Nivetha Pethuraj (born 30 November 1991) is an Indian actress who appears in Tamil and Telugu films. She made her acting debut with the Tamil film Oru Naal Koothu (2016). She then made her Telugu debut with Mental Madhilo (2017).[1][2][3] Her notable productions include Chitralahari (2019), Paagal (2020), Das Ka Dhamki (2023) and the crime thriller television series Paruvu.

Nivetha Pethuraj
Nivetha in 2023
Born (1991-11-30) 30 November 1991 (age 33)
Alma materHeriot Watt University, Edinburgh
Occupations
  • Actress
  • model
Years active2016-present

Early life

edit

Nivetha was born on 30 November 1991[4][5] in Madurai, Tamil Nadu and has Tamil ancestry from her mother while a shared Telugu ancestry from her father. Her mother tongue is Tamil.[6][7] After her birth, her family moved to Kovilpatti, where she did completed her early schooling.[8] At the age of 11, she relocated to Dubai with her parents and studied in Crescent English High School. She lived in Dubai for about 10 years. She obtained her management degree from Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh.[8][9]

In 2015, Nivetha was crowned Miss India UAE and went on to participate in Miss India Worldwide 2015, where she became a finalist and finished in the top 5.[10][11]

Career

edit

Debut and early work (2016–2020)

edit

Nivetha made her acting debut with the Tamil film Oru Naal Koothu in 2016, where she portrayed an IT professional opposite Dinesh.[12] Hindustan Times termed her performance as "engaging",[13] while Times of India noted, "Nivetha is impressive in her debut."[14]

In 2017, she appeared in two films. First she starred in Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam opposite Udhayanidhi Stalin.[15] Deccan Chronicle commented that, "Nivetha Pethuraj looks good, but hardly makes an impact in a poorly etched character."[16] She then made her Telugu debut with Mental Madhilo, where she portrayed a straight forward girl opposite Sree Vishnu, a successful venture.[17] Firstpost noted, "A terrific actress, Nivetha Pethuraj easily gives one of the best performances of the year. She becomes the voice of reason in the film and anchors the whole film with her verve."[18]

Nivetha had two releases in 2018. She first portrayed an army official alongside Jayam Ravi in Tik Tik Tik, which was a commercial success at the box office.[19][20] Hindustan Times said, "Nivetha Pethuraj as Captain Swathi is one positive in the film".[21] She then appeared as a Sub-Inspector opposite Vijay Antony in Thimiru Pudichavan.[22] Cinema Express said, "Nivetha Pethuraj pulls off the Madras slang and seems to handle comedy well."[23] However her next film Party, despite having completed filming, remains unreleased.[24]

In 2019, Nivetha had three releases. She portrayed a corporate executive alongside Sai Dharam Tej in Chitralahari, which was a commercial success.[25] Deccan Chronicle said that she "performs well" among the two female leads.[26] Times of India stated, "Nivetha Pethuraj plays her unapologetic stone-cold corporate honcho role with perfection."[27] Nivetha was also the part of Tamil film Sangathamizhan starring Vijay Sethupathi directed by Vijay Chander, which opened to mixed reviews from critics.[28]

Continued career (2020–present)

edit

In 2020, Nivetha was part of the Telugu film Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.[29] In 2021, she appeared in another Telugu film titled Red, directed by Kishore Tirumala, co-starring Ram Pothineni, Malvika Sharma, and Amritha Aiyer.[30] She also starred in another Telugu film alongside Vishwak Sen. Later in the same year, she appeared in a Tamil film alongside Prabhudeva titled Pon Manickavel. Pradeep Kumar of The Hindu noted, "Nivetha Pethuraj fits the ‘Tamil ponnu’ billing to a T."[31]

In 2022, Nivetha had continuous releases in Telugu films including Bloody Mary as lead, Virata Parvam where she made a special appearance. Her major 2023 release was Das Ka Damki where she acted alongside Vishwak Sen for the second time after Paagal.[32] She then starred in the crime thriller television series Paruvu, which premiered on ZEE5 in June 2024. Her performance was praised by the critics.[33]

