Nayanthara. Pic via X
Nayanthara is gearing up for the release of two of her films on the same weekend. Apart from the much-awaited Toxic with Yash, which released on August 26, the actress will also be seen alongside Kavin in the romantic drama Hi, which also hits the screens on August 28. She plays Ganga in Yash-starrer Toxic. During the promotions of Hi, Nayanthara got candid about her beginnings and opened up about her first job, recalling how much she earned as her first salary.
During her conversation with Pearle Maaney, the actress was asked about her first job and first salary. Nayanthara revealed that she started her career in the entertainment industry as a model and recalled, "I think it was for Vanitha's cover shoot. I think I was called for a fashion program." She then added that she earned around Rs. 2,000-3,000 for the assignment.
To this, Pearle responded with a humorous anecdote, sharing, "I had got Rs. 500 for cutting my father's nails."
Earlier, at the trailer launch event of Toxic, Nayanthara had opened up about the reason why she often avoids promotional events and why she made an exception for Toxic.
Nayanthara started her career in 2003 in the film Manassinakkare, after filmmaker Sathyan Anthikad spotted her photograph in Vanitha magazine. While initially pursuing modelling, she had no plans to pursue acting. However, she accepted the role of Gauri, and the film's success brought her recognition. Later she went on to star in Vismayathumbathu and Natturajavu.
She then made her debut in Tamil cinema with Ayya (2005). However, it was Chandramukhi with Rajinikanth that turned out to be a major breakthrough for her and established her as a popular South Indian actress.
Over the years, Nayanthara has taken on some of stronger, performance-driven characters in films like Billa, Yaaradi Nee Mohini, Sri Rama Rajyam, Raja Rani, Maya, Naanum Rowdy Dhaan, Aramm and Kolamaavu Kokila, showcasing her versatility.
She eventually made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Atlee's Jawan (2023), which went on to become a major pan-India success.
Nayanthara and Kavin's upcoming Tamil-language romantic drama Hi is helmed by debutant Vishnu Edavan. It revolves around an unusual love story that takes an unexpected turn with marriage. The film also stars Prabhu, Radhika Sarathkumar, K. Bhagyaraj and Poornima Bhagyaraj in important roles.
Next, she will be seen opposite Salman Khan in Dil Raju's Monster which releases on Eid 2027.
