Priya Vasudev Mani Iyer, better known by her stage name Priyamani (Tamil: பிரியாமணி; born 4 June 1984) is an Indian film actress and model who has appeared in several Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada films. She is best known for earning a National Film Award for Best Actress for her role as "Muththazhagu" in the 2006 Tamil film Paruthi Veeran, and for her role as Malavika in the 2008 Malayalam film Thirakkatha, for which she won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Malayalam.
Priyamani was born in a Tamil-speaking Iyer family in Palakkad, Kerala to Vasudeva Mani Iyer and Latha Mani Iyer. She grew up in Bangalore. As a result of her dynamic exposure to different South Indian states, she speaks Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi. After completing her schooling, Priyamani modeled for print advertisements. As a result of her extended modeling, she began to earn opportunities to star in films. After being approached by several directors and being considered for roles, she finally starred in director Bharathiraja's Kangalal Kaidhu Sei, which was released in 2004. She is currently pursuing a degree in B.A. in psychology. She is the cousin of Bollywood actress Vidya Balan.
Priyamani was born in a Tamil-speaking Iyer family in Palakkad, Kerala to Vasudeva Mani Iyer and Latha Mani Iyer. She grew up in Bangalore. As a result of her dynamic exposure to different South Indian states, she speaks Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi. After completing her schooling, Priyamani modeled for print advertisements. As a result of her extended modeling, she began to earn opportunities to star in films. After being approached by several directors and being considered for roles, she finally starred in director Bharathiraja's Kangalal Kaidhu Sei, which was released in 2004. She is currently pursuing a degree in B.A. in psychology. She is the cousin of Bollywood actress Vidya Balan.
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