The first and the only female actor from the South Indian film industry to make it to the Forbes India Celebrity 100 List in 2018, Nayanthara’s total earnings were an estimated ₹15.17 crore. Naanthara carried the Tamil film Netrikann entirely on her shoulders She has been consistently delivering hits across Tamil, Telugu and Malayalam languages, with a strategy that both embraces the idolatry surrounding male superstars and their films, and strives to chart her individualistic path. What sets Nayanthara apart from most male stars is her presence and popularity across all the five South Indian states. The other two OTT releases were Mookuthi Amman (Tamil) and Nizhal (Malayalam). Her Tamil thriller Netrikann released on an OTT platform in August to largely positive reviews. She has worked on three direct-to-digital film releases over the past year. In the wake of theatres shuttering due to Covid-19, Nayanthara’s transition to OTT has also been seamless. Writers would script whistle-worthy introduction scenes and punch lines specifically for Nayanthara, something that was earlier the preserve and privilege of male superstars.
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This is my happy space,” says the 36-year-old reticent actor, whose screen presence, during the pre-pandemic days of theatrical releases, used to draw people in by the hordes to movie halls. “Your accountability increases with your stardom and so does the workload.
Talking movies: The Chinese cinema bringing film to blind audiences “This is the most busy I have ever been,” she says, adding that she has been working round-the-clock for many years now, but the past few weeks have seen her simultaneously give her time and attention to multiple projects, across languages and genres, with each film being as big and as important as the other. Once she faces the camera, she knows exactly what to do and what she wants, yet always takes a minute between shots to genially consult and collaborate with others in the room. The actor says she does not take a single day of work for granted, and that statement rings true when she arrives ahead of time at a studio in Chennai for the Forbes India photoshoot on a Sunday morning in September. Responsibility towards her craft, the people she works with, her fans, and finally, towards herself. Nayanthara uses the word ‘responsibility’ a lot during our long conversation. Images: Selvaprakash Lakshmanan for Forbes India
Styling: Shaleena Nathani Makeup and hair - Namrata Soni Dress : Shehla Khan Jacket : All Staints Shoes : Christian Louboutin Rings: The Line and Jaipur Gems