Kalyani Priyadarshan is an acclaimed Indian actress known for her work in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films. With a strong film background as the daughter of filmmaker Priyadarshan and actress Lissy, she has built a successful career with her versatile performances, award-winning roles, and growing popularity across South India.

In 2024–2025, she gained national attention again for featuring in rapper DIVINE’s music video “You & I”, where her appearance was widely appreciated.

Kalyani Priyadarshan – Profile Summary

Early Life and Education

Kalyani Priyadarshan was born on 5 April 1993 in Chennai into a prominent Malayali film family. Her father, Priyadarshan, is one of India’s most celebrated directors, and her mother, Lissy, is a former actress. She grew up in Chennai and later in Singapore, where she developed an early interest in theatre and performing arts.

She completed her schooling at Lady Andal Venkatasubba Rao School, Chennai, and then studied in Singapore. Kalyani pursued higher studies at Parsons School of Design, New York, earning a degree in Fashion Designing. She has also trained in theatre and acting in the United States and India, including the Williamstown Theatre Festival and Adishakti Theatre, Pondicherry.

Family

Career

Early Career and Behind-the-Scenes Work (2013–2016)

Before acting, Kalyani worked as an assistant production designer in Krrish 3 (2013) and later as an assistant art director in Iru Mugan (2016). This gave her strong technical knowledge of filmmaking.

Acting Debut and Breakthrough (2017)

She made her acting debut in the Telugu film Hello opposite Akhil Akkineni. Her performance was praised, and she received several awards including:

• Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South

• SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Telugu

• Zee Apsara Award for Debut Heroine of the Year

Career Growth in Telugu and Tamil Cinema (2018–2020)

Kalyani appeared in films including:

• Chitralahari (2019)

• Ranarangam (2019)

• Hero (2019) – Tamil debut

In 2020, she made her Malayalam debut with Varane Avashyamund, a major commercial success. She won the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Malayalam.

Commercial Success and Recognition (2021–2024)

Her major films include:

• Maanaadu (2021) – Tamil

• Hridayam (2022) – Widely praised performance

• Bro Daddy (2022) – Won Best Actress (Malayalam) at SIIMA

• Thallumaala (2022) – Box office success

• Sesham Mike-il Fathima (2023)

• Antony (2023)

• Varshangalkku Shesham (2024)

Recent Work and 2025 Releases

In 2025, Kalyani starred in:

• Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra – Played a superheroine role; the film became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time.

• Odum Kuthira Chaadum Kuthira – Played the lead opposite Fahadh Faasil.

She also appeared in DIVINE’s music video “You & I”, increasing her national-level popularity.

Social Media Accounts

Awards and Achievements

• Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South (Hello)

• SIIMA Awards – Multiple wins across Telugu and Malayalam categories

• Kochi Times Most Desirable Woman (2020)

• Ranked in Chennai Times and Times Most Desirable Women Lists

• Featured on magazine covers including Ritz, You & I

Filmography (Selected)

Lesser Known Facts

• She worked behind the scenes in films before turning to acting.

• She is a trained dancer and has performed in several stage shows.

• She studied and practiced theatre in the United States.

• She is one of the highest-paid Malayalam actresses today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Kalyani Priyadarshan?
She is an Indian actress known for Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu films.

2. What is Kalyani Priyadarshan’s age?
She is 32 years old (born 5 April 1993).

3. What is her height?
She is 5 feet 2 inches (1.58 m).

4. Who are her parents?
Father: Priyadarshan
Mother: Lissy

5. What was her debut film?
She debuted with the Telugu film Hello (2017).

6. Is Kalyani Priyadarshan married?
No, she is unmarried.