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{{short description|Indian actress}}
{{Short description|Indian Tamil actress}}
{{For|the village in Assam|Kaniha, Kamrup}}
{{For|the village in Assam|Kaniha, Kamrup}}
{{BLP sources|date=July 2015}}
{{Use British English|date=August 2014}}
{{EngvarB|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name              = Kaniha
| name              = Kanika
| birth_name        = Divya Venkatasubramaniam
| image              = Kanihaa.jpg
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|df=y|1982|7|3}}
| birth_name        = Divya Venkatasubramaniam Iyer
| birth_date        = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1982|07|03}}
| birth_place        = [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| birth_place        = [[Madurai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| occupation         = [[Actress]]<br />[[Voice actor]]<br />[[Playback singer]]<br />[[TV anchor]]
| alma_mater         = [[BITS Pilani]]
| yearsactive        = 2002–2006<br/>2009–present
| occupation        = {{hlist|Actress|Voice actor|Playback singer|TV anchor}}
| other names        = Kanika
| yearsactive        = 2002-present
| image_size        = 200px
| other names        = Kaniha, Sravanthi
| spouse            = {{Marriage|Shyam Radhakrishnan|2008}}
| spouse            = {{Marriage|Shyam Radhakrishnan|2008}}
| children          = 1
| children          = Sai Rishi
}}
}}


'''Divya Venkatasubramaniam''' (born 3 July 1982), better known by her [[stage name]] '''Kaniha''' or '''Kanika''', is an Indian film actress who predominantly works in [[Malayalam cinema]] and in some Tamil, Telugu and Kannada movies.<ref name="Kaniha turns hot in Mollywood">{{cite web|title=Kaniha turns hot in Mollywood|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/Kaniha-turns-hot-in-Mollywood-imagegallery-malayalam-jlvmW5ijjhg.html?html=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905070218/http://www.sify.com/movies/Kaniha-turns-hot-in-Mollywood-imagegallery-malayalam-jlvmW5ijjhg.html?html=5|url-status=dead|archive-date=2014-09-05|website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref name="Kaniha to play female lead in Mammooty starrer Cobra">{{cite web|title=Kaniha to play female lead in Mammooty starrer Cobra |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/mollywood/kaniha-play-female-lead-mammooty-starrer-cobra-197 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |access-date=30 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111211132640/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/mollywood/kaniha-play-female-lead-mammooty-starrer-cobra-197 |archive-date=11 December 2011 }}</ref> Kaniha made her debut in the 2002 Tamil film ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]''.
'''Divya Venkatasubramaniam Iyer''', better known by her stage name '''Kaniha''', is an Indian actress who predominantly works in [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam]] cinema along with a few [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu cinema|Telugu]] and [[Kannada cinema|Kannada]] movies.<ref name="Kaniha turns hot in Mollywood">{{cite web |title=Kaniha turns hot in Mollywood |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/Kaniha-turns-hot-in-Mollywood-imagegallery-malayalam-jlvmW5ijjhg.html?html=5 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140905070218/http://www.sify.com/movies/Kaniha-turns-hot-in-Mollywood-imagegallery-malayalam-jlvmW5ijjhg.html?html=5 |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 September 2014 |website=[[Sify]]}}</ref><ref name="Kaniha to play female lead in Mammooty starrer Cobra">{{cite web |title=Kaniha to play female lead in Mammooty starrer Cobra |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/mollywood/kaniha-play-female-lead-mammooty-starrer-cobra-197 |website=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |access-date=30 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111211132640/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/showbiz/mollywood/kaniha-play-female-lead-mammooty-starrer-cobra-197 |archive-date=11 December 2011}}</ref> Kaniha made her debut in the 2002 Tamil film ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm |title=The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji |access-date=8 June 2009 |archive-date=16 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916132230/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
She went on to work in other South Indian film industries, including Malayalam, Telugu and Kannada. She is perhaps best known for her performances as ''Eashwari'' in her debut film ''Five Star'', ''Gayathri'' in ''[[Varalaru - History of Godfather]]'' and ''Thenmozhi'' in ''[[Autograph (2004 film)|Autograph]]''. She has had a successful run in the Malayalam film industry, with most notable works include ''[[Bhagyadevatha]],''  ''[[Pazhassi Raja (2009 film)|Pazhassi Raja]] and Spirit.''


