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Kaniha

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For the village in Assam, see Kaniha, Kamrup.

Kanika
Born
Divya Venkatasubramaniam Iyer

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Other namesKaniha, Sravanthi[1]
Alma materBITS Pilani
Occupations
  • Actress
  • Voice actor
  • Playback singer
  • TV anchor
Years active2002-present
Spouse
Shyam Radhakrishnan
​
(m. 2008)​
Children1

Divya Venkatasubramaniam Iyer better known by her stage name Kaniha, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Malayalam cinema along with a few Tamil, Telugu and Kannada movies.[2][3] Kaniha made her debut in the 2002 Tamil film Five Star.[4]

Early life

[edit]

Kanika is born as Divya Venkata Subramaniam in a Tamil-speaking Iyer Brahmin family in Madurai. Her father Venkata Subramaniam Iyer was an engineer. She won the Tamil Nadu State Award for Educational Excellence in 1999. She pursued her Mechanical engineering degree from 1999 to 2003 in BITS Pilani.[5][6][7]

Having improved her singing talent since childhood by participating in pop music and light music shows, Divya was interested in performing arts. While she was still studying, she gave stage performances as a pop singer from time to time. When she was scheduled to perform at the Miss Chennai beauty pageant in 2001, she was selected to participate in the pageant after a model had backed out at the last minute.[8] Despite lack of experience, she emerged victorious in the contest,[9] which later paved way for a film career.

Career

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Susi Ganesan spotted Kanika on a magazine cover page and insisted on her performing the lead female role in his second feature film. Divya eventually entered the Film industry, accepting the offer, while her name was changed to Kanika. Her debut film was the Mani Ratnam-produced Five Star (2002) with Prasanna, who made his acting debut as well, in which Kaniha portrayed a traditional village girl. She completed the entire film during her summer holidays, since she was a student.[10]

Kanika turned down all projects that were subsequently offered to her, including films by S. Shankar and P. C. Sreeram,[10] and went on to complete her graduation. Even before she finished her graduation, she completed her Telugu debut film Ottesi Cheputunna during her winter vacations, acting under another stage name Sravanthi.[11] In regard to her performance, Idlebrain wrote: "Sravanthy looks homely in the film and suited the character. She performed well. She is good at dances as well".[12]

After completing her studies, Kanika decided to give herself a go at the Tinsel towns. She starred in the Kannada film Annavaru (2004), a remake of Mani Ratnam's Thalapathi (1991), stepping into Kannada filmdom, too. She followed the movie with a cameo role in Cheran's Autograph. Kaniha next appeared in a comedy oriented role in a commercial film by K. S. Ravikumar, Aethiree along with Madhavan, Sada, in which she portrayed a "naughty Brahmin girl".[10] Sify labelled her performance in the film as "outstanding".[13] She returned to Telugu cinema, accepting to reprise her role in the Telugu remake of Autograph, Naa Autograph, playing the same role as in the original version.[11] She proved to be an actress to reckon with in the Kannada film Sye, a remake of Tamil film Dhill. She finally ventured into Malayalam cinema as the heroine for the campus-based film Ennitum.

Kanika has ventured into playback singing and dubbing as well. Having a vast experience and being a professional singer before turning actress, Kanika got the offer to sing the theme song of her debut film Five Star. She then became a dubbing artiste, dubbing for actresses Genelia D'Souza in Sachein (2005), Sadha in Anniyan (2005) and Shriya Saran in Sivaji: The Boss (2007).[14]

Later in 2006, she appeared in her biggest project, Varalaru, directed again by K. S. Ravikumar, in which she shared screen space with Ajith Kumar. She won plaudits for her role as a mentally disordered girl. After a two-years gap, her most recent Kannada film Rajakumari opposite Ravichandran got released, in which she again got to play the female lead role.

At the prime of her career, Kanika moved to "small screen", hosting a couple of TV shows, which she believed were a "refreshing change from movies". She had first hosted the second season of the popular comedy show Kalakka Povathu Yaaru on STAR Vijay in 2006, following which she had hosted the popular family based game show Mega Thanga Vettai, the annual Chutti Vikatan Children's Quiz Show both on Sun TV. Besides, she also played a lead role in the television serial Thiruvilayadal on Sun TV.

