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{{Short description|Indian actress}}
{{Short description|Indian actress (born 1981)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
{{Infobox actress
{{Infobox person
| name              = Namitha
| name              = Namitha
| image              = Namitha3.jpg
| image              = Namitha 3.jpg
| image_size        = 235px
| caption            = Namitha in 2007
| caption            = Namitha pictured at a [[photoshoot]]
| alt                =  
| alt                =  
| birth_name        = Namitha Mukesh Vankawala
| birth_name        = Namitha Mukesh Vankawala
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1981|05|10|df=yes}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news18.com/photogallery/south-cinema/happy-birthday-namitha-10-times-south-actress-namitha-stole-our-hearts-2135829.html|title=Happy Birthday Namitha: 10 Times South Actress Namitha Stole Our Hearts}}</ref>
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1981|05|10|df=yes}}
| birth_place        = [[Surat]], [[Gujarat]], [[India]]
| birth_place        = [[Surat]], [[Gujarat]], India
| death_date        =  
| death_date        =  
| death_place        =  
| death_place        =  
| occupation        = Actress, model
| occupation        = {{Hlist | Actress | model | politician}}<!-- Occupation(s) as given in the lead -->
| yearsactive        = [[2001 in film|2001]]–present
| yearsactive        = 2001{{dash}}2021
| party              = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| party              = [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]
| spouse            = {{marriage| Veerendra Chowdary|2017}}
| spouse            = {{marriage| Veerendra Chowdary|2017}}
| children          = 2
| website            =  
| website            =  
| height            = 171 cm
| height            =  
}}
}}
'''Namitha Vankawala''' is an Indian actress and model who has predominantly been active in the [[Cinema of India|Indian]] [[film Industry]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Namita Vankawala: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday {{!}} eTimes|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Namita-Vankawala|access-date=2020-08-02|website=timesofindia.indiatimes.com}}</ref> She is currently a state executive member of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|Bhartiya Janata Party]] (BJP) in [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|last=J|first=Shanmughasundaram|date=Jul 4, 2020|title=Tamil Nadu: Actor Namitha appointed as BJP state executive member {{!}} Chennai News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-actor-namitha-appointed-as-bjp-state-executive-member/articleshow/76783157.cms|access-date=2020-08-01|website=The Times of India|language=en}}</ref>
'''Namitha Vankawala''' (born 10 May 1981<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.news18.com/photogallery/south-cinema/happy-birthday-namitha-10-times-south-actress-namitha-stole-our-hearts-2135829.html |title=Happy Birthday Namitha: 10 Times South Actress Namitha Stole Our Hearts |access-date=14 August 2020 |archive-date=12 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190512175413/https://www.news18.com/photogallery/south-cinema/happy-birthday-namitha-10-times-south-actress-namitha-stole-our-hearts-2135829.html |url-status=live }}</ref>) is a state executive member of the [[Bharatiya Janata Party|Bhartiya Janata Party]] (BJP) in [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Namita Vankawala: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday   |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Namita-Vankawala |access-date=2 August 2020 |website=The Times of India |archive-date=18 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218062204/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Namita-Vankawala |url-status=live }}</ref> She started her career initially as an actress and model who predominantly works in [[Tamil cinema|Tamil]] and [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] cinema along with a few films in [[Kannada cinema|Kannada]] and [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=J |first=Shanmughasundaram |date=4 July 2020 |title=Tamil Nadu: Actor Namitha appointed as BJP state executive member |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-actor-namitha-appointed-as-bjp-state-executive-member/articleshow/76783157.cms |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=4 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704163520/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-actor-namitha-appointed-as-bjp-state-executive-member/articleshow/76783157.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
===2001−2008===
Starting her career as a beauty pageant contestant, Namitha was crowned Miss Surat during the year of 1998 at the age of 17. She went on to participate in the 2001 Miss India pageant and ended up as the third runner-up, while [[Celina Jaitley]] was crowned Miss India.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/did-you-know/Namitha-was-crowned-Miss-Surat-in-1998/articleshow/22137575.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902052626/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-29/did-you-know-/41580353_1_namitha-miss-india-gujarat |url-status=live |archive-date=2 September 2013 |title=Namitha was crowned Miss Surat in 1998 |date=29 August 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=24 May 2014}}</ref> The publicity she garnered during the competition prompted her to move to [[Mumbai]] and subsequently she did a number of TV commercials such as Himani cream and hand soap, [[Arun Ice Creams]], Manikchand Gutka, and Nile Herbal Shampoo early in her career. Unable to make a breakthrough into the Hindi film industry, she enrolled in an English Literature course and then considered returning to Surat but chose to later accept an invitation to audition for a Telugu film. After being selected, she consequently made her acting debut in [[Sreenu Vaitla]]'s coming-of-age romantic film, ''[[Sontham (2002 film)|Sontham]]'' (2002). Her next film, [[Saran (director)|Saran]]'s big budget action film ''[[Gemeni (film)|Gemeni]]'' (2002) opposite [[Venkatesh (actor)|Venkatesh]], garnered her further attention and her portrayal of a Marwardi girl won critical acclaim. She had also briefly given herself the stagename of "Bhairavi" for the film, but later reverted to her original name.<ref>[http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/inter_bhairavi.html Telugu Cinema Etc] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171024184021/http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/inter_bhairavi.html |date=24 October 2017 }}. Idlebrain.com (16 September 2002). Retrieved 1 January 2019.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/namithasexypic.html |title=Telugu cinema article – Namita photo – stolen from Namitha's desktop |website=idlebrain.com |date=20 March 2000 |access-date=13 September 2017 |archive-date=25 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200925132345/http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/namithasexypic.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
Starting her career as a beauty pageant contestant, Namitha was crowned Miss Surat during the year of 1998 at the age of 17. She went on to participate in the 2001 Miss India pageant and ended up as the third runner-up, while [[Celina Jaitley]] was crowned Miss India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-29/did-you-know-/41580353_1_namitha-miss-india-gujarat |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902052626/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-29/did-you-know-/41580353_1_namitha-miss-india-gujarat |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 September 2013 |title=Namitha was crowned Miss Surat in 1998 |date=29 August 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=24 May 2014}}</ref> The publicity she garnered during the competition prompted her to move to [[Mumbai]] and subsequently she did a number of TV commercials such as Himani cream and hand soap, [[Arun Ice Creams]], Manikchand Gutka, and Nile Herbal Shampoo early in her career. Unable to make a breakthrough into the Hindi film industry, she enrolled in an English Literature course and then considered returning to Surat but chose to later accept an invitation to audition for a Telugu film. After being selected, she consequently made her acting debut in [[Sreenu Vaitla]]'s coming-of-age romantic film, ''[[Sontham]]'' (2002). Her next film, [[Saran (director)|Saran]]'s big budget action film ''[[Gemeni (film)|Gemeni]]'' (2002) opposite [[Venkatesh (actor)|Venkatesh]], garnered her further attention and her portrayal of a Marwardi girl won critical acclaim. She had also briefly given herself the stagename of "Bhairavi" for the film, but later reverted to her original name.<ref>[http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/inter_bhairavi.html Telugu Cinema Etc]. Idlebrain.com (16 September 2002). Retrieved on 2019-01-01.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/namithasexypic.html|title=Telugu cinema article – Namita photo – stolen from Namitha's desktop|website=www.idlebrain.com|date=20 March 2000}}</ref>