==Early life==
==Early life==
Kaniha was born on 3 July 1982 in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India as the second daughter to Mr. and Mrs. Venkat Subramanian, both engineers. She studied at [[TVS Matriculation Higher Secondary School]], [[Madurai]] and also won accolades including the Tamil Nadu State Award for Educational Excellence in 1999.<ref name="Bitsian Women – You Go Girl!">{{cite web|url=http://sandpaper.bitsaa.org/archives/links/SandpaperSpring2006/03_coverstory/Creative%20Arts.htm|title=Bitsian Women – You Go Girl!|publisher=bitsaa.org|access-date=7 June 2009}}</ref> She then got admitted on merit to [[Birla Institute of Technology and Science|BITS]] (Birla Institute of Technology and Science), in [[Pilani]], Rajasthan, from where she graduated with a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Kanika was born 3 July 1982<ref>{{cite web|work=Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kaniha-rings-in-40-with-zeal-says-bring-it-on-40s/articleshow/92646745.cms|title=Kaniha rings in 40 with zeal, says, 'bring it on 40s' |date=4 July 2022 }}</ref> as Divya Venkata Subramaniam in [[Madurai]]. Her father Venkata Subramaniam Iyer was an [[engineer]]. She won the Tamil Nadu State Award for Educational Excellence in 1999. She pursued her [[Mechanical engineering]] degree from 1999 to 2003 at [[BITS Pilani]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nambidi |first=Parvathy |date=24 February 2013 |title=Topper meets her match |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/education/edex/2013/Feb/25/topper-meets-her-match-453402.html |access-date=28 April 2024 |website=[[The New Indian Express]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |year=2006 |title=Sandpaper - The BITSAA Magazine |url=https://sandpaper.bitsaa.org/archives/links/SandpaperSpring2006/03_coverstory/Creative%20Arts.htm |access-date=26 April 2024 |website=BITSAA International}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 January 2003 |title=Srikanth's new movie details |url=https://www.idlebrain.com/news/2000march20/news232.html |access-date=1 May 2024 |website=[[Idlebrain.com]]}}</ref>


Having improved her singing talent since childhood by participating in pop music and light music shows, Divya was interested in the performing arts. While she was still studying, she gave stage performances as a pop singer from time to time. When she was scheduled to perform at the [[Miss Chennai|Miss Chennai beauty pageant]] in 2001, she was selected to participate in the pageant after a model had backed out at the last minute.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm|title=The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji|publisher=[[Rediff]]|access-date=7 June 2009}}</ref> Despite lack of experience, she emerged victorious at that contest,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vibamisschennai.com/home2001.htm |title=Miss Chennai 2001 |publisher=vibamisschennai.com |access-date=7 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204123516/http://vibamisschennai.com/home2001.htm |archive-date=4 February 2009}}</ref> which later paved way for a film career.
Having improved her singing talent since childhood by participating in pop music and light music shows, Divya was interested in performing arts. While she was still studying, she gave stage performances as a pop singer from time to time. When she was scheduled to perform at the [[Miss Chennai|Miss Chennai beauty pageant]] in 2001, she was selected to participate in the pageant after a model had backed out at the last minute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm |title=The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=7 June 2009 |archive-date=16 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916132230/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite lack of experience, she emerged victorious in the contest.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vibamisschennai.com/home2001.htm |title=Miss Chennai 2001 |publisher=vibamisschennai.com |access-date=7 June 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204123516/http://vibamisschennai.com/home2001.htm |archive-date=4 February 2009}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==


[[Susi Ganesan]] spotted Kaniha on a magazine cover page and insisted on her performing the lead female role in his second feature film. Divya eventually entered the [[Film industry]], accepting the offer, while her name was changed to Kaniha. Her debut film was the [[Mani Ratnam]]-produced ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]'' (2002) with [[Prasanna (actor)|Prasanna]], who made his acting debut as well, in which Kaniha portrayed a traditional village girl. She completed the entire film during her summer holidays, since she was a student.<ref name="rediff2007">[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji]. Rediff.com (31 December 2004). Retrieved on 27 February 2012.</ref>
[[Susi Ganesan]] spotted Kanika on a magazine cover page and insisted on her performing the lead female role in his second feature film. Divya eventually entered the [[Film industry]], accepting the offer, while her name was changed to Kanika. Her debut film was the [[Mani Ratnam]]-produced ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]'' (2002) with [[Prasanna (actor)|Prasanna]], who made his acting debut as well, in which Kaniha portrayed a traditional village girl. She completed the entire film during her summer holidays, since she was a student.<ref name="rediff2007">[http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916132230/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm |date=16 September 2015 }}. Rediff.com (31 December 2004). Retrieved 27 February 2012.</ref>


