Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Nithya Das

Nithya Das (born 22 May 1981) is an Indian actress primarily recognized for her roles in and television series. Hailing from , , she entered the film industry in the early 2000s and gained attention for her supporting roles in several commercially successful movies. Das made her acting debut in 2001 with the comedy film , directed by Balu Kiriyath and starring and . She followed this with appearances in notable films such as Nariman (2001), (2003), and (2004), often portraying relatable characters that contributed to her popularity in the industry. After a hiatus following her marriage, she made a comeback in 2023 with the thriller Pallimani, directed by Anil Kumbazha, along with roles in and the film , marking her return to the screen after a 16-year hiatus. In her personal life, Das married Arvind Singh Jamwal, a pilot she met in 2005 during a flight where he worked as a steward for Indian Airlines, in 2007. The couple has two children: a daughter named Naina (also known as Nayana) and a son named Naman. She largely stepped away from acting post-marriage to focus on family but has remained active on social media, sharing glimpses of her life as a mother and traveler.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Nithya Das was born on 22 May 1981 in , , . Her native place is Kunnamangalam, near Calicut (), where she spent her early years in a coastal city renowned for its rich cultural and artistic heritage, including a strong tradition of , , and performing traditions that have historically influenced local talents. Specific details about her family's direct influences on her interests remain private.

Schooling and early interests

Nithya Das is a native of in . During her school days, she took basic lessons in classical dance, providing an early exposure to that aligned with Kerala's tradition of integrating arts into education.

Professional career

Film debut and early roles

Nithya Das entered the film industry in 2001 with her debut in the slapstick comedy , directed by . In the film, she portrayed the dual characters of Gayathri Devi, a sophisticated woman, and Basanthi, a free-spirited tribal girl, opposite lead actor , marking her introduction to audiences through light-hearted, comedic scenarios involving a quirky bus adventure. The movie's humorous narrative and her fresh performance contributed to its commercial success, earning her recognition as a promising newcomer. In the same year, Das took on a supporting role as Sruthi in Nariman, an investigative thriller directed by and starring , where she depicted a key figure in the plot's mystery elements surrounding a police officer's personal and professional struggles. The film received average reviews for its suspenseful storyline but was noted for its dynamics. Das's early 2000s work continued with the 2002 family drama Kanmashi, directed by , in which she played the titular lead role of Sethulakshmi/Kanmashi, a young woman navigating family conflicts and relationships alongside co-stars and . This marked one of her initial lead portrayals in a more emotional, slice-of-life narrative, though the film garnered mixed critical reception for its pacing and execution. Throughout these initial projects, Das transitioned from supporting characters in genre films to leading parts in modest-budget Malayalam productions, establishing her presence in the industry's comedic and dramatic segments during a period when newcomers often competed for visibility in low-profile ventures.

Notable films and career progression

Following her early roles, Nithya Das established herself in through a series of supporting performances that highlighted her ability to portray emotionally nuanced characters in family dramas and s. In (2003), directed by , she played , the protagonist's younger half-sister, contributing to the film's exploration of familial bonds and generational conflicts; emerged as a major commercial success, grossing approximately ₹14 and becoming the highest-earning Malayalam film of the year. Similarly, in Choonda (2003), a helmed by Venugopan, Das portrayed , a key supporting figure in the narrative of vengeance and village intrigue, which received attention for its tense and . Das continued to build her reputation with roles that often emphasized emotional depth and relational dynamics. Her performance as Nanditha in (2005), a drama directed by , focused on themes of love and sacrifice, earning praise for her subtle portrayal amid the film's introspective tone. By the late , she appeared in Nagaram (2007), directed by , where she played Poonkodi, a character entangled in and arcs, contributing to the film's gritty . That same year, in Soorya Kireedam, directed by George Kithu, Das took on the role of , supporting the lead's journey in a story of ambition and downfall, which was noted for its strong ensemble dynamics. To diversify her career, Das ventured into Telugu and Tamil cinema during this period. In the Telugu film 123 from Amalapuram (2005), directed by Varma, she played a prominent supporting role in the comedy-drama about friendship and small-town life, marking her entry into the industry and broadening her regional appeal. She also appeared in the Tamil project Pon Megalai (2005), directed by Sakthi Chithran, where her role added to the romantic and dramatic elements of the story centered on family secrets and relationships. Das's career peaked in the , with appearances in around 20 films primarily in , alongside select projects in and , where she was acclaimed for her versatile supporting roles that often anchored emotional subplots without overshadowing leads. This phase solidified her as a reliable presence in South Indian cinema, though many of her films achieved moderate to strong box-office performance through ensemble strengths rather than individual stardom. Around , following personal reasons including , Das took an extended hiatus from feature films, shifting focus away from active on-screen work until her return in 2023.