In the mid 2000s, she quickly became popular in Tamil language films with her mature look and tall frame prompting film makers to cast her opposite ageing actors such as [[Vijayakanth]], [[Sathyaraj]], [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]], [[R. Parthiepan|Parthiban]], [[Sundar C]] and [[Sarathkumar]].<ref>[http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/namitha2008.html Namitha interview – Telugu Cinema interview – Telugu film and Tamil film actress]. Idlebrain.com (30 July 2008). Retrieved on 2019-01-01.</ref> She appeared in a series of commercial action films opposite such actors, including roles in ''[[Aai (film)|Aai]]'' (2005), ''[[Chanakya (2005 film)|Chanakya]]'' (2005) and ''[[Aanai]]'' (2005). Likewise, she was regularly cast in comedy films with senior actors too, making appearances in [[Siddique (director)|Siddique]]'s ''[[Engal Anna]]'' (2004) and six of [[Sakthi Chidambaram]]'s comedy dramas. During the period, she appeared in her first Hindi film ''[[Love Ke Chakkar Mein]]'', worked on a Kannda film titled ''Namitha I Love You'' and shot for an English film, ''Maya'', which was later released in 2008 as ''Kamasutra Nights''.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/namitha-stars-in-english-movie/article18460394.ece|title=Namitha stars in English movie|date=14 August 2006|work=The Hindu}}</ref> In 2007, she had the opportunity to work with two leading younger actors from Tamil cinema, respectively appearing with [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] in the [[A. R. Rahman]]-musical ''[[Azhagiya Tamil Magan]]'' (2007) and [[Ajith Kumar]] in [[Vishnuvardhan (director)|Vishnuvardhan]]'s gangster film ''[[Billa (2007 film)|Billa]]'' (2007). By the end of the period, Namitha had developed a "cult following" in Tamil Nadu as a result of her glamorous appearances in films, with the media regularly looking to feature her in reports and Behindwoods.com labelled her "omnipotent and omnipresent".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-04/29-09-06-namitha.html|title=Tamil movies : Namitha the omnipotent and the omnipresent|website=www.behindwoods.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/21/stories/2005102116730200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526143646/http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/21/stories/2005102116730200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=26 May 2006|work=[[The Hindu]]|title= Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Namitha goes to 'Subway' for meal|date=21 October 2005}}</ref><ref>[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-12-05/namitha-dirty-picture-30-06-12.html I Will Do It For A Lesser Payment, Says Namitha – Namitha – Dirty Picture – Tamil Movie News]. Behindwoods.com (30 June 2012). Retrieved on 2019-01-01.</ref>
In the mid-2000s, she quickly became popular in Tamil language films with her mature look and tall frame prompting film makers to cast her opposite ageing actors such as [[Vijayakanth]], [[Sathyaraj]], [[Arjun Sarja|Arjun]], [[R. Parthiepan|Parthiban]], [[Sundar C]] and [[Sarathkumar]].<ref>[http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/namitha2008.html Namitha interview – Telugu Cinema interview – Telugu film and Tamil film actress] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001192456/http://www.idlebrain.com/celeb/interview/namitha2008.html |date=1 October 2017 }}. Idlebrain.com (30 July 2008). Retrieved 1 January 2019.</ref> She appeared in a series of commercial action films opposite such actors, including roles in ''[[Aai (film)|Aai]]'' (2005), ''[[Chanakya (2005 film)|Chanakya]]'' (2005) and ''[[Aanai]]'' (2005). Likewise, she was regularly cast in comedy films with senior actors too, making appearances in [[Siddique (director)|Siddique]]'s ''[[Engal Anna]]'' (2004) and six of [[Sakthi Chidambaram]]'s comedy dramas. During the period, she appeared in her first Hindi film ''[[Love Ke Chakkar Mein]]'', worked on a Kannda film titled ''Namitha I Love You'' and shot for an English film, ''Maya'', which was later released in 2008 as ''Kamasutra Nights''.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/namitha-stars-in-english-movie/article18460394.ece |title=Namitha stars in English movie |date=14 August 2006 |work=The Hindu |access-date=16 July 2018 |archive-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201145756/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/namitha-stars-in-english-movie/article18460394.ece |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2007, she had the opportunity to work with two leading actors from Tamil cinema, respectively appearing with [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]] in the [[A. R. Rahman]]-musical ''[[Azhagiya Tamil Magan]]'' (2007) and [[Ajith Kumar]] in [[Vishnuvardhan (director)|Vishnuvardhan]]'s gangster film ''[[Billa (2007 film)|Billa]]'' (2007). By the end of the period, Namitha had developed a "cult following" in Tamil Nadu as a result of her glamorous appearances in films, with the media regularly looking to feature her in reports and Behindwoods.com labelled her "omnipotent and omnipresent".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-04/29-09-06-namitha.html |title=Tamil movies : Namitha the omnipotent and the omnipresent |website=behindwoods.com |access-date=13 September 2017 |archive-date=13 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913183414/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-04/29-09-06-namitha.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/21/stories/2005102116730200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060526143646/http://www.thehindu.com/2005/10/21/stories/2005102116730200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 May 2006 |work=[[The Hindu]] |title=Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Namitha goes to 'Subway' for meal |date=21 October 2005}}</ref><ref>[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-12-05/namitha-dirty-picture-30-06-12.html I Will Do It For A Lesser Payment, Says Namitha – Namitha – Dirty Picture – Tamil Movie News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910032257/http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jun-12-05/namitha-dirty-picture-30-06-12.html |date=10 September 2017 }}. Behindwoods.com (30 June 2012). Retrieved 1 January 2019.</ref>