Kaniha turned down all projects that were subsequently offered to her, including films by [[S. Shankar]] and [[P. C. Sreeram]],<ref name="rediff2007"/> and went on to complete her graduation. Even before she finished her graduation, she completed her Telugu debut film ''Ottessi Chepputunna'' during her winter vacations, acting under another stage name Sravanthi.<ref name="idlebrain1">[http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-naaautograph.html Telugu cinema Review – Naa Autograph – Sweet Memories – Ravi Teja, Bhumika Chawla, Gopika]. Idlebrain.com (11 August 2004). Retrieved on 27 February 2012.</ref> In regard to her performance, ''Idlebrain'' wrote: "Sravanthy looks homely in the film and suited the character. She performed well. She is good at dances as well".<ref>[http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-ottesi.html Telugu Cinema – Review – Ottesi Cheputunna – Srikanth, Sivaji – E Sathi Babu – Vidya Sagar – Anil]. Idlebrain.com (11 April 2003). Retrieved on 27 February 2012.</ref>
Kanika turned down all projects that were subsequently offered to her, including films by [[S. Shankar]] and [[P. C. Sreeram]],<ref name="rediff2007"/> and went on to complete her graduation. Even before she finished her graduation, she completed her Telugu debut film ''[[Ottesi Cheputunna]]'' during her winter vacations, acting under another stage name Sravanthi.<ref>{{cite web |work=Deccan Herald |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/dec21/mr4.asp |date=21 December 2003 |title=Annavaru - Kannada |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031230184004/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/dec21/mr4.asp |archive-date=30 December 2003 |access-date=2 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="idlebrain1">[http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-naaautograph.html Telugu cinema Review – Naa Autograph – Sweet Memories – Ravi Teja, Bhumika Chawla, Gopika] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706052121/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-naaautograph.html |date=6 July 2017 }}. Idlebrain.com (11 August 2004). Retrieved 27 February 2012.</ref> In regard to her performance, ''Idlebrain'' wrote: "Sravanthy looks homely in the film and suited the character. She performed well. She is good at dances as well".<ref>[http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-ottesi.html Telugu Cinema – Review – Ottesi Cheputunna – Srikanth, Sivaji – E Sathi Babu – Vidya Sagar – Anil] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127033654/http://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/mr-ottesi.html |date=27 January 2022 }}. Idlebrain.com (11 April 2003). Retrieved 27 February 2012.</ref>