Television work and recent projects

Nithya Das transitioned to television in the early 2010s, establishing herself in both and serials with roles in dramas and narratives. In the serial on Sun TV (2020–2022), she portrayed the lead character , a resilient mother navigating conflicts and remarriage, earning praise for her emotional depth before exiting the show in early 2022. Her earlier work included the lead role of Bhairavi in on Sun TV (2012–2015), where she depicted a strong-willed woman confronting societal challenges in a -oriented storyline. In television, she played Geethanjali in the serial Indhraneelam (2010), a light-hearted drama, and took on the of Syamandakam/Seemanthini, a ghostly figure tied to secrets, in the thriller Ottachilambu on (2016–2017). Das also ventured into reality television as a judge on the Malayalam celebrity couple show Njanum Entalum on Zee Keralam (2022–2023), where she shared insights on marriage and relationships, drawing from her personal experiences. A notable highlight was the on-set thali ceremony with her husband Arvind Singh Jamwal during the grand finale in January 2023, recreating a traditional ritual she had missed in her original 2009 wedding, which added a personal touch to the episode. She occasionally hosted and guested on shows like Sreshta Bharatham on Amrita TV (2018–2019), a cultural quiz program, and appeared as a guest on Onnum Onnum Moonu Season 3 on Mazhavil Manorama (2018). Marking her return to films after a 15-year hiatus from cinema, Das starred in the 2023 Malayalam Pallimani, directed by Anil Kumbazha, opposite Kailash. In the , she plays Avanthika, a pregnant woman whose family seeks refuge in an eerie ancestral home haunted by a tragic past involving loss and elements, exploring themes of and . The movie received mixed reviews for its atmospheric tension but was critiqued for pacing issues, earning a 5.8/10 rating on based on audience feedback. She also appeared in a supporting role as Sreeleela's mother in the Telugu action Skanda (2023), directed by .) Additionally, as of November 2025, she is set to reprise her role in the sequel Ee Parakkum Thalika 2, directed by , scheduled for release in December 2025. As of 2025, Das remains active on , sharing glimpses of her family life, though no major new or announcements have been confirmed beyond the aforementioned project.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Nithya Das married Arvind Singh Jamwal, a pilot who was formerly a flight steward with , on 17 June 2007 at the Shri Krishna Temple in Guruvayoor, . The couple first met in 2005 during a flight to , where Jamwal was part of the cabin crew, leading to a romance that culminated in their low-key wedding attended by close family and industry friends like . In 2023, the couple renewed their vows with a ceremony during the TV show Njanum Entalum, addressing Nithya's earlier regrets about the simple wedding. The couple has two children: a named Naina, born in 2009, and a son named Naman, born in 2018. Naina's upbringing has been highlighted in family celebrations, including birthday posts shared by expressing deep maternal affection, while Naman's milestones, such as his fourth birthday in 2022, reflect the family's close-knit dynamics. Das has often discussed the importance of understanding and mutual effort in maintaining a happy marriage, particularly in navigating cultural differences as a Malayali married to a non-Malayali. In a 2022 , she shared that after 15 years, her husband reminded her of his own missed traditions, like a sangeet, emphasizing in their union, and advised staying silent during in-law conflicts to foster harmony. became her priority post-marriage, prompting a hiatus from films to focus on raising Naina, with comebacks to television and cinema influenced by her children's growing independence and her husband's supportive role in her passions.

