- Nayanthara earned Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000 for her first job
- She was discovered by filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad through a magazine photo
- Nayanthara debuted in acting with the film Manassinakkare
Nayanthara is now one of the biggest names in South Indian cinema, but her first paycheque was nowhere close to the numbers she commands today. The actor recently went back to her early days and revealed that she earned just around Rs. 2,000 to Rs 3,000 from her first job.
Speaking to Pearle Maaney, Nayanthara was asked about her first job and salary. She recalled and said, "I think it was for Vanitha's cover shoot. I think I was called for a fashion program."
She then revealed that she was paid around Rs. 2,000 to Rs 3,000 for the assignment. Pearle also shared a funny story from her own childhood, saying, "I had got Rs 500 for cutting my father's nails."
How Nayanthara Started Her Acting Career
Nayanthara never planned to become an actor. She was working as a model when filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad spotted her photograph in Vanitha magazine. He later approached her for Manassinakkare (which marked her acting debut in 2003).
She went on to act in films such as Vismayathumbathu and Natturajavu before making her Tamil debut with Ayya in 2005.
Her big breakthrough came with Chandramukhi as she starred opposite Rajinikanth. She went on to become a popular name with films such as Billa, Maya, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, and Kolamaavu Kokila.
Nayanthara later made her Bollywood debut with Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Jawan in 2023.
Nayanthara's Upcoming Films
The actor is currently gearing up for Hi, her upcoming Tamil romantic drama with Kavin. The movie is directed by debutant Vishnu Edavan.
Hi is scheduled to release in theatres on August 28, 2026.
Nayanthara will also be seen with Yash in Toxic. The movie will hit the big screens on August 26, 2026.