===2009−present===
However, by the turn of the decade, Namitha's popularity began to decline after several of her films failed to perform well and the South Indian film industry moved away from casting women in outright glamorous roles, a character that Namitha had become famed for performing. Film makers were also reluctant to cast Namitha opposite young male actors, as the older generation began to stop appearing in leading roles.<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/Why-Namitha-wont-act-in-Tamil-films/articleshow/8461690.cms Why Namitha won't act in Tamil films? | Movie News ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113085244/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/Why-Namitha-wont-act-in-Tamil-films/articleshow/8461690.cms |date=13 November 2017 }}. ''Times of India'' (20 May 2011). Retrieved 1 January 2019.</ref> She was relegated to increasingly smaller roles and guest appearances, while the big-budget horror film, ''[[Jaganmohini (2009 film)|Jaganmohini]]'' (2009), where she played the title role performed poorly at the box office.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-tamil-movie-review/20091019.htm Review: Jaganmohini is a half-baked remake] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170913183241/http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-tamil-movie-review/20091019.htm |date=13 September 2017 }}. Rediff.com (19 October 2009). Retrieved 1 January 2019.</ref> She briefly prioritized her work in Kannada films in the early 2010s, while several of her films endured production delays including ''[[Ilamai Oonjal]]'' (2016). After several years without any film releases, she announced plans of making a comeback in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://silverscreen.in/Tamil/news/Namitha-keen-about-her-comeback-and-entering-politics/ |title=Actress Namitha To Make Her Comeback Soon |date=3 September 2015 |publisher=silverscreen.in |access-date=2 December 2019 |archive-date=6 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906005734/http://silverscreen.in/tamil/news/namitha-keen-about-her-comeback-and-entering-politics/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
However, by the turn of the decade, Namitha's popularity began to decline after several of her films failed to perform well and the South Indian film industry moved away from casting women in outright glamorous roles, a character that Namitha had become famed for performing. Film makers were also reluctant to cast Namitha opposite young male actors, as the older generation began to stop appearing in leading roles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kollytalk.com/gossips/namitha-attempting-to-shed-her-flab-for-a-comeback-71888.html|title=Namitha attempting to shed her flab for a comeback? |date=8 November 2012|publisher=kollytalk.com}}</ref><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/others/news-interviews/Why-Namitha-wont-act-in-Tamil-films/articleshow/8461690.cms Why Namitha won't act in Tamil films? | Movie News ]. ''Times of India'' (20 May 2011). Retrieved on 2019-01-01.</ref> She was relegated to increasingly smaller roles and guest appearances, while the big-budget horror film, ''[[Jaganmohini (2009 film)|Jaganmohini]]'' (2009), where she played the title role performed poorly at the box office.<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/movies/review/south-tamil-movie-review/20091019.htm Review: Jaganmohini is a half-baked remake]. Rediff.com (19 October 2009). Retrieved on 2019-01-01.</ref> Likewise, she became engaged in disputes with her filmmakers, with the director of ''[[Azhagana Ponnuthan]]'' (2010), criticising the actress's lack of cooperation for the film's failure.<ref>[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/mar-10-03/namitha-azhagana-ponnuthan-17-03-10.html Namitha's behavior – Tamil Movie News – Namitha | Thiru | Azhagana Ponnuthan | Raja Karthik | Nizhalgal Ravi | Mayilsaamy]. Behindwoods.com (17 March 2010). Retrieved on 2019-01-01.</ref><ref>[https://www.indiaglitz.com/namitha-angry-with-sona--kannada-news-68924.html Namitha angry with Sona?] indiaglitz.com (22 July 2011).</ref> She briefly prioritized her work in Kannada films in the early 2010s, while several of her films endured production delays including ''[[Ilamai Oonjal]]'' (2016). After several years without any film releases, she announced plans of making a comeback in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://silverscreen.in/Tamil/news/Namitha-keen-about-her-comeback-and-entering-politics/|title=Actress Namitha To Make Her Comeback Soon|date=3 September 2015|publisher=silverscreen.in}}</ref>


In 2017, Namitha appeared on the Tamil reality television show, ''[[Bigg Boss Tamil (Season 1)|Bigg Boss]]'' hosted by [[Kamal Haasan]]. During her stint in the show, she was widely criticised for her harsh treatment of actress [[Oviya]].<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ex-bigg-boss-contestant-namitha-hits-back-at-oviya/articleshow/59941386.cms Ex- Bigg Boss contestant Namitha hits back at Oviya | Tamil Movie News]. ''Times of India'' (6 August 2017). Retrieved on 2019-01-01.</ref> Her upcoming projects include [[T. Rajender]]'s ''Indraya Kadhal Da'', where she plays the antagonist.<ref>[http://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2018/jul/10/t-rajendherr-to-helm-trilingual-indraya-kaadhal-da-6899.html T Rajendherr to helm trilingual, Indraya Kaadhal Da]. ''Cinema Express'' (10 July 2018). Retrieved on 27 September 2018.</ref><ref>[https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/kollywood/110718/t-rajendar-returns-to-direction.html T Rajendar returns to direction]. ''Deccan Chronicle'' (11 July 2018). Retrieved on 27 September 2018.</ref>
In 2017, Namitha appeared on the Tamil reality television show, ''[[Bigg Boss Tamil (Season 1)|Bigg Boss]]'' hosted by [[Kamal Haasan]]. During her stint in the show, she was widely criticised for her harsh treatment of actress [[Oviya]].<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ex-bigg-boss-contestant-namitha-hits-back-at-oviya/articleshow/59941386.cms Ex- Bigg Boss contestant Namitha hits back at Oviya | Tamil Movie News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923083031/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/ex-bigg-boss-contestant-namitha-hits-back-at-oviya/articleshow/59941386.cms |date=23 September 2017 }}. ''Times of India'' (6 August 2017). Retrieved 1 January 2019.</ref> She also seen in the Horror movies such as ''[[Pottu (film)|Pottu]]'' (2019) and ''Miya'' (2020).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/tamil/2017/Sep/14/namitha-plays-a-witch-in-pottu-1656819.html|title = Namitha plays a witch in Pottu| date=14 September 2017 }}</ref> In 2021, she make an appearance in TV serial ''[[Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (TV series)|Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal]]'' and then on the comedy show ''Kanni Theevu Ullasa Ulagam 2.0'' entertain the audience as a special guest.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/namitha-announces-pregnancy-pens-a-note-on-motherhood/6183b5f757242|title = Namitha announces pregnancy; pens a note on motherhood}}</ref>


