Early life
Priyamani was born in Palakkad, Kerala to Vasudeva Mani and Latha Mani. She is the granddaughter of the late Carnatic vocalist Kamala Kailas.[1] She grew up in Bangalore. After completing her schooling, Priyamani modeled for print advertisements. After being approached by several directors and being considered, she starred in director Bharathiraja's Kangalal Kaidhu Sei, which was released in 2004.
She is currently pursuing a degree in B.A. in psychology. Bollywood actress Vidya Balan is her cousin.
Early career
After her debut film Kangalal Kaidhu Sei, her Telugu debut was Evare Atagaadu,[5] Priyamani then made her debut in the Malayalam film industry, where she starred in Satyam, but this film also performed poorly at the box office.[6] She was signed by Tamil film director and cinematographer Balu Mahendra to star in the 2005 drama Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam. Before release, Balu Mahendra said "Priyamani has come up with an excellent performance in the movie. Her performance would be widely acclaimed."[7] Adhu Oru Kana Kaalam was critically acclaimed but failed to keep the cash registers ringing. She won acclaim for her performance. In 2006, Priyamani starred opposite Jagapathi Babu in Pellaina Kothalo. The film was a super hit and got her 3 Telugu films.
Paruthiveeran and the future
Priyamani at a CCL match.
Priyamani managed to prove her acting credentials and commercial appeal with 2007's Paruthiveeran, directed by the Tamil director Ameer Sultan, in which she was paired with debutant Karthi Sivakumar. A rural subject which told the story of a notorious young villager in Madurai, the film won critical acclaim and became a surprise box-office blockbuster. Priyamani's performance was unanimously praised: Indiaglitz cited "utterly cool and convincing" while another critic said "Priya Mani steals the show with her spontaneity and authenticity." She went on to win the National Film Award, followed by a South Filmfare Award, a Tamil Nadu State Film Award and an award at the Osian's Cinefan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema.
She had another blockbuster in Telugu, opposite Jr. NTR in the 2007 film Yamadonga and opposite Vishal in the Tamil film Malaikottai. She again received critical acclaim in 2008 for her role in the Malayalam film Thirakkatha, in which she played a role based on the turbulent real-life story of late film actress Srividya. She won another Filmfare Award for her performance. In Tamil, she had a single release in 2008: Thotta.
Tamil Actress Priyamani Latest Hot Pics Gallery
