Before films, blockbuster roles and the title of ‘Lady Superstar’, Nayanthara’s first professional paycheque was worth around Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000. The actor recently looked back at the modelling assignment that marked her early days in front of the camera and, in an unexpected way, also helped set her journey into cinema in motion.

During a conversation with Pearle Maaney, Nayanthara was asked about her first job and the money she earned from it. The actor recalled that the assignment was associated with Vanitha magazine.

“I think it was for Vanitha’s cover shoot. I think I was called for a fashion program," Nayanthara said.

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When asked about her first salary, she revealed that she was paid approximately Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 for the assignment.

Pearle, meanwhile, had a very different story to share about her own first earnings. Responding to Nayanthara's answer, she joked, “I had got Rs 500 for cutting my father’s nails."

For Nayanthara, however, the modelling assignment turned out to be more than just an early professional opportunity. Her photograph in Vanitha magazine caught the attention of filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad, opening the door to an opportunity she had not originally planned for.

The photograph that led her to cinema

Acting was not initially part of Nayanthara’s career plan. But after Sathyan Anthikad spotted her photograph, she was offered her first film, ‘Manassinakkare’.

The 2003 Malayalam film marked her acting debut, with Nayanthara playing the character Gauri. The film was successful and was followed by more Malayalam projects, including ‘Vismayathumbathu’ and ‘Natturajavu’.

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Her journey then moved into Tamil cinema. In 2005, she made her Tamil debut with ‘Ayya’. The same year also saw her share screen space with Rajinikanth in ‘Chandramukhi’, a film that went on to become a major commercial success.

From modelling assignments to a career across industries

Over the years, Nayanthara went on to work across multiple film industries, building a filmography that includes ‘Billa’, ‘Yaaradi Nee Mohini’, ‘Sri Rama Rajyam’, ‘Raja Rani’, ‘Maya’, ‘Naanum Rowdy Dhaan’, ‘Aramm’ and ‘Kolamaavu Kokila’, among several others.

As her career progressed, she took on films across different genres and increasingly featured in stories centred around her characters. She also became widely known by the title ‘Lady Superstar’.

In 2023, Nayanthara entered Hindi cinema with Atlee’s ‘Jawan’, starring opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The action film went on to become a major box-office success.

What is next for Nayanthara?

Nayanthara will next be seen opposite Kavin in ‘Hi’, a Tamil romantic drama directed by debutant Vishnu Edavan.

The film explores an unconventional romance and the changes that unfold in the relationship after marriage. The cast also includes Prabhu, Radhika Sarathkumar, K Bhagyaraj and Poornima Bhagyaraj.

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From a modelling assignment that earned her around Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 to a film career spanning more than two decades, Nayanthara's journey began with a photograph that eventually changed the course of her career.

(Disclaimer: This story is curated from publicly available information and recent conversations featuring the actor. The content has been independently rewritten for editorial purposes.)