After her marriage, when she was supposed to bid adieu to the film industry, Kanika returned to Malayalam cinema in 2009, with the films Bhagyadevatha, directed by veteran Sathyan Anthikkad and starring Jayaram and Narain as well, and Pazhassi Raja, directed by reputed director Hariharan and starring Mammootty, Sarath Kumar and Padmapriya among others. While the former one, in which she played the role of a homely Christian girl, was highly successful at the box office, the latter one, a biographical historical film, in which she played the role of a queen opposite Mammootty. Her performance in Bhagyadevatha led to her winning several awards.[15] Her rising adulation in the Malayalam industry saw her eventually sign laudable roles in the films My Big Father and Christian Brothers before she took a maternity break. In 2012, she was seen in the black comedy Cobra and Spirit followed by the drama thriller Bavuttiyude Namathil.

She has judged popular reality shows like Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njaanum (2013), on Asianet.

She was starred in Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu (2014) opposite Jayaram an later in Suresh Gopi's movie Rudra Simhasanam (2015) directed by Shibu Gangadharan. She later seen with Mani Ratnam's Tamil film O Kadhal Kanmani (2015) which starrs Dulquer Salmaan and Nithya Menen.[citation needed]

In 2015, she judged Uggram Ujjwalam a Malayalam reality show on Mazhavil Manorama. She judges Grand Magical Circus on Amrita TV.

She paired with Anoop Menon in the crime thriller 10 Kalpanakal (2016).[citation needed] She was starred with Mammootty in Abrahaminte Santhathikal (2018) and Mamangam (2018). She working with Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the comedy drama Bro Daddy (2022).[16]

She is best known for her stellar performance in the hit TV serial Ethirneechal (2022-2024), has once again captivated audiences with her acting versatility. In a lesser-known but significant role, Kaniha made a cameo appearance in director Venkat Prabhu’s much-talked-about film The Greatest of All Time (2024), starring Vijay.[17]

Advertisements

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Kanika has also featured in print and TV ads of some reputed corporates. Some of them are listed below.

  • The Chennai Silks
  • Kalyan Sarees and Jewellers
  • Rathna Thanga Maligai
  • Tata Gold Plus
  • SPP Silks, Erode
  • Aachi Masala
  • Seemas Silks
  • ICL Fincorp
  • Mahalakshmi Silks
  • N Style

Personal life

[edit]

Kanika married Shyam Radhakrishnan, brother of Jayashree on 15 June 2008 who works as a US-based software engineer. They have a son Sai Rishi born in November 2010. Initially she had decided to leave the film industry, finishing her career as an actress, and to settle down in the US, stating that she, however, would complete her hitherto signed films.[citation needed] In January 2009 then, Kanika, unexpectedly, announced her comeback with the Sathyan Anthikkad-directed Malayalam film Bhagyadevatha.[18][19][20]

Filmography

[edit]
Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released

As actress

[edit]
Year Film Role Language Notes
2002 Five Star Eashwari Tamil
2003 Ottesi Cheputunna Divya Telugu Credited as Sravanthi
Annavaru Subbulakshmi Kannada
2004 Aethiree Gayathri Iyer Tamil
Autograph Thenmozhi Senthil
2005 Dancer Divya
2006 Naa Autograph Sandhya Telugu
Sye Renu Kannada
Varalaru Gayathri Tamil Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil
Ennittum Sneha Malayalam
2009 Bhagyadevatha Daisy Benny
Rajakumari Rajakumari Kannada
Pazhassi Raja Kaitheri Maakam Malayalam
My Big Father Ancy
2010 Drona 2010 Tulasimani
2011 Christian Brothers Stella
2012 Cobra Annie
Spirit Meera
Bavuttiyude Namathil Mariam
2013 Orissa Chandrabhaga
2014 To Noora with Love Sainaba [21]
How Old Are You Susan David Cameo appearance
Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu Waahida
2015 Rudra Simhasanam Mohini
O Kadhal Kanmani Pregnant women Tamil Cameo appearance
2016 10 Kalpanakal Sara Malayalam
2018 Abrahaminte Santhathikal Diana Joseph
Drama Mercy John Chacko (Kunjumol)
2019 Lonappante Mamodeesa Neelima
Mamangam Chirudevi
2022 Bro Daddy Elsy Kurian [22]
CBI 5: The Brain Susan George / Ambika Unnithan
Paappan Susan [23]
Perfume: Her Fragnance Abhirami
2023 Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir Kanagarani Tamil
2024 Weapon Damini
The Greatest of All Time Abi Menon Cameo appearance

As dubbing artist

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Year Film For Language
2005 Sachein Genelia D'Souza Tamil
Anniyan Sadha
2007 Sivaji: The Boss Shriya Saran