==In the media==
==In the media==
At the height of her success in 2008, Namitha's devotee built her a temple near [[Coimbatore]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. She became the second actress after [[Khushbu]] in the state to be immortalised in such a fashion by her fan following.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/43660/ill-stick-my-sexy-image.html|title=I'll stick to my sexy image: Namitha|date=28 December 2009|work=Deccan Herald}}</ref><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Im-thrilled-I-have-a-templeNamitha/articleshow/3202389.cms I’m thrilled I have a temple:Namitha | Hindi Movie News]. ''Times of India'' (7 July 2008). Retrieved on 2019-01-01.</ref> In October 2010, there was an attempt to kidnap her by a fan at [[Trichy]] in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite news|first=Bijoy |last=Bharathan |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Namithas-die-hard-fan/articleshow/6815205.cms |title=Namitha's die-hard fan |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=27 October 2010 |access-date=5 December 2015}}</ref> In 2012, the actress was chosen by [[TV Tokyo|Tokyo TV]], a Japanese media station, as the "most beautiful person" in India.<ref>[http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/nov-12-01/namitha-01-11-12.html Namitha – The Indian Beauty ... – Namitha – Tamil Movie News]. Behindwoods.com (1 November 2012). Retrieved on 2019-01-01.</ref> Namitha has been an advocate of safe driving and in June 2012, she and Tamil actor Bharat promoted awareness of safe driving.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120611191830/http://www.sify.com/movies/Namitha-Bharath-want-you-to-be-safe-on-the-road-imagegallery-kollywood-mghnm9ejfig.html?html=5 Namitha, Bharath want you to be safe on the road!]. Sify.com. Retrieved on 1 January 2019.</ref>
At the height of her success in 2008, Namitha's devotee built her a temple near [[Coimbatore]], [[Tamil Nadu]]. She became the second actress after [[Khushbu Sundar|Khushbu]] in the state to be immortalised in such a fashion by her fan following.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/43660/ill-stick-my-sexy-image.html |title=I'll stick to my sexy image: Namitha |date=28 December 2009 |work=Deccan Herald |access-date=13 September 2017 |archive-date=17 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717012912/https://www.deccanherald.com/content/43660/ill-stick-my-sexy-image.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Im-thrilled-I-have-a-templeNamitha/articleshow/3202389.cms I'm thrilled I have a temple:Namitha | Hindi Movie News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170923074503/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/Im-thrilled-I-have-a-templeNamitha/articleshow/3202389.cms |date=23 September 2017 }}. ''Times of India'' (7 July 2008). Retrieved 1 January 2019.</ref> In October 2010, there was an attempt to kidnap her by a fan at [[Trichy]] in Tamil Nadu.<ref>{{cite news |first=Bijoy |last=Bharathan |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Namithas-die-hard-fan/articleshow/6815205.cms |title=Namitha's die-hard fan |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=27 October 2010 |access-date=5 December 2015 |archive-date=5 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005032241/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/Namithas-die-hard-fan/articleshow/6815205.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> She has been an advocate of safe driving and in June 2012, she and Tamil actor Bharat promoted awareness of safe driving.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120611191830/http://www.sify.com/movies/Namitha-Bharath-want-you-to-be-safe-on-the-road-imagegallery-kollywood-mghnm9ejfig.html?html=5 Namitha, Bharath want you to be safe on the road!]. Sify.com. Retrieved 1 January 2019.</ref>


==Politics==
==Politics==
 
Namitha joined [[AIADMK]] on 24 April 2016 in the presence of party general secretary and Tamil Nadu chief minister [[J Jayalalithaa]] in Trichy.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-election-actor-namitha-joins-jayalalithaas-aiadmk/articleshow/51958082.cms| title= Tamil Nadu election:Actress Namitha joins Jayalalithaa's AIADMK| publisher= [[Times of India]]| work= R Gokul| date= 24 April 2016| access-date= 27 November 2022| archive-date= 28 August 2016| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160828151720/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Tamil-Nadu-election-Actor-Namitha-joins-Jayalalithaas-AIADMK/articleshow/51958082.cms| url-status= live}}</ref> In 2019, Namitha along with actor [[Radha Ravi]] joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] in the presence of party's national president [[Jagat Prakash Nadda|J. P. Nadda]] in [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=J |first1=Shanmughasundarm |title=Actor Radha Ravi, Namitha join BJP in JP Nadda's presence |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/actor-radha-ravi-namitha-join-bjp-in-jp-naddas-presence/articleshow/72311137.cms |access-date=16 March 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=30 November 2019 |language=en |archive-date=12 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212230540/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/actor-radha-ravi-namitha-join-bjp-in-jp-naddas-presence/articleshow/72311137.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> In July 2020, after 8 months of joining the BJP, Namitha was appointed as one of the state executive member of the BJP in Tamil Nadu.<ref name=":0" />
In 2019, Namitha along with actor [[Radha Ravi]] joined the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] in the presence of party president [[Jagat Prakash Nadda|J. P. Nadda]] in [[Chennai]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=J |first1=Shanmughasundarm |title=Actor Radha Ravi, Namitha join BJP in JP Nadda's presence {{!}} Chennai News - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/actor-radha-ravi-namitha-join-bjp-in-jp-naddas-presence/articleshow/72311137.cms |access-date=16 March 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=30 November 2019 |language=en}}</ref> In July 2020, after 8 months of joining the BJP, Namitha was appointed as one of the state executive member of the BJP in Tamil Nadu.<ref name=":0" />


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Namitha married her boyfriend Veerendra in Tirupathi in November 2017 <ref>{{cite web | url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/namitha-gets-married-to-her-boyfriend-veerandra-in-tirupati/articleshow/61779275.cms | title=Namitha gets married to her boyfriend Veerandra in Tirupati | work=[[The Times of India]] | date=24 November 2017 | access-date=24 November 2017}}</ref>
Namitha married businessman Veerendra Chowdary in Tirupathi in November 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/namitha-gets-married-to-her-boyfriend-veerandra-in-tirupati/articleshow/61779275.cms |title=Namitha gets married to her boyfriend Veerandra in Tirupati |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=24 November 2017 |access-date=24 November 2017 |archive-date=25 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171125162210/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/namitha-gets-married-to-her-boyfriend-veerandra-in-tirupati/articleshow/61779275.cms |url-status=live }}</ref> The couple announced their pregnancy via Namitha's Instagram on her 41st birthday.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-05-10 |title=Namitha is pregnant, feels elated - Telugu News |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/namitha-is-pregnant-feels-elated-telugu-news-314556 |access-date=2022-05-11 |website=IndiaGlitz.com |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511122334/https://www.indiaglitz.com/namitha-is-pregnant-feels-elated-telugu-news-314556 |url-status=live }}</ref> She delivered twin sons in August 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-22 |title=Actress Namitha announces birth of twin boys, shares video |url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/08/20/actress-tamil-telugu-namitha-twin-boys-birth-announcement.html |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=OnManorama |archive-date=16 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116050440/https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/2022/08/20/actress-tamil-telugu-namitha-twin-boys-birth-announcement.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


