality surfaced every inch hitting the audiences. Her looks, her demeanor coupled with tremendous acting talents have earned her a hot seat in millions of hearts of the moviegoers.

Nayanthara later took Telugu films by storm when she appeared in 'Boss' starring Nagarjuna in 2006. She then went on to appear in 'Yogi' starring Prabhas, 'Dubai Seenu' starring Ravi Teja and 'Thulasi' starring Venkatesh.
Gorgeous actress Nayanthara appeared in a teenage love story 'Vallavan' in Tamil directed by teenage heartthrob and promising actor Silambarasan aka Simbhu. The movie created a stir in Tamil Nadu as there is a hot n long lip-lock kissing scene between Nayanthara and Simbhu in the movie. Also the life-sized posters of the movie showing Nayanthara and Simbhu in intimate positions too created a near riot like situation in Tamil Nadu. The movie became the biggest blockbuster hit grossing an over $2million at the box office. Also her hot romance with Simbhu and their lip-lock kissing pictures had put her in the media limelight for long.

Her controversies and romances apart, ravishing beauty Nayanthara consolidated her numero uno status in Tamil films. She reportedly received Rs.1crore each for 'Sathyam' starring Vishal Krishna, 'Kuselan' starring Rajnikanth, and 'Aegan' starring Ajith; all 2008 releases. This hot femme fatale is now busy lining up her upcoming films: one in Malayalam, two each in Telugu & Tamil languages.

Awesome beauty Nayanthara who can make millions of hearts swell with sensuous feelings indeed has a heart of her own which is filled with compassion and love for the distressed and despairing lot. She always helps her crew members in times of their needs. In fact, this soft-hearted Nayanthara celebrates her movie's success with the crew by doling out gifts to them. Her down-to-earth stature and her helping nature have even made the crew of her films adore her immensely.

Nayanthara is often credited as Nayantara.