As playback singer

[edit]
Year Title Film Language Composer Notes
2002 "Engalukku" Five Star Tamil Parasuram-Radha
2021 "Thiruppavai" Margazhi Thingal Ravi G Also actress in the music album

Television

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Shows

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Year Program Role Channel Language
2006 Kalakka Povathu Yaaru Host Vijay TV Tamil
2007–2008 Mega Thangavettai Sun TV
2008 Annual Chutti Vikatan Children's Quiz Show
2013 Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njanum Judge Asianet Malayalam
2015 Uggram Ujjwalam Mazhavil Manorama
2016 comedy stars season 2 Asianet
2017 Grand Magical Circus Amrita TV
2019 Kerala Dance League
2020 Snehathode Veetil Ninnu Herself Mazhavil Manorama
Health Desk Asianet
2021 Red Carpet Mentor Amrita TV
2022 Vanakkam Tamizha Guest Sun TV Tamil
Cook with Comedy Judge Asianet Malayalam
2023 Pongal Vilayattu Participant Sun TV Tamil
2024–Present Naanga Ready Neenga Ready Ah Judge

Serials

[edit]
Year Program Role Channel Language Notes
2008 Thiruvillayadal Devi Sun TV Tamil
2022–2024 Ethirneechal Eshwari Gunasekaran Won - Ananda Vikatan Television Awards for Best Supporting Actress
2022 Mad Company Podhum Ponnu Aha Tamil
2024 -Present Ethirneechal Thodargirathu Eshwari Gunasekaran Sun TV Tamil

Awards and nominations

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Year Film & TV shows Award Category Result
2007 Varalaru Filmfare Awards South Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil Nominated
2010 Pazhassiraja Asianet Film Awards Special jury award Won
2013 Bavuttiyude Namathil Vanitha Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Won
2023 Ethirneechal Behindwoods Gold Icons Best Lead Cast On Television Won
Sun Kudumbam Viruthugal Thanga Mangai Won
2024 Ananda Vikatan Television Awards Best Supporting Actress Won

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Annavaru - Kannada". Deccan Herald. 21 December 2003. Archived from the original on 30 December 2003. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  2. ^ "Kaniha turns hot in Mollywood". Sify. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014.
  3. ^ "Kaniha to play female lead in Mammooty starrer Cobra". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 11 December 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  4. ^ "The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji". Archived from the original on 16 September 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2009.
  5. ^ Nambidi, Parvathy (24 February 2013). "Topper meets her match". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  6. ^ "Sandpaper - The BITSAA Magazine". BITSAA International. 2006. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  7. ^ "Srikanth's new movie details". Idlebrain.com. 20 January 2003. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  8. ^ "The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji". Rediff. Archived from the original on 16 September 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  9. ^ "Miss Chennai 2001". vibamisschennai.com. Archived from the original on 4 February 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  10. ^ a b c The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji Archived 16 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Rediff.com (31 December 2004). Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  11. ^ a b Telugu cinema Review – Naa Autograph – Sweet Memories – Ravi Teja, Bhumika Chawla, Gopika Archived 6 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Idlebrain.com (11 August 2004). Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  12. ^ Telugu Cinema – Review – Ottesi Cheputunna – Srikanth, Sivaji – E Sathi Babu – Vidya Sagar – Anil Archived 27 January 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Idlebrain.com (11 April 2003). Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  13. ^ Movie Review:Aethiree. Sify.com. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  14. ^ "The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji". Rediff. Archived from the original on 16 September 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
  15. ^ Dailynews – 8 Best Actor awards in one year for Kanika!. Cinesouth.com (31 January 2010). Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  16. ^ "Kaniha joins the cast of 'Bro Daddy'". The Times of India. 26 July 2021.
  17. ^ "Did you know Ethirneechal actress Kaniha acted in Vijay's film Goat?". The Times of India. 12 September 2024.
  18. ^ "Kanika makes her comeback". kollywoodtoday.com. 30 January 2009. Archived from the original on 4 January 2011. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
  19. ^ "Kanika, the next big thing in Malayalam cinema". Rediff. Archived from the original on 21 October 2009. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
  20. ^ "The hottest summer release in Malayalam". Rediff. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
  21. ^ Kumar, P. K. Ajith (20 March 2014). "On location: To Noora with Love – All about Noora". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  22. ^ Palisetty, Ramya (18 June 2021). "Prithviraj Sukumaran announces his second directorial Bro Daddy with Mohanlal". India Today. Archived from the original on 19 June 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  23. ^ "Suresh Gopi to reunite with Joshiy for Paapan". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
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