== Filmography ==
== Filmography ==
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|}
|}
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|- style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title
! scope="col" | Title
Line 58: Line 54:
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2002
|rowspan="2"|2002
! scope="row" | ''[[Sontham]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Sontham (2002 film)|Sontham]]''
| Nandu
| Nandu
| rowspan="4"|[[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| rowspan="4"|[[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| Telugu Debut
| Debut film
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-sontham.html|title=Movie review – Sontham|website=Idlebrain.}}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-sontham.html |title=Movie review – Sontham |website=Idlebrain. |access-date=4 January 2019 |archive-date=6 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006041122/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-sontham.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Gemeni (film)|Gemeni]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Gemeni (film)|Gemeni]]''
| Manisha Natwarlal
| Manisha Natwarlal
|credited as Bhairavi  
|credited as Bhairavi  
| <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.apunkachoice.com/titles/gem/gemini/mid_34228/synopsis/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212134312/http://www.apunkachoice.com/titles/gem/gemini/mid_34228/synopsis/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-12-12|title=GEMINI SYNOPSIS|website=Apunkachoice}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/09/17/stories/2002091701360200.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20180314072539/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/09/17/stories/2002091701360200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=2018-03-14|website=[[The Hindu]]|title=Show with a difference}}</ref>
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/09/17/stories/2002091701360200.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20180314072539/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/lf/2002/09/17/stories/2002091701360200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 March 2018 |website=[[The Hindu]] |title=Show with a difference}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2003
|rowspan="2"|2003
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| Preethi
| Preethi
|  
|  
|  
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-okarajuokarani.html|title =Movie review - Oka Raju Oka Rani}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnula Pelli]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnula Pelli]]''
| Sasirekha
| Sasirekha
|  
|  
|  
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-details/oka-radha-iddaru-krishnula-pelli/movieshow/61316929.cms|title =Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnula Pelli|newspaper =The Times of India}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"|2004
|rowspan="4"|2004
! scope="row" | ''[[Engal Anna]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Engal Anna]]''
| Gowri
| Gowri
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| Tamil Debut
| Tamil Debut
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/engal-anna-review-tamil-movie-7027|title =Engal Anna Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''Aithe Enti''
! scope="row" | ''[[Aithe Enti]]''
| Anjali Sharma
| Anjali Sharma
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://movies.fullhyderabad.com/aithe-enti/telugu/aithe-enti-movie-reviews-1030-2.html|title =Aithe Enti Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Maha Nadigan]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Maha Nadigan]]''
| Aishwarya
| Aishwarya
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]] ||
| rowspan="3"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]] ||
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/maha-nadigan-tamil-movie-review-7243.html|title =Maha Nadigan Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="6"|2005
! scope="row" | ''[[Aai (film)|Aai]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Aai (film)|Aai]]''
| Anjali
| Anjali
| rowspan="2"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|  
|  
|  
|  
|-
|-
|rowspan="5"|2005
! scope="row" | ''[[Englishkaran]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Englishkaran]]''
| Maheshwari
| Maheshwari
|  
| Extended Cameo
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/englishkaran-review-tamil-movie-7577|title =Englishkaran Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''Nayakudu''
! scope="row" | ''[[Nayakudu (film)|Nayakudu]]''
|  
| Uma
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/nayakudu-2005-review-telugu-movie-7636|title =Nayakudu Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Chanakya (2005 film)|Chanakya]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Chanakya (2005 film)|Chanakya]]''
Line 130: Line 125:
| Ramya
| Ramya
|  
|  
|  
|
|-
|-
|rowspan="6"|2006
|rowspan="6"|2006
Line 136: Line 131:
| Sania
| Sania
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/kovai-brothers-review-hindi-movie-8116|title =Kovai Brothers Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Love Ke Chakkar Mein]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Love Ke Chakkar Mein]]''
Line 142: Line 137:
| [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| Hindi Debut
| Hindi Debut
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaparadiso.co.uk/rentals/love-ke-chakkar-mein-45384.html|title=Love: Ke Chakkar Mein (2006)}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Pachchak Kuthira]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Pachchak Kuthira]]''
Line 153: Line 148:
| Swapna
| Swapna
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/thagapansamy-tamil-movie-7713|title=Thagapansamy}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Nee Venunda Chellam]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Nee Venunda Chellam]]''
| Anjali
| Anjali
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/nee-venunda-chellam-review-tamil-movie-7848|title=Nee Venunda Chellam Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Neelakanta (film)|Neelakanta]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Neelakanta (film)|Neelakanta]]''
| Ganga
| Ganga
| [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
| [[Kannada]]
| Kannada Debut
| Kannada Debut
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/neelakanta-review-kannada-movie-review-8949|title=Neelakanta Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|2007
|rowspan="4"|2007
Line 171: Line 166:
| rowspan="5"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| rowspan="5"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/vyapari-tamil-movie-review-8604|title=Vyapari Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Naan Avanillai (2007 film)|Naan Avanillai]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Naan Avanillai (2007 film)|Naan Avanillai]]''
| Monika Prasad
| Monika Prasad
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-06/naan-avanillai-movie-review.html|title=Naan Avanillai Movie Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Azhagiya Tamil Magan]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Azhagiya Tamil Magan]]''
| Dhanalakshmi
| Dhanalakshmi
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-articles/movies-07/azhagiya-tamil-magan-review.html|title=Azhagiya Tamil Magan}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Billa (2007 film)|Billa]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Billa (2007 film)|Billa]]''
| C. J.
| C. J.
|  
| Nominated, [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil]]
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-1/billa-review.html|title=Billa Movie Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"|2008
|rowspan="4"|2008
Line 192: Line 187:
| Seemakal Chinnakilli
| Seemakal Chinnakilli
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-1/sandai-review.html|title=Sandai Movie Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''Kamasutra Nights''
! scope="row" | ''Kamasutra Nights''
Line 198: Line 193:
| [[English language|English]]
| [[English language|English]]
| English Debut
| English Debut