After completing her studies, Kaniha decided to give herself a go at the Tinsel towns. She starred in the [[Cinema of Karnataka|Kannada film]] ''Annavaru'' (2004), a remake of [[Mani Ratnam]]'s ''[[Thalapathi]]'' (1991), stepping into Kannada filmdom, too. She followed the movie with a neat, cameo role in [[Cheran (director)|Cheran's]] ''[[Autograph (2004 film)|Autograph]]'', earning critical acclaim. Kaniha next appeared in a comedy oriented role in a commercial film by [[K. S. Ravikumar]], ''[[Aethiree]]'' along with [[R. Madhavan|Madhavan]], [[Sadha|Sada]], in which she portrayed as a "naughty [[Brahmin]] girl".<ref name="rediff2007"/> ''Sify'' labelled her performance in the film as "outstanding".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140906050811/http://www.sify.com/movies/aethiree-review-tamil-13461125.html Movie Review:Aethiree]. Sify.com. Retrieved on 27 February 2012.</ref> She went on to play the female lead in ''Dancer'' opposite physically disabled Kutty,<ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/review/7252.html Dancer Tamil Movie Review]. IndiaGlitz (14 January 2005). Retrieved on 27 February 2012.</ref> following which she returned to Telugu cinema, accepting to reprise her role in the Telugu remake of ''Autograph'', ''[[Naa Autograph]]'', playing the same role as in the original version.<ref name="idlebrain1"/> She proved to be an actress to reckon with in the Kannada film ''Sye'', a remake of [[Tamil film]] ''[[Dhill]]''. She finally ventured into [[Cinema of Kerala|Malayalam cinema]] as the heroine for the campus-based film  ''Ennitum''.
After completing her studies, Kanika decided to give herself a go at the Tinsel towns. She starred in the [[Kannada cinema|Kannada film]] ''Annavaru'' (2004), a remake of [[Mani Ratnam]]'s ''[[Thalapathi]]'' (1991), stepping into Kannada filmdom, too. She followed the movie with a cameo role in [[Cheran (director)|Cheran's]] ''[[Autograph (2004 film)|Autograph]].'' Kaniha next appeared in a comedy oriented role in a commercial film by [[K. S. Ravikumar]], ''[[Aethiree]]'' along with [[R. Madhavan|Madhavan]], [[Sadha|Sada]], in which she portrayed a "naughty [[Brahmin]] girl".<ref name="rediff2007"/> ''Sify'' labelled her performance in the film as "outstanding".<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20140906050811/http://www.sify.com/movies/aethiree-review-tamil-13461125.html Movie Review:Aethiree]. Sify.com. Retrieved 27 February 2012.</ref> She returned to Telugu cinema, accepting to reprise her role in the Telugu remake of ''Autograph'', ''[[Naa Autograph]]'', playing the same role as in the original version.<ref name="idlebrain1"/>  


Later in 2006, she appeared in her biggest project till then, ''[[Varalaru]]'', directed again by K. S. Ravikumar, in which she shared screen space with [[Ajith Kumar]] and [[Asin]]. She won plaudits for her role as a [[Mental disorder|mentally disordered]] girl. After a two-years gap, her most recent Kannada film ''Rajakumari'' opposite [[V. Ravichandran|Ravichandran]] got released, in which she again got to play the female lead role.
Kanika has ventured into playback singing and dubbing as well. Having a vast experience and being a professional singer before turning actress, Kanika got the offer to sing the theme song of her debut film ''Five Star''. She then became a dubbing artiste, dubbing for actresses [[Genelia D'Souza]] in ''[[Sachein]]'' (2005), [[Sadha]] in ''[[Anniyan]]'' (2005) and [[Shriya Saran]] in ''[[Sivaji: The Boss]]'' (2007).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm |title=The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=11 June 2009 |archive-date=16 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916132230/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>


After her marriage, when she was supposed to have bid adieu to the film industry, Kaniha returned to the [[Cinema of Kerala|Malayalam cinema]] in 2009, with the films ''[[Bhagyadevatha]]'', directed by veteran [[Sathyan Anthikkad]] and starring [[Jayaram]] and [[Narain (actor)|Narain]] as well, and ''[[Pazhassi Raja (2009 film)|Pazhassi Raja]]'', directed by reputed director [[Hariharan (director)|Hariharan]] and starring [[Mammootty]], [[Sarath Kumar]] and [[Padmapriya Janakiraman|Padmapriya]] among others. While the former one, in which she played the role of a homely Christian girl, was highly successful at the box office, the latter one, a biographical [[historical film]], in which she played the role of a queen opposite [[Mammootty]]. Her performance in ''Bhagyadevatha'' led to her winning several awards.<ref>[http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/010110-2.shtml Dailynews – 8 Best Actor awards in one year for Kanika!]. Cinesouth.com (31 January 2010). Retrieved on 27 February 2012. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205091218/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/010110-2.shtml |date=5 February 2010 }}</ref> Her rising adulation in the Malayalam industry saw her eventually sign laudable roles in the films ''[[My Big Father]]'' and ''[[Christian Brothers (film)|Christian Brothers]]'' before she took a maternity break.
After her marriage, when she was supposed to bid adieu to the film industry, Kanika returned to [[Malayalam cinema]] in 2009, with the films ''[[Bhagyadevatha]]'', directed by veteran [[Sathyan Anthikkad]] and starring [[Jayaram]] and [[Narain (actor)|Narain]] as well, and ''[[Pazhassi Raja (2009 film)|Pazhassi Raja]]'', directed by reputed director [[Hariharan (director)|Hariharan]] and starring [[Mammootty]], [[Sarath Kumar]] and [[Padmapriya Janakiraman|Padmapriya]] among others. While the former one, in which she played the role of a homely Christian girl, was highly successful at the box office, the latter one, a biographical [[historical film]], in which she played the role of a queen opposite [[Mammootty]]. Her performance in ''Bhagyadevatha'' led to her winning several awards.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100204071427/http://www.cinesouth.com/masala/hotnews/new/010110-2.shtml Dailynews – 8 Best Actor awards in one year for Kanika!]. Cinesouth.com (31 January 2010). Retrieved 27 February 2012.</ref>  


