The super cousins of Malayalam cinema

Divyaa Unni recently revealed in an interview that fellow actors Ramya Nambessan and Meera Nandan are her cousins. "Ramya and Meera are both related to me—one from my father's side and the other from my mother's," she said. "Meera is my cousin on my father's side, while Ramya is related to me through my mother."

Divyaa was the first among the three to enter the film industry. Rising to fame in the 1990s alongside contemporaries such as Manju Warrier, she quickly became one of Malayalam cinema’s prominent leading ladies. Though she has taken a step back from acting in recent years, she remains active in the arts through classical dance performances and cultural engagements.

Her acting career began with a lead role in the 1996 film Kalyana Sougandhikam, directed by Vinayan. Over the years, Divyaa went on to act in around 50 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. After marriage, she relocated to the United States, where she currently runs a classical dance school.

Ramya Nambessan, who trained in classical music and dance from a young age, started her journey in the film industry through minor roles. She also gained attention as the host of the popular live phone-in programme on a popular television channel. Later, she went on to make her mark as a heroine in Aanachandam. Ramya has since starred in a wide array of Malayalam films including Bachelor Party, B 32 Muthal 44 Vare, Anjaam Pathiraa and Her, and has found success in Tamil cinema as well.

Though Meera Nandan has appeared in comparatively fewer films, she remains a familiar face to Malayalam audiences. She made her acting debut in Mulla, a film starring Dileep and directed by Lal Jose. Making her way through television, she was spotted by Lal Jose, who launched her film career. Meera has since acted in over 35 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada. Today, she is a popular radio jockey based in Dubai.

Though each of the three actors took different paths, they share deep roots in the performing arts—and in family. (With inputs from Agencies)