There are stars and then there are those who rewrite the rules of stardom. Nayanthara falls in the second category. Her rise was not just about films or fame; it was a story shaped by bold personal choices a fierce sense of identity and a drive that refused to fit into the boundaries set for women in cinema. Long before she became the “Lady Superstar” of South Indian films she was Diana Mariam Kurian a young girl from a modest Karnataka household who had no roadmap to the heights she would eventually scale. Where did her journey begin? Born to army officer Kurian Kodiyattu and Omana Kurian Diana grew up in a disciplined but ordinary environment far removed from the glamour of show business. Her world changed when she stepped into the Malayalam film industry with Manassinakkare (2003). The film opened doors instantly marking her as a fresh face with immense screen presence. Within two years she found her footing in Tamil cinema as Ayya (2005) turned into a breakthrough success placing her firmly on the map. What pushed her to choose a new religious identity at 27? While her career was consistently rising her personal choices drew equal attention. Coming from a Christian family Diana made a deeply personal decision at 27 — she embraced Sanatan Dharma and adopted the name Nayanthara officially. The move stirred conversations nationwide but she navigated the noise with dignity and silence letting her work speak louder than the headlines. How did her personal life shape public perception? Before she married filmmaker Vignesh Shivan in 2022 her name had been linked with actor Simbu and choreographer Prabhu Deva. Years later she would go on to build her own family in the most modern way. The couple welcomed twin boys through surrogacy and often share glimpses of their life as parents. How big is Nayanthara’s stardom today? If numbers are the measure of influence she stands in a league of her own. Today Nayanthara is believed to be the highest-paid actress in South cinema charging Rs 5 to 10 crore per film. Her estimated net worth exceeds Rs 200 crore backed by a luxurious Rs 100-crore 4BHK apartment in Mumbai a collection of high-end cars and even her own private jet. Her Bollywood dream unfolded in 2023 when she starred opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Jawan a blockbuster that crossed Rs 1000 crore at the box office and introduced her to a wider Hindi-speaking audience. What’s next for the Lady Superstar? Nayanthara is now working on Mukuthi Amman 2 launched recently with a religious ceremony in Chennai. She is also set to appear in an upcoming project with director Anil Ravipudi and megastar Chiranjeevi adding another promising chapter to her remarkable career. Her journey from Diana to Nayanthara remains one of Indian cinema’s most compelling stories of reinvention. Highlights: Nayanthara embraced Sanatan Dharma at 27 and changed her name officially. She is among the highest-paid actresses earning Rs 5–10 crore per film. Owns a Rs 100-crore Mumbai flat luxury cars and even a private jet.