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whatismymovie.com/item?item=0846033|title=Kamasutra Nights (2008)}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Pandi (film)|Pandi]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Pandi (film)|Pandi]]''
Line 204: Line 199:
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-1/pandi-review.html|title=Pandi - Movie Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Indra (2008 film)|Indra]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Indra (2008 film)|Indra]]''
|  
| Janaki
| [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
| [[Kannada]]
|  
|  
|  
|  
Line 217: Line 212:
|rowspan="3"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|rowspan="3"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/perumal.html|title=Perumal Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Thee (2009 film)|Thee]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Thee (2009 film)|Thee]]''
| Ruchi Devi
| Ruchi Devi
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movie-reviews/thee/movie-review/4203987.cms|title=THEE MOVIE REVIEW|newspaper=The Times of India }}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[1977 (film)|1977]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[1977 (film)|1977]]''
| Chandini
| Chandini
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/1977.html|title=1977 Movie Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Billa (2009 film)|Billa]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Billa (2009 film)|Billa]]''
| Lisa
| Lisa
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| Nominated – [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu]]
| Nominated, [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu]]
|  
| <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/billa/movie-review/4359200.cms|title=Billa|newspaper=The Times of India }}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Indira Vizha]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Indira Vizha]]''
Line 239: Line 234:
| rowspan="2"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| rowspan="2"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/indira-vizha.html|title=INDIRA VIZHA MOVIE REVIEW}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Jaganmohini (2009 film)|Jaganmohini]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Jaganmohini (2009 film)|Jaganmohini]]''
| Jaganmohini
| Jaganmohini
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2009/oct/19/south-tamil-movie-review.htm|title=Jaganmohini is a half-baked remake}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="5"|2010
|rowspan="5"|2010
! scope="row" | ''[[Black Stallion (film)|Black Stallion]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Black Stallion (film)|Black Stallion]]''
| Laura Fernandez
| Laura Fernandez
| [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
| [[Malayalam]]
| Malayalam Debut
| Malayalam Debut
|  
|  
Line 262: Line 257:
| Anitha
| Anitha
| Cameo
| Cameo
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/report/2010/may/10/south-tamil-movie-review-guru-sishyan.htm|title=Stay away from Guru Sishyan}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Simha (film)|Simha]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Simha (film)|Simha]]''
Line 268: Line 263:
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/S/Simha/Simha_Review2.html|title=Simha}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Hoo (film)|Hoo]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Hoo (film)|Hoo]]''
| Anju
| Anju
| [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
| [[Kannada]]
|
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=http://movies.rediff.com/review/2010/jun/04/south-kannada-movie-review-hoo.htm|title=Simha}}</ref>
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"|2011
|rowspan="2"|2011
Line 281: Line 276:
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|  
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-reviews/reviews-2/ilaignan-movie-review.html|title=ILAIGNAN MOVIE REVIEW}}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Namitha I Love You]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Namitha I Love You]]''
| Sunanda
| Sunanda
| [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| rowspan="2"|[[Kannada]]
|
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/namitha-i-love-you-review-kannada-movie-12729|title=Namitha I Love You Review}}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2013
| 2013
! scope="row" | ''[[Benki Birugali]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Benki Birugali (2013 film)|Benki Birugali]]''
| Mona
| Mona
| [[Kannada language|Kannada]]
|  
|  
|  
|  
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| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
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| <ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-09-15 |title=Namitha & Kiran in thriller movie 'Ilamai Oonjal' |url=http://www.kollywoodtoday.net/news/namitha-kiran-in-thriller-movie-ilamai-oonjal/ |website=Kollywood Today |archive-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721221753/http://www.kollywoodtoday.net/news/namitha-kiran-in-thriller-movie-ilamai-oonjal/ |url-status=usurped }}</ref>
|-
|-
! scope="row" | ''[[Pulimurugan]]''
! scope="row" | ''[[Pulimurugan]]''
| Julie
| Julie
| [[Malayalam language|Malayalam]]
| [[Malayalam]]
|
|  
|  
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.onmanorama.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/pulimurugan-mohanlal-movie-review-malayalam-vyshak.html|title='Pulimurugan' movie review: hide, crouch and roar goes Mohanlal}}</ref>
|-
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| rowspan=1| 2019
| rowspan=1| 2019
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|2020
|2020
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|2021
! scope="row" | ''Bow Bow''
| Blogger
|[[Tamil language|Tamil]] <br>[[Malayalam]]
| Filming
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|}
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|-
|-
|2007-2015
|2007-2015
|Maanada Mayilada
|''Maanada Mayilada''
|Main Judge
|Main Judge
|Dance Reality Show
|Dance Reality Show
|-
|-
|2017
|2017
|[[Bigg Boss Tamil (season 1)]]
|''[[Bigg Boss Tamil (season 1)]]''
|Contestant
|Contestant
|Reality TV Series<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bigg-boss-tamil-how-oviya-helen-became-the-premiere-seasons-most-sensational-contestant-3884305.html|title=Bigg Boss Tamil: How Oviya Helen became the premiere season's most sensational contestant- Entertainment News, Firstpost|work=Firstpost|access-date=2018-02-21|language=en-US}}</ref>
|Evicted Day 28<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bigg-boss-tamil-how-oviya-helen-became-the-premiere-seasons-most-sensational-contestant-3884305.html |title=Bigg Boss Tamil: How Oviya Helen became the premiere season's most sensational contestant |work=Firstpost |access-date=21 February 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=21 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221100221/http://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/bigg-boss-tamil-how-oviya-helen-became-the-premiere-seasons-most-sensational-contestant-3884305.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|-
| 2020
| 2020
|Dance Jodi Dance 3.0
|''Dance Jodi Dance 3.0''
|Judge
|Judge
|Dance Show
|Dance Show
|-
|-
|2021
|2021
|[[Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (2021 TV series)|Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal]]
|''[[Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal (2021 TV series)|Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal]]''
|Herself
|Herself
|Guest Appearance
|Guest Appearance
|-
|-
|2021
|2021
|Kanni Theevu Ullasa Ulagam 2.0
|''Kanni Theevu Ullasa Ulagam 2.0''
|Herself
|Herself
|Guest Appearance
|Guest Appearance
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Surat]]
[[Category:People from Surat]]
[[Category:Gujarati people]]
[[Category:Gujarati actresses]]
[[Category:Actresses in Tamil cinema]]
[[Category:Actresses in Tamil cinema]]
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[[Category:Actresses in Kannada cinema]]
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[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:Bigg Boss Tamil contestants]]

