Nithya Menen is a National Award-winning actress and singer who works across Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Hindi cinema. Known for natural, performance-driven roles, she has starred in films such as Ala Modalaindi, Ustad Hotel, O Kadhal Kanmani, Mersal and Thiruchitrambalam.
She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for Thiruchitrambalam (2022). In 2025 she appeared in Kadhalikka Neramillai, Thalaivan Thalaivii and Dhanush’s Idli Kadai.
Nithya Menen Quick Facts
| Full Name | N. S. Nithya (Nithya Menen) |
| Profession | Actress, Singer |
| Date of Birth | 8 April 1990 |
| Age | 36 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Years Active | 1998 (child role); 2006–present |
| Debut | 7 O’Clock (2006, Kannada) |
| Breakthrough | Ala Modalaindi (2011) |
| Known For | Ala Modalaindi, Ustad Hotel, O Kadhal Kanmani, Mersal, Thiruchitrambalam |
| Education | Journalism, Manipal Academy of Higher Education; studied cinematography at FTII Pune |
| Languages Spoken | Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, English |
Nithya Menen Career in Numbers
Here is a snapshot of Nithya Menen’s career.
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| Films | 60+ |
| Languages | Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi |
| National Film Award | Best Actress (Thiruchitrambalam) |
| Filmfare Awards South | 4 |
| Nandi Awards | 2 |
Early Life and Family
Nithya Menen was born on 8 April 1990 in Bengaluru, Karnataka, to a Malayali family. She studied at Mount Carmel College and earned a journalism degree from Manipal Academy of Higher Education, and also studied cinematography at the Film and Television Institute of India.
She first appeared on screen as a child in the English film Hanuman (1998) and initially wanted to be a journalist before moving into acting.
Nithya Menen Career Journey
Debut and Breakthrough (2006–2011)
Nithya debuted in the Kannada film 7 O’Clock (2006) and the Malayalam film Aakasha Gopuram (2008). Her Telugu romantic comedy Ala Modalaindi (2011) became a big hit and won her the Nandi Award for Best Actress.
Across Languages (2012–2019)
She starred in Ustad Hotel (2012), Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde (2013), which won her a Filmfare Award, Bangalore Days (2014) and Mani Ratnam’s O Kadhal Kanmani (2015). She also appeared in 24, Janatha Garage and Mersal, winning a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil for the latter. In Hindi she acted in Mission Mangal (2019) and the series Breathe: Into the Shadows.
National Award and Recent Work (2022–Present)
Her role as Shobana in Thiruchitrambalam (2022), opposite Dhanush, won her the National Film Award for Best Actress. She also starred in Bheemla Nayak (2022). In 2025 she appeared in Kadhalikka Neramillai, Thalaivan Thalaivii with Vijay Sethupathi, and Idli Kadai with Dhanush.
Nithya Menen Movies: Complete Filmography
Below are the major films of Nithya Menen’s career.
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 7 O’Clock | Supporting role | Kannada debut |
| 2008 | Aakasha Gopuram | Lead | Malayalam debut |
| 2011 | Ala Modalaindi | Nithya | Telugu hit; Nandi Award for Best Actress |
| 2012 | Ustad Hotel | Shahana | Malayalam hit |
| 2013 | Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde | Shravani | Filmfare Best Actress – Telugu |
| 2014 | Bangalore Days | Natasha | Malayalam ensemble hit |
| 2015 | O Kadhal Kanmani | Tara | Directed by Mani Ratnam |
| 2015 | Malli Malli Idi Rani Roju | Lead | Nandi Special Jury Award |
| 2016 | Janatha Garage | Supporting role | With Jr NTR |
| 2017 | Mersal | Aishwarya | Filmfare Best Supporting Actress – Tamil |
| 2019 | Mission Mangal | Varsha Gowda | Hindi debut |
| 2022 | Bheemla Nayak | Suguna | With Pawan Kalyan |
| 2022 | Thiruchitrambalam | Shobana | National Film Award for Best Actress |
| 2025 | Kadhalikka Neramillai | Shriya | Tamil |
| 2025 | Thalaivan Thalaivii | Lead | With Vijay Sethupathi |
| 2025 | Idli Kadai | Lead | With Dhanush |
Nithya Menen Web Series and Television
| Year | Title | Role/Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Breathe: Into the Shadows | Abha Sabharwal | Prime Video, Hindi |
Nithya Menen Awards and Achievements
| Year | Award | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | National Film Award for Best Actress | For Thiruchitrambalam |
| 2011 | Nandi Award for Best Actress | For Ala Modalaindi |
| 2013 | Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Telugu | For Gunde Jaari Gallanthayyinde |
| 2017 | Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil | For Mersal |
| 2022 | Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress – Tamil | For Thiruchitrambalam |
Nithya Menen Personal Life
Nithya Menen is unmarried and keeps her personal life private. She is a trained singer and has sung in several of her films.
She is known for choosing scripts carefully and for her outspoken views on body image and the film industry.
Nithya Menen Net Worth
Nithya earns from acting fees across languages, playback singing and brand endorsements.
Estimated Net Worth: Approximately ₹15 crore.
Net worth figures are estimates based on publicly reported information, including entertainment industry reports and media estimates. These are not audited financial statements and may not account for liabilities, family holdings or changes in asset values.
Lesser-Known Facts About Nithya Menen
- She first appeared on screen as a child in the English film Hanuman (1998).
- She studied journalism and planned to become a journalist.
- She speaks six languages.
- She has sung songs in several of her own films.
- She won the National Film Award for Best Actress for Thiruchitrambalam.
Legacy and Impact
Nithya Menen is admired as one of the finest performers of her generation in South India. Her success across five languages and her National Award reflect her range and consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nithya Menen
How old is Nithya Menen?
Nithya Menen was born on 8 April 1990, making her 36 years old as of 2026.
Did Nithya Menen win a National Award?
Yes, she won the National Film Award for Best Actress for Thiruchitrambalam.
Is Nithya Menen married?
No, Nithya Menen is not married.
What are Nithya Menen’s latest movies?
Her recent films include Thalaivan Thalaivii and Idli Kadai (2025).
What is Nithya Menen’s net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at approximately ₹15 crore, based on publicly reported information.
Final Summary
With a National Award and hits in five languages, Nithya Menen has built a career on talent and smart choices. She remains one of South India’s most respected actresses.