Filmography

edit
Key
Denotes films that have not yet been released

Films

edit
Year Title Role Language Notes Ref.
2016 Oru Naal Koothu Kavya Tamil [34]
2017 Podhuvaga En Manasu Thangam Leelavathi Tamil [35]
Mental Madhilo Swetcha Telugu [36]
2018 Tik Tik Tik Lt. M. Swathi Tamil [37]
Thimiru Pudichavan SI Madonna Tamil [38]
2019 Chitralahari K. Swecha Telugu [39]
Brochevarevarura Shalini Telugu [40]
Sangathamizhan Thenmozhi "Thenu" Tamil [41]
2020 Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo Nandini "Nandu" Telugu [42]
2021 Red SI Yamini Telugu [43]
Paagal Theera Telugu [44]
Pon Manickavel Anbarasi Manickavel Tamil [45]
2022 Bloody Mary Mary Telugu [46]
Virata Parvam Dr. Sarala / Saralakka Telugu Cameo appearance [47]
2023 Das Ka Dhamki Keerthi Telugu [48]
Boo Vaanathi Tamil
Telugu
[49]
TBA Party Kalki Tamil Unreleased [50]

Television

edit
Year Title Role Network Language Ref.
2023 Kaala Sitara "Tara" Disney+ Hotstar Hindi [51]
2024–present Paruvu Pallavi "Dolly" ZEE5 Telugu [52]

