Nayanthara stands tall as one of the biggest superstars in the film industry today, but her journey began with a modest salary of just two to three thousand rupees. Currently gearing up for the release of her upcoming romantic drama film ‘High’, the actress took a trip down memory lane to recount the early days of her professional life before superstardom found her.
Modelling and Early Beginnings
Before making her grand entry into cinema, Nayanthara started working as a model. Interestingly, one of those early modelling assignments played a pivotal role in shaping her acting career and introducing her to the magical world of celluloid. During a candid conversation with Pearle Maaney, when asked about her very first job and the compensation she received, she revealed that the opportunity came from a magazine project.
The Magazine Cover That Changed Everything
Recalling the specifics of her debut assignment, Nayanthara shared that she believes it was for a magazine cover shoot, having been called in for a fashion program. When questioned about her first salary, she disclosed that she was paid approximately 2000 to 3000 rupees for that work. However, that modest magazine assignment proved to be far more significant for her future than she could have ever imagined at that moment.
The Accidental Entry Into Cinema
Nayanthara's cinematic journey truly took off when filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad happened to spot her photograph in that magazine. Acting was never a part of her initial career plans, but this unexpected opportunity landed her a screen debut in the 2003 Malayalam film ‘Manassinakkare’.
Rising Through Early Malayalam Hits
In her debut film, Nayanthara played the character of Gauri, which performed well and immediately caught the attention of the industry. Following this breakthrough, she showcased her talent in other Malayalam projects such as ‘Vismayathumbathu’ and ‘Natturajavu’.
Stepping Into Tamil Cinema and Blockbuster Success
Two years after her cinematic debut, Nayanthara expanded her footprint by entering Tamil cinema with the film ‘Ayya’. The same year, working alongside Rajinikanth in the movie ‘Chandramukhi’ gave her career an explosive boost, as the film turned out to be an absolute blockbuster.
Personal Life and Media Attention
Much like her stellar filmography, Nayanthara's personal life has also frequently made headlines. Before her marriage to Vignesh Shivan, her name was linked with several prominent stars from the film fraternity, and her past romance with Prabhu Devahad notably attracted considerable media scrutiny and controversy.
