Nayanthara: From Lady Superstar to One of the Most Powerful Women in Business

In the grand world of Indian cinema, few names shine as brightly as Nayanthara’s. For over two decades, she has ruled the South Indian film industry with her unmatched charisma, versatile performances, and strong screen presence. But beyond the glittering world of films, Nayanthara has quietly built a business empire that has now earned her recognition as one of the most powerful women in business.

Her journey is not just about stardom; it is about vision, resilience, and the ability to reinvent oneself. Today, she stands tall as an actress, entrepreneur, producer, and inspiration for millions of women who aspire to break barriers in male-dominated industries.

Early Life: From Diana Mariam Kurian to Nayanthara

Nayanthara was born as Diana Mariam Kurian in 1984, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to a Malayali Christian family. Her father served in the Indian Air Force, which meant her childhood was spent moving from one city to another. This disciplined upbringing, coupled with exposure to different cultures across India, shaped her adaptability and confidence.

While studying English Literature at Marthoma College in Kerala, she never imagined a career in films. Fate, however, had other plans. Director Sathyan Anthikad spotted her and offered her a role in Manassinakkare (2003). What began as an unexpected opportunity soon transformed into a groundbreaking career in cinema.

The Rise of a Star

By the mid-2000s, Nayanthara had become a sought-after actress in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films. She stood out not just for her beauty but for her ability to portray layered characters. Films like Chandramukhi, Ghajini, Billa, and Raja Rani cemented her reputation.

The turning point came when she began taking on strong female-centric roles. Aramm (2017), where she played a district collector battling for justice, showcased her ability to carry a film solely on her shoulders. It proved that audiences were ready to embrace women-led narratives in mainstream cinema.

Her title “Lady Superstar” was not just a fan-given nickname but a recognition of her power to pull crowds like her male counterparts.

Breaking Stereotypes in a Male-Dominated Industry

South Indian cinema has long been dominated by male stars. For years, women were relegated to glamorous roles with limited scope. Nayanthara challenged this stereotype by negotiating her worth and demanding equal respect. She became one of the highest-paid actresses in India, setting a precedent for future generations of women in cinema.

Her journey also inspired contemporaries like Samantha Ruth Prabhu and younger actresses such as Rashmika Mandanna, who continue to fight for substantial roles and equal pay.

(Interlinking opportunity: Read about Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s inspiring journey or explore Rashmika Mandanna’s rise as a pan-India actress.)

Love, Marriage, and Partnership with Vignesh Shivan

Behind Nayanthara’s steady rise is her partnership with filmmaker Vignesh Shivan. Their relationship blossomed during the making of Naanum Rowdy Dhaan (2015). The two have since built both a personal and professional partnership.

In 2022, they married in a private yet star-studded ceremony. The couple has twin boys, born through surrogacy, and together they symbolize a modern family that balances love, parenthood, and entrepreneurship.

Their shared vision led to the creation of their production company and beauty brand, which now positions Nayanthara not just as a star but as a business leader.

The Birth of Rowdy Pictures

In 2021, Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan founded Rowdy Pictures, a film production company. Unlike traditional production houses that focus only on commercial films, Rowdy Pictures nurtures independent and experimental cinema.

Their film Koozhangal (Pebbles) gained global recognition and was India’s official entry to the Oscars. This move proved that Nayanthara was not afraid to back unconventional stories. Through Rowdy Pictures, she has provided a platform for new voices in cinema — another reason why she is celebrated as a visionary.

(Interlinking opportunity: Read about Zoya Akhtar’s contribution to Indian cinema, another woman filmmaker changing the narrative.)

Entering the Beauty and Wellness Industry: 9Skin

In 2023, Nayanthara stepped into entrepreneurship by launching 9Skin, a luxury skincare brand. With wellness becoming a global priority, she identified a market where Indian consumers were increasingly leaning toward premium, science-backed products.

The brand is co-owned with her husband and aims to compete with global skincare giants while staying rooted in Indian sensibilities. Celebrity-led beauty brands often rely solely on fame, but 9Skin stands apart for its research-backed approach and focus on long-term results.