Latest revision as of 16:31, 25 March 2026


Namitha
Namitha in 2007
Born
Namitha Mukesh Vankawala

(1981-05-10) 10 May 1981 (age 45)
Surat, Gujarat, India
Occupation
  • Actress
  • model
  • politician
Years active2001 – 2021
Political partyBharatiya Janata Party
Spouse(s)
Veerendra Chowdary
(
m. 2017)
Children2

Namitha Vankawala (born 10 May 1981[1]) is a state executive member of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu.[2] She started her career initially as an actress and model who predominantly works in Tamil and Telugu cinema along with a few films in Kannada and Malayalam.[3]

Career[edit | edit source]

Starting her career as a beauty pageant contestant, Namitha was crowned Miss Surat during the year of 1998 at the age of 17. She went on to participate in the 2001 Miss India pageant and ended up as the third runner-up, while Celina Jaitley was crowned Miss India.[4] The publicity she garnered during the competition prompted her to move to Mumbai and subsequently she did a number of TV commercials such as Himani cream and hand soap, Arun Ice Creams, Manikchand Gutka, and Nile Herbal Shampoo early in her career. Unable to make a breakthrough into the Hindi film industry, she enrolled in an English Literature course and then considered returning to Surat but chose to later accept an invitation to audition for a Telugu film. After being selected, she consequently made her acting debut in Sreenu Vaitla's coming-of-age romantic film, Sontham (2002). Her next film, Saran's big budget action film Gemeni (2002) opposite Venkatesh, garnered her further attention and her portrayal of a Marwardi girl won critical acclaim. She had also briefly given herself the stagename of "Bhairavi" for the film, but later reverted to her original name.[5][6]

In the mid-2000s, she quickly became popular in Tamil language films with her mature look and tall frame prompting film makers to cast her opposite ageing actors such as Vijayakanth, Sathyaraj, Arjun, Parthiban, Sundar C and Sarathkumar.[7] She appeared in a series of commercial action films opposite such actors, including roles in Aai (2005), Chanakya (2005) and Aanai (2005). Likewise, she was regularly cast in comedy films with senior actors too, making appearances in Siddique's Engal Anna (2004) and six of Sakthi Chidambaram's comedy dramas. During the period, she appeared in her first Hindi film Love Ke Chakkar Mein, worked on a Kannda film titled Namitha I Love You and shot for an English film, Maya, which was later released in 2008 as Kamasutra Nights.[8] In 2007, she had the opportunity to work with two leading actors from Tamil cinema, respectively appearing with Vijay in the A. R. Rahman-musical Azhagiya Tamil Magan (2007) and Ajith Kumar in Vishnuvardhan's gangster film Billa (2007). By the end of the period, Namitha had developed a "cult following" in Tamil Nadu as a result of her glamorous appearances in films, with the media regularly looking to feature her in reports and Behindwoods.com labelled her "omnipotent and omnipresent".[9][10][11]

However, by the turn of the decade, Namitha's popularity began to decline after several of her films failed to perform well and the South Indian film industry moved away from casting women in outright glamorous roles, a character that Namitha had become famed for performing. Film makers were also reluctant to cast Namitha opposite young male actors, as the older generation began to stop appearing in leading roles.[12] She was relegated to increasingly smaller roles and guest appearances, while the big-budget horror film, Jaganmohini (2009), where she played the title role performed poorly at the box office.[13] She briefly prioritized her work in Kannada films in the early 2010s, while several of her films endured production delays including Ilamai Oonjal (2016). After several years without any film releases, she announced plans of making a comeback in 2016.[14]

In 2017, Namitha appeared on the Tamil reality television show, Bigg Boss hosted by Kamal Haasan. During her stint in the show, she was widely criticised for her harsh treatment of actress Oviya.[15] She also seen in the Horror movies such as Pottu (2019) and Miya (2020).[16] In 2021, she make an appearance in TV serial Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal and then on the comedy show Kanni Theevu Ullasa Ulagam 2.0 entertain the audience as a special guest.[17]

In the media[edit | edit source]

At the height of her success in 2008, Namitha's devotee built her a temple near Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. She became the second actress after Khushbu in the state to be immortalised in such a fashion by her fan following.[18][19] In October 2010, there was an attempt to kidnap her by a fan at Trichy in Tamil Nadu.[20] She has been an advocate of safe driving and in June 2012, she and Tamil actor Bharat promoted awareness of safe driving.[21]

Politics[edit | edit source]

Namitha joined AIADMK on 24 April 2016 in the presence of party general secretary and Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa in Trichy.[22] In 2019, Namitha along with actor Radha Ravi joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the presence of party's national president J. P. Nadda in Chennai.[23] In July 2020, after 8 months of joining the BJP, Namitha was appointed as one of the state executive member of the BJP in Tamil Nadu.[3]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Namitha married businessman Veerendra Chowdary in Tirupathi in November 2017.[24] The couple announced their pregnancy via Namitha's Instagram on her 41st birthday.[25] She delivered twin sons in August 2022.[26]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Key
Films that have not yet been released Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Title Role(s) Language(s) Notes Ref.
2002 Sontham Nandu Telugu Debut film [27]
Gemeni Manisha Natwarlal credited as Bhairavi [28]
2003 Oka Raju Oka Rani Preethi [29]
Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnula Pelli Sasirekha [30]
2004 Engal Anna Gowri Tamil Tamil Debut [31]
Aithe Enti Anjali Sharma Telugu [32]
Maha Nadigan Aishwarya Tamil [33]
Aai Anjali
2005 Englishkaran Maheshwari Extended Cameo [34]
Nayakudu Uma Telugu [35]
Chanakya Deivanayaki Tamil
Bambara Kannaley Mynaa
Aanai Ramya
2006 Kovai Brothers Sania [36]
Love Ke Chakkar Mein Neha V. Batra Hindi Hindi Debut [37]
Pachchak Kuthira Poovu Tamil
Thagapansamy Swapna [38]
Nee Venunda Chellam Anjali [39]
Neelakanta Ganga Kannada Kannada Debut [40]
2007 Viyabari Namitha Tamil [41]
Naan Avanillai Monika Prasad [42]
Azhagiya Tamil Magan Dhanalakshmi [43]
Billa C. J. Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil [44]
2008 Sandai Seemakal Chinnakilli [45]
Kamasutra Nights Aunt Maya English English Debut [46]
Pandi Salangai Tamil [47]
Indra Janaki Kannada
2009 Perumal Saroja Tamil [48]
Thee Ruchi Devi [49]
1977 Chandini [50]
Billa Lisa Telugu Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu [51]
Indira Vizha Kamini Tamil [52]
Jaganmohini Jaganmohini [53]
2010 Black Stallion Laura Fernandez Malayalam Malayalam Debut
Azhagaana Ponnuthan Jennifer Tamil
Guru Sishyan Anitha Cameo [54]
Simha Mahima Telugu [55]
Hoo Anju Kannada [56]
2011 Ilaignan Sena Tamil [57]
Namitha I Love You Sunanda Kannada [58]
2013 Benki Birugali Mona
2016 Ilamai Oonjal Durga Tamil [59]
Pulimurugan Julie Malayalam [60]
2019 Pottu Bhrameshwari Tamil
2020 Miya Miya