==Other work==
She was starred with [[Mammootty]] in ''[[Abrahaminte Santhathikal]]'' (2018) and ''[[Mamangam (film)|Mamangam]]'' (2018). She working with [[Mohanlal]] and [[Prithviraj Sukumaran]] in the comedy drama ''[[Bro Daddy]]'' (2022).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/malayalam/movies/news/kaniha-joins-the-cast-of-bro-daddy/articleshow/84754119.cms|title =Kaniha joins the cast of 'Bro Daddy'|newspaper =The Times of India|date =26 July 2021}}</ref>
Besides acting, Kaniha has ventured into other fields, working as a dubbing artiste, playback singer and TV host, proving to be a versatile and talented person.


===Television===
She is best known for her stellar performance in the hit TV serial [[Ethirneechal (TV series)|''Ethirneechal'']] (2022-2024), has once again captivated audiences with her acting versatility. In a lesser-known but significant role, Kaniha made a cameo appearance in director [[Venkat Prabhu]]’s much-talked-about film ''[[The Greatest of All Time]]'' (2024), starring [[Vijay (actor)|Vijay]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/did-you-know-ethirneechal-actress-kaniha-acted-in-vijays-film-goat/articleshow/113285278.cms|title =Did you know Ethirneechal actress Kaniha acted in Vijay's film Goat?|newspaper =The Times of India|date =12 September 2024}}</ref>
At the prime of her career, Kaniha moved to "[[small screen]]", hosting a couple of TV shows, which she believed were a "refreshing change from movies". She had first hosted the second season of the popular comedy show ''Kalakka Povathu Yaaru'' on [[STAR Vijay]] in 2006, following which she had hosted the popular family based game show ''Mega Thanga Vettai'', the annual ''Chutti Vikatan Children's Quiz Show'' both on [[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]. Besides, she also played a lead role in the [[Soap opera|television serial]] ''Thiruvilayadal'' on Sun TV. She has judged popular [[reality shows]] like Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njaanum, Star Singer both on [[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]]. In 2015 she judged Uggram Ujjwalam a Malayalam reality show on Mazhavil Manorama.She judges Grand Magical Circus on Amrita TV.
 
===Dubbing and singing career===
Kaniha has ventured into playback singing and dubbing as well. Having a vast experience and being a professional singer before turning actress, Kaniha got the offer to sing the theme song of her debut film ''Five Star''. She then became a dubbing artiste, dubbing for actresses [[Genelia D'Souza]] in ''[[Sachein]]'', [[Sadha]] in ''[[Anniyan]]'' and [[Shriya Saran]] in ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji: The Boss]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm|title=The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji|publisher=[[Rediff]]|access-date=11 June 2009}}</ref>
 
===Advertisements===
Kaniha has also featured in print and TV ads of some reputed corporates. Some of them are listed below.
 