Awards and nominations

edit
Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2018 7th South Indian International Movie Awards Best Female Debut – Telugu Mental Madhilo Nominated [53]
Zee Telugu Apsara Awards Fresh Face of the Year Won [54]
2021 9th South Indian International Movie Awards Best Supporting Actress – Telugu Chitralahari Nominated [55]
2022 10th South Indian International Movie Awards Red Nominated [56]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Nivetha Pethuraj's fan tattooes [sic] her name on his hand". The Times of India. 29 November 2020. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  2. ^ "Actress Nivetha Pethuraj Looks Nothing Short of Goddess In Latest Photoshoot". News18 India. 11 November 2022. Retrieved 20 November 2022.
  3. ^ "I will be seen as an upright cop in Red, says Actor Nivetha Pethuraj". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 12 January 2021.
  4. ^ "Happy Birthday, Nivetha Pethuraj! 7 photos of the Sangathamizhan actress that will leave you in awe". Zoom TV. Retrieved 30 November 2022.
  5. ^ "Happy Birthday, Nivetha Pethuraj: బ్యూటీఫుల్ నివేథా పేతురాజ్ లేటెస్ట్ ఫోటోస్." News18 Telugu. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  6. ^ Nivetha Pethuraj and Rentala Jayadeva (14 January 2021). Nivetha Pethuraj Sankranti Special Interview. Sakshi TV.
  7. ^ "I would love to work with Mani Ratnam". Deccan Chronicle. 9 June 2016.
  8. ^ a b Exclusive Interview with Nivetha Pethuraj. Sun Music. Retrieved 13 February 2020 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ "Records of Heriot-Watt College". NAHSTE. Archived from the original on 6 September 2002. Retrieved 6 December 2011.
  10. ^ "Beauty call with Miss India UAE Nivetha Pethuraj". City Times. Retrieved 14 February 2020.
  11. ^ "Dubai's Nivetha Pethuraj to Represent UAE in Miss India Worldwide". Emirates Woman. 14 April 2015. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
  12. ^ "Miss India UAE girl for 'Attakathi' Dinesh". Sify. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
  13. ^ "Oru Naal Koothu Movie Review: A refreshing change from blood 'n sickle dance". Hindustan Times. 10 June 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2016.
  14. ^ "Oru Naal Koothu Movie Review: A feel good film but the filmi touches doesn't work". Times of India. Retrieved 22 August 2016.
  15. ^ James, Merin. "Nivetha Pethuraj pairs up with Udhayanidhi Stalin". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 9 September 2016.
  16. ^ Subramanian, Anupama. "PET movie review: Enjoyable, but only in parts". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 12 August 2017.
  17. ^ "How Is Mental Madhilo A Profitable Venture?". gulte.com. Archived from the original on 3 January 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  18. ^ "Mental Madhilo movie review: Love trumps confusion in Vivek Athreya's sparkling debut". Firstpost. 23 November 2017. Archived from the original on 25 March 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
  19. ^ "Tik Tik Tik trailer: Jayam Ravi, Nivetha Pethuraj in Kollywood's version of Armageddon". Firstpost. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  20. ^ "Sun TV snaps space thriller, 'Tik Tik Tik'". Sify. 18 July 2017. Archived from the original on 19 July 2017. Retrieved 12 April 2019.
  21. ^ "Tik Tik Tik Movie Review: Jayam Ravi film is a race against common sense". Hindustan Times. 22 June 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2018.
  22. ^ "Its Vijay vs Vijay on Diwali: 'Sarkar' gets a competitor in 'Thimiru Pudichavan'". The New Indian Express. 8 October 2018. Archived from the original on 8 October 2018. Retrieved 25 March 2019.
  23. ^ "Thimiru Pudichavan Movie Review: An exasperating cop film". Cinema Express. 8 October 2018. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  24. ^ "Venkat Prabhu's next film to have a stellar cast. Here are all the deets". The Indian Express. 24 June 2017. Retrieved 10 July 2017.
  25. ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (9 April 2019). "Design principles". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 18 May 2019.
  26. ^ Kavirayani, Suresh (14 April 2019). "Chitralahari movie review: 'Chitralahari' is about a failure person's success story!". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 17 May 2019. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  27. ^ "Chitralahari Movie Review: Sai Dharam Tej, Kalyani Priyadarshan and Nivetha Pethuraj save the day". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 September 2020.
  28. ^ "Vijay Sethupathi's next is a love story!". The Hindu. 12 March 2019. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 July 2019.
  29. ^ "Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo movie release: Highlights". The Indian Express. 12 January 2020. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  30. ^ "Spotted: Ram Pothineni, Nivetha Pethuraj, Malvika Sharma, Amritha Aiyer, and Kishore Tirumala at the pre-release event of RED". The Times of India. 12 January 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2021.
  31. ^ Kumar, Pradeep (6 April 2019). "Nivetha Pethuraj: Anyone who thinks they're the next Nayanthara are fools". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 27 July 2019.
  32. ^ Today, Telangana (12 April 2023). "Das Ka Dhamki releases in Hindi on April 14". Telangana Today. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  33. ^ Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (14 June 2024). "'Paruvu' web series review: This socio-political drama is a binge-worthy addition to the Telugu digital space". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  34. ^ Rangan, Baradwaj (10 June 2016). "Oru Naal Koothu: like a little dance of life". The Hindu. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  35. ^ "PODHUVAGA EN MANASU THANGAM". British Board of Film Classification. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  36. ^ "'Mental Madhilo' review: Keeping it real". The New Indian Express. 25 November 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  37. ^ "Nivetha Pethuraj: We had no references in India for Tik Tik Tik". Cinema Express. 25 June 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  38. ^ "Nivetha Pethuraj roped in for Vijay Antony's 'Thimiru Pudichavan'". The News Minute. 7 February 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  39. ^ "Kalyani Priyadarshan and Nivetha Pethuraj to star in Sai Dharam Tej's 'Chitralahari'". The News Minute. 22 November 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  40. ^ "'Brochevarevarura' will see Sree Vishnu, Nivetha Thomas and Nivetha Pethuraj". The Times of India. 29 December 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  41. ^ "Nivetha Pethuraj teams up with Vijay Sethupathi for Vijay Chander film". The News Minute. 27 February 2019. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  42. ^ "Nivetha Pethuraj roped in for Allu Arjun's film with Trivikram Srinivas". The Times of India. 7 June 2019. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  43. ^ "Nivetha's with Ram". Deccan Chronicle. 5 June 2019. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  44. ^ "Nivetha Pethuraj introduced as Theera in Vishwak Sen starrer Paagal". The Times of India. 18 March 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2021.
  45. ^ "Nivetha Pethuraj joins Prabhudheva for a cop film". India Today. 10 June 2018. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  46. ^ "Nivetha Pethuraj's first look as 'Bloody Mary' from her OTT debut is out". The Times of India. 7 February 2022.
  47. ^ Pecheti, Prakash (5 January 2021). "Larger-than-life roles give Nivetha 'ultimate high'". Telangana Today. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
  48. ^ Telangana Today. "Vishwak Sen's 'Das Ka Dhamki' releasing worldwide in theatres on March 22". Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 11 March 2023.
  49. ^ "Rakul Preet Singh's 'Boo' gets release date". The Hindu. 24 May 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  50. ^ "Party teaser: The stage is set for a Venkat Prabhu hangover". The Indian Express. 13 December 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2020.
  51. ^ "Kaala teaser: Bijoy Nambiar's crime thriller explores 'dark side of human souls'". India Today. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
  52. ^ "ZEE5 and Sushmita Konidela bring Paruvu web-series". NTVEnglish.com.
  53. ^ "Nominations list for the SIIMA 2017 announced!". Sify.com. Archived from the original on 5 June 2017.
  54. ^ "Zee Telugu Apsara Awards 2018: Kajal Aggarwal, Tamannaah, Lavanya Tripathi and Nivetha Pethuraj win honours". Hindustan Times. 9 April 2018.
  55. ^ "SIIMA Awards 2021 Nominations: The Award Ceremony To Be Held In Hyderabad On September 11, 12". ABP Live. 20 August 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  56. ^ "Allu Arjun's Pushpa: The Rise Leads SIIMA Nominations; Check Full List Here". News18 India. 17 August 2022. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
edit