Her entry into this space echoes global icons like Rihanna with Fenty Beauty and Jessica Alba with The Honest Company, proving that Indian women entrepreneurs can also build global beauty empires.

(Interlinking opportunity: Explore Anushka Sharma’s entrepreneurial journey in fashion and lifestyle.)

Why Nayanthara is One of the Most Powerful Women in Business

Nayanthara’s recognition as a powerful woman in business is based on four strong pillars:

1. Diversification – She has spread her career across acting, film production, and skincare.
2. Brand Value – Her celebrity status ensures instant recognition, but she backs it with quality and credibility.
3. Cultural Impact – By supporting meaningful cinema and championing women-led projects, she influences the industry.
4. Global Vision – She designs her businesses not just for Indian markets but with international appeal in mind.

Her journey inspires comparisons with Savitri Jindal in business leadership and Malvika Iyer in resilience, though each has charted a unique path.

Challenges She Faced

Like every successful woman, Nayanthara has faced hurdles. She endured harsh media scrutiny over her personal life, including controversies about relationships. Many doubted her decision to back independent cinema or enter the skincare market, but she silenced critics with success.

She has also faced the challenge of balancing stardom with business. Unlike many stars who fade after crossing into entrepreneurship, Nayanthara continues to act in major films while growing her companies.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Nayanthara’s influence extends beyond business. She is a role model for young women across India who dream of breaking stereotypes. Her story shows that it is possible to be an artist, a mother, a wife, and a business leader without compromising on identity.

In many ways, she echoes the journeys of women like Upasana Taku, who transformed from a professional into a fintech leader, and Avani Lekhara, who overcame physical challenges to become a Paralympic champion.

( Read Upasana Taku’s inspiring entrepreneurial journey or discover Avani Lekhara’s golden achievements. )

The Road Ahead

Nayanthara’s businesses are only in their early stages. Rowdy Pictures is expected to expand into web series and OTT projects, while 9Skin has plans to launch globally. Her ability to balance art and commerce makes her one of the few women in India who command influence across industries.

With her ever-growing presence in films, business, and philanthropy, Nayanthara is destined to remain a symbol of women’s empowerment for years to come.

Conclusion

From a young woman who entered films by chance to becoming India’s Lady Superstar and now a powerful businesswoman, Nayanthara’s journey is extraordinary. Her story is a reminder that success is not about staying in one lane but about evolving, adapting, and daring to explore new territories.

She is not only a leading actress but also a trendsetter in entrepreneurship. By being fearless, strategic, and committed to quality, Nayanthara has carved her place among the most powerful women in business — and her story has only just begun.

Also read

Nayanthara is not only the Lady Superstar of cinema but also the rising superstar of the business world.

Business Today magazine has recognized Tamil actress Nayanthara, also referred to as “Lady Superstar,” as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Business.” Three other women icons are listed with the actress’s name: Sangita Reddy, joint MD of Apollo Hospitals, Madhabi Puri Buch, chairwoman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India, and Bollywood filmmaker Zoya Akhtar. Nayanthara announced the news on Instagram, thanking her spouse Vignesh Shivan for realising her long-held ambition.

“I’m grateful,” she wrote. I’m grateful that my hubby, @wikkiofficial, taught me to DREAM BIGGER. I’m grateful to @business_today for this honour.

Check out the post here

In addition to her playing career, Nayanthara is a producer. Under her production company Rowdy Pictures, she has made movies such as Netrikann, Kaathu Vaakula Rendu Kaadhal, and Connect. She also launched the 9Skin beauty brand. Nayanthara has also ventured into The Lip Balm Company. She also founded Femi, a company that makes sanitary pads.

Nayanthara discussed in an interview with Business Today how she cares more about things other than positively impacting many people. She was cited as saying, “Yes, we do profit from the businesses, but it has to be improving people’s lives.” She mentioned that Vignesh Shivan analyses business potential as part of her endeavours. The actress added that because their brand is obsessive about quality, nothing leaves the company without their approval. 

Acting-wise, Nayanthara’s most recent film, Annapoorni, premiered to a mediocre critical reception. Her two upcoming projects are She Test and Mannangatti Since 1960.