Television[edit | edit source]

Year Title Role Notes
2007-2015 Maanada Mayilada Main Judge Dance Reality Show
2017 Bigg Boss Tamil (season 1) Contestant Evicted Day 28[61]
2020 Dance Jodi Dance 3.0 Judge Dance Show
2021 Pudhu Pudhu Arthangal Herself Guest Appearance
2021 Kanni Theevu Ullasa Ulagam 2.0 Herself Guest Appearance

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Happy Birthday Namitha: 10 Times South Actress Namitha Stole Our Hearts". Archived from the original on 12 May 2019. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
  2. ↑ "Namita Vankawala: Movies, Photos, Videos, News, Biography & Birthday". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 December 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 J, Shanmughasundaram (4 July 2020). "Tamil Nadu: Actor Namitha appointed as BJP state executive member". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
  4. ↑ "Namitha was crowned Miss Surat in 1998". The Times of India. 29 August 2013. Archived from the original on 2 September 2013. Retrieved 24 May 2014.
  5. ↑ Telugu Cinema Etc Archived 24 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Idlebrain.com (16 September 2002). Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  6. ↑ "Telugu cinema article – Namita photo – stolen from Namitha's desktop". idlebrain.com. 20 March 2000. Archived from the original on 25 September 2020. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  7. ↑ Namitha interview – Telugu Cinema interview – Telugu film and Tamil film actress Archived 1 October 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Idlebrain.com (30 July 2008). Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  8. ↑ "Namitha stars in English movie". The Hindu. 14 August 2006. Archived from the original on 1 December 2021. Retrieved 16 July 2018.
  9. ↑ "Tamil movies : Namitha the omnipotent and the omnipresent". behindwoods.com. Archived from the original on 13 September 2017. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  10. ↑ "Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Namitha goes to 'Subway' for meal". The Hindu. 21 October 2005. Archived from the original on 26 May 2006.
  11. ↑ I Will Do It For A Lesser Payment, Says Namitha – Namitha – Dirty Picture – Tamil Movie News Archived 10 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Behindwoods.com (30 June 2012). Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  12. ↑ Why Namitha won't act in Tamil films? | Movie News Archived 13 November 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Times of India (20 May 2011). Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  13. ↑ Review: Jaganmohini is a half-baked remake Archived 13 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Rediff.com (19 October 2009). Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  14. ↑ "Actress Namitha To Make Her Comeback Soon". silverscreen.in. 3 September 2015. Archived from the original on 6 September 2015. Retrieved 2 December 2019.
  15. ↑ Ex- Bigg Boss contestant Namitha hits back at Oviya | Tamil Movie News Archived 23 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Times of India (6 August 2017). Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  16. ↑ "Namitha plays a witch in Pottu". 14 September 2017.
  17. ↑ "Namitha announces pregnancy; pens a note on motherhood".
  18. ↑ "I'll stick to my sexy image: Namitha". Deccan Herald. 28 December 2009. Archived from the original on 17 July 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2017.
  19. ↑ I'm thrilled I have a temple:Namitha | Hindi Movie News Archived 23 September 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Times of India (7 July 2008). Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  20. ↑ Bharathan, Bijoy (27 October 2010). "Namitha's die-hard fan". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 October 2014. Retrieved 5 December 2015.
  21. ↑ Namitha, Bharath want you to be safe on the road!. Sify.com. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  22. ↑ "Tamil Nadu election:Actress Namitha joins Jayalalithaa's AIADMK". R Gokul. Times of India. 24 April 2016. Archived from the original on 28 August 2016. Retrieved 27 November 2022.
  23. ↑ J, Shanmughasundarm (30 November 2019). "Actor Radha Ravi, Namitha join BJP in JP Nadda's presence". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 12 December 2019. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  24. ↑ "Namitha gets married to her boyfriend Veerandra in Tirupati". The Times of India. 24 November 2017. Archived from the original on 25 November 2017. Retrieved 24 November 2017.
  25. ↑ "Namitha is pregnant, feels elated - Telugu News". IndiaGlitz.com. 10 May 2022. Archived from the original on 11 May 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  26. ↑ "Actress Namitha announces birth of twin boys, shares video". OnManorama. 22 August 2022. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  27. ↑ "Movie review – Sontham". Idlebrain. Archived from the original on 6 October 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  28. ↑ "Show with a difference". The Hindu.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  29. ↑ "Movie review - Oka Raju Oka Rani".
  30. ↑ "Oka Radha Iddaru Krishnula Pelli". The Times of India.
  31. ↑ "Engal Anna Review".
  32. ↑ "Aithe Enti Review".
  33. ↑ "Maha Nadigan Review".
  34. ↑ "Englishkaran Review".
  35. ↑ "Nayakudu Review".
  36. ↑ "Kovai Brothers Review".
  37. ↑ "Love: Ke Chakkar Mein (2006)".
  38. ↑ "Thagapansamy".
  39. ↑ "Nee Venunda Chellam Review".
  40. ↑ "Neelakanta Review".
  41. ↑ "Vyapari Review".
  42. ↑ "Naan Avanillai Movie Review".
  43. ↑ "Azhagiya Tamil Magan".
  44. ↑ "Billa Movie Review".
  45. ↑ "Sandai Movie Review".
  46. ↑ "Kamasutra Nights (2008)".
  47. ↑ "Pandi - Movie Review".
  48. ↑ "Perumal Review".
  49. ↑ "THEE MOVIE REVIEW". The Times of India.
  50. ↑ "1977 Movie Review".
  51. ↑ "Billa". The Times of India.
  52. ↑ "INDIRA VIZHA MOVIE REVIEW".
  53. ↑ "Jaganmohini is a half-baked remake".
  54. ↑ "Stay away from Guru Sishyan".
  55. ↑ "Simha".
  56. ↑ "Simha".
  57. ↑ "ILAIGNAN MOVIE REVIEW".
  58. ↑ "Namitha I Love You Review".
  59. ↑ "Namitha & Kiran in thriller movie 'Ilamai Oonjal'". Kollywood Today. 15 September 2012. Archived from the original on 21 July 2018.
  60. ↑ "'Pulimurugan' movie review: hide, crouch and roar goes Mohanlal".
  61. ↑ "Bigg Boss Tamil: How Oviya Helen became the premiere season's most sensational contestant". Firstpost. Archived from the original on 21 February 2018. Retrieved 21 February 2018.

External links[edit | edit source]

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