Residence and public image

Following her marriage, Nithya Das and her husband initially settled in Kashmir, where his family has roots, before relocating to Kozhikode, Kerala, to stay closer to her own family background. This move reflected the family's emphasis on balancing both cultural heritages while prioritizing proximity to extended relatives in Kerala. Das maintains a balanced centered on personal interests such as traveling and photography, often exploring destinations like that align with her appreciation for cultural experiences. She remains active on platforms, particularly , where in 2025 she shared updates on family celebrations and daily life, engaging with followers through personal posts. In the public eye, Das is regarded as a versatile performer who has successfully returned to the spotlight after a hiatus, earning praise from fans for her authentic and expressive on-screen presence. She cultivates a low-key , focusing on family and selective engagements while steering clear of controversies, which has endeared her to audiences as a grounded figure in the industry.

References

  1. [1]
    Nithya Das - Movies, Biography, News, Age & Photos | BookMyShow
    Nithya Das is an Indian Malayalam film actress. She debuted with the 2001 film Ee Parakkum Thalika. Subsequently she won the Asianet Film Awards.
  2. [2]
    Nithya Das all set for a comeback with upcoming film 'Pallimani'
    Dec 6, 2021 · Nithya Das had made her debut in 2001 with the film 'Ee Parakkum Thallika' starring Dileep. She then appeared in several Malayalam films such as ...
  3. [3]
    Nithya Das - IMDb
    Nithya Das. Actress: Balettan. Nithya Das is known for Balettan (2003), Nariman (2001) and Pallimani (2023).
  4. [4]
    'Pallimani' gets a release date | Malayalam Movie News
    Feb 12, 2023 · The film starring Shwetha Menon Nithya Das, and Kailash in the lead roles will be hitting the big screens on February 24. The upcoming film is ...
  5. [5]
    Nitya Das shares pics of children Naina, Naman as they get ready ...
    Jun 2, 2025 · Actor Nitya Das known for her work in Malayalam cinema is an active social media user and often posts reels with her daughter Naina.
  6. [6]
    How actress Nithya Das fell for a Punjabi on a flight - Onmanorama
    Dec 19, 2018 · Nithya, who quit acting post her wedding, is a mother of two. The actress even brought her daughter Nayana and six-month-old son to the sets.
  7. [7]
    Nithya Das recalls a lucky escape during Ladakh trip - Onmanorama
    Dec 10, 2020 · Nithya has been busy caring for her husband and children all these years, but she has kept her love for travelling alive.
  8. [8]
    I will comeback if great roles come my way : Nithya Das
    Dec 8, 2016 · The Malayali film audience still remember Nithya Das as the nomad ... Later I got married to Arvind Singh Jamwal, a flight steward, and family ...
  9. [9]
    Tracing Kozhikode's Literary Heritage - Sahapedia
    Calicut's literary and scholarly tradition dates back to the thirteenth century, when the Zamorins established the city as a significant medieval port.
  10. [10]
    Exploring the art and artists of UNESCO City of Literature Kozhikode
    Jul 25, 2024 · Strolling through Kozhikode, it is hard to miss the city's prolific literary heritage, with the voices of legendary wordsmiths echoing from all corners.<|control11|><|separator|>
  11. [11]
    Red Carpet: Nithya Das recollects hosting 'Sreshta Bharatham'
    Aug 4, 2022 · Nithya Das is one of the popular actresses of Mollywood, who is currently taking a break from the industry post marriage. Lately, the ...
  12. [12]
    Ee Parakkum Thalika (2001) - IMDb
    Rating 7.5/10 (1,418) The film also marked the debut of Nithya Das. The story follows bus owner Unnikrishnan and his assistant, Sundareshan, who live and sleep in their bus. It is ...
  13. [13]
    'Ee Parakkum Thalika' actress Nithya Das makes comeback to ...
