From Fashion Shows to Stardom
Actor Nayanthara recently revealed details about her first job, recalling that she earned around Rs 2,000-3,000 as a model for a fashion event organized by Vanitha magazine. During a conversation with actor Pearle Maaney, Nayanthara said she was called for the assignment early in her career, as reported by The Times of India and Outlook India.
"I think it was for Vanitha's cover shoot. I think I was called for a fashion program," she recalled, according to The Times of India. While she couldn't recall the exact amount, she confirmed the salary was in the Rs 2,000-3,000 range, as reported by Outlook India.
Pearle Maaney, who was part of the conversation, shared her own first-earning story, saying she received Rs 500 for cutting her father's nails, a detail carried by The Times of India.
From Modelling to Acting
Nayanthara, who was in college and doing part-time modelling, said she was spotted by director Sathyan Anthikad, who approached her for the role of Gowri in the 2003 Malayalam film 'Manassinakkare'. As reported by Outlook India, Nayanthara admitted she was not initially interested in acting and agreed to do only that one movie.
"I finally agreed to do just that one movie. The film became a big hit, and ran for more than 100 days," she said, according to Outlook India. The Times of India also reports that she accepted the role of Gauri in the film and that the success of 'Manassinakkare' brought her attention, leading to appearances in films like 'Vismayathumbathu' and 'Natturajavu' before her Tamil debut with 'Ayya' in 2005.
Reflections on Kerala
Nayanthara also spoke about her move to Kerala, calling it a "mistake" as she missed studying at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Delhi and Gujarat. Outlook India quotes her saying she felt underconfident and left out during that phase.
"The teachers, the warmth, and the students there were terribly missed. Since I was very underconfident then (in Kerala), it was one of my lowest phases then," she said, adding, "So, I felt very left out. I felt very sad. They were a group, and we were left out. Not completely out, but I got that left-out feeling."
Upcoming Projects
Nayanthara is set to appear in two films next week. According to The Times of India, she will star in the gangster action thriller 'Toxic', alongside actor Yash, playing the role of Ganga, the sister of Yash's character. The film is scheduled to release on August 26.
She will also appear in the romantic drama 'Hi', opposite actor Kevin, directed by debutant Vishnu Edavan. The film, which follows an unusual love story that takes an unexpected turn after marriage, is slated for release on August 28. The cast includes Prabhu, Radhika Sarathkumar, K. Bhagyaraj, and Poornima Bhagyaraj, as per The Times of India.
Nayanthara's reflections offer a glimpse into the early struggles and pivotal moments that shaped her journey, even as she prepares for a dual release that fans are eagerly awaiting.