    Sep 26, 2022 · Actress Nithya Das is making a comeback to the Malayalam film industry after a long gap of 15 years. The actress will be seen in the lead role of the upcoming ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  14. [14]
    Nariman (2001) - IMDb
    Rating 5.4/10 (234) Janardanan · Shekharan · Nithya Das · Sruthi · K.P.A.C. Lalitha · Nariman's Mother · Sadiq · Chandradas · Salim Kumar.
  15. [15]
    Malayalam - Movies - Nariman - Cast & Crew - Filmibeat
    Nithya Das. Lead Actor. as Sruthi. Anju (Malayalam actress) · Anju. Lead Actor. as Ammini. Devi Chandana. Lead Actor. Sadiq. Lead Actor. as Chandradas ...
  16. [16]
    Kanmashi (2002) - IMDb
    Rating 3.7/10 (37) Top Cast15 ; Vineeth Kumar · Vishnu ; Nithya Das · Kanmashi ; Nedumudi Venu · Menon ; Jagathy Sreekumar · Bhaskara Menon ; Kalabhavan Mani · Murugan.
  17. [17]
    ‎Kanmashi - Apple TV
    Kanmashi is a 2002 Indian Malayalam film, directed by V.M.Vinu and produced by Kabeer Palakkad. The film stars Kalabhavan Mani and Nithya Das in lead roles.
  18. [18]
    Balettan (2003) - IMDb
    Rating 6.4/10 (678) It was the highest-grossing Malayalam film of the year. Connections. Referenced in Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu (2003) ...
  19. [19]
    Choonda (2003) - IMDb
    Rating 4.2/10 (19) Choonda: Directed by Venugopan. With Jishnu Raghavan, Siddique, Geethu Mohandas, Nithya Das. Devan comes back to his village to take vengeance from Varghese ...
  20. [20]
    Pon Megalai (2005) - IMDb
    Pon Megalai: Directed by Sakthi Chithran. With Nithya Das, Charu Haasan, Kottai Perumal, Charan Raj. The film begins with the news reporter Malarvannan ...
  21. [21]
  22. [22]
    Nithya Das to make a comeback into films after 15 years
    Feb 2, 2022 · The actress who is popular for her role in her debut movie 'Ee Parakkum Thalika' is making her comeback into movies after a break of 15 years.
  23. [23]
    Actress Nithya Das quits 'Kannana Kanne'; deets inside
    Jan 25, 2022 · However, the actress had announced her exit from the show. Though the reason for her walk-out has not been revealed by the actress or the ...Missing: hiatus | Show results with:hiatus
  24. [24]
    Ottachilambu - Wikipedia
    Cast ; Nithya Das, Symandakam / Seemanthini, Lakshmi-Ravindra Varma's illegitimate daughter / Ghost ; Baby Manjadi Joby, Devashilpa a.k.a. Devootty, Ambika- ...
  25. [25]
    Nithya Das gets married again? Video of thali ceremony goes viral
    Jan 9, 2023 · The actress, who got married in 2009 to Arvind Singh Jamwal from Kashmir, surprised everyone when she and her husband tied the customary thali ...
  26. [26]
    Exclusive! Njanum Entalum judge Nithya Das - The Times of India
    Nov 25, 2022 · Actress Nithya Das has always been a part of every Malayali's life, be it with her movies, TV shows, and even social media.
  27. [27]
    Navya Nair and Nithya Das have fun with Rimi Tomy - Times of India
    Dec 15, 2018 · Malayalam actresses Navya Nair and Nithya Das will be the next guests on the show, Onnum Onnum Moonnu.Missing: Moonu | Show results with:Moonu
  28. [28]
    Pallimani (2023) - IMDb
    Rating 5.8/10 (187) Baby Harshika, Master Hrithik, Nithya Das, and Kailash in Pallimani (2023) ... Release date · February 24, 2023 (India). Country of origin. India. Official site.Release info · Videos · Full cast & crew · Plot
  29. [29]
  30. [30]
    Nithya Das marries sweetheart - Filmibeat
    Aug 1, 2011 · Arvind Singh is the name of the groom. The romance began in the year 2005 when Nithya Das was traveling to Chennai by Indian Airlines flight.Missing: Jamwal | Show results with:Jamwal
  31. [31]
    Nithya Das - AOF | Action On Frames
    Nithya Das is an Indian film actress known for her Malayalam films. She was active in the industry during the early-2000s.
  32. [32]
    Nithya Das Son Naman 4th Birthday Celebration Nithya ... - YouTube
    May 30, 2022 · Nithya Das Son Naman 4th Birthday Celebration 🥳💖 Nithya Das Family with Husband Daughter Son🥰 11K views 3 years agoMissing: parents | Show results with:parents<|control11|><|separator|>