* The Chennai Silks
* Kalyan Sarees and Jewellers
* Rathna Thanga Maligai
* Tata Gold Plus
* SPP Silks, Erode
* Aachi Masala
* Seemas Silks
*ICL Fincorp
*Mahalakshmi Silks
* N Style


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Kaniha married Shyam Radhakrishnan, brother of [[Jayashree (actress)|Jayashree]] on 15 June 2008 who works as a US-based software engineer.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2008/kanika-wedding-sham-radhakrishnan-170608.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720164158/http://entertainment.oneindia.in/tamil/exclusive/2008/kanika-wedding-sham-radhakrishnan-170608.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 July 2012 |title=Kanika enters wedlock |work=[[Oneindia]] |access-date=11 June 2009 }}</ref> They have a son Sai Rishi born in November 2010. Initially she had decided to leave the film industry, finishing her career as an actress, and to settle down in the US, stating that she, however, would complete her hitherto signed films.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/tamil/gallery/Events/15539.html|title=Kanika Wedding Reception|publisher=IndiaGlitz|access-date=11 June 2009}}</ref> In January 2009 then, Kaniha, unexpectedly, announced her comeback with the [[Sathyan Anthikkad]]-directed [[Cinema of Kerala|Malayalam film]] ''[[Bhagyadevatha]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/actress-kaniha-makes-her-comeback/|title=Kanika makes her comeback|publisher=kollywoodtoday.com|access-date=11 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/feb-09-02/gopika-13-02-09.html|title=Gopika and Kanika scouting for roles|publisher=Behindwoods|access-date=11 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ia.rediff.com/www/movies/2009/apr/15s2-interview-with-kaniha.htm|title=Kanika, the next big thing in Malayalam cinema|publisher=[[Rediff]]|access-date=11 June 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/apr/09sld4-a-look-at-sathyan-anthikkads-bhagyadevatha.htm|title=The hottest summer release in Malayalam|publisher=[[Rediff]]|access-date=11 June 2009}}</ref>
Kanika married Shyam Radhakrishnan, brother of [[Jayashree (Tamil actress)|Jayashree]] on 15 June 2008 who works as a US-based software engineer. They have a son Sai Rishi born in November 2010. Initially she had decided to leave the film industry, finishing her career as an actress, and to settle down in the US, stating that she, however, would complete her hitherto signed films.{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}} In January 2009 then, Kanika, unexpectedly, announced her comeback with the [[Sathyan Anthikkad]]-directed [[Malayalam cinema|Malayalam film]] ''[[Bhagyadevatha]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/actress-kaniha-makes-her-comeback/ |title=Kanika makes her comeback |date=30 January 2009 |publisher=kollywoodtoday.com |access-date=11 June 2009 |archive-date=4 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110104032102/http://www.kollywoodtoday.com/news/actress-kaniha-makes-her-comeback/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ia.rediff.com/www/movies/2009/apr/15s2-interview-with-kaniha.htm |title=Kanika, the next big thing in Malayalam cinema |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=11 June 2009 |archive-date=21 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021063808/http://ia.rediff.com/www/movies/2009/apr/15s2-interview-with-kaniha.htm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/apr/09sld4-a-look-at-sathyan-anthikkads-bhagyadevatha.htm |title=The hottest summer release in Malayalam |publisher=[[Rediff]] |access-date=11 June 2009 |archive-date=21 October 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021140738/http://www.rediff.com/movies/2009/apr/09sld4-a-look-at-sathyan-anthikkads-bhagyadevatha.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
 
==Awards and nominations==
*;Won
* 2009: [[12th Asianet Film Awards|Asianet Special Jury Award]] – ''[[Bhagyadevatha]]'' / ''[[Pazhassi Raja (2009 film)|Pazhassi Raja]]''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20100106052709/http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/04/stories/2010010450860200.htm Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : ‘Pazhassi Raja’ selected as best film]. The Hindu (4 January 2010). Retrieved on 27 February 2012.</ref>
* 2009: Annual Malayalam Movie Award for Best Actress – ''[[Bhagyadevatha]]'' / ''[[Pazhassi Raja (2009 film)|Pazhassi Raja]]''<ref>[http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/malayalam/article/51386.html Lal, Kanika and Pazhassi -the best – Malayalam Movie News]. IndiaGlitz. Retrieved on 27 February 2012.</ref>
* 2009: Kerala Film Critics Association's Atlas Film Critics Award for Best Actress – ''[[Bhagyadevatha]]''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110129011100/http://www.hindu.com/2010/01/30/stories/2010013053740400.htm Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Two films share critics award]. The Hindu (30 January 2010). Retrieved on 27 February 2012.</ref>
*2012: Vanitha Film Award for Best Second Actress – ''[[Bavuttiyude Namathil]]''
*2013:The pearl awards - Best Supporting actress -''[[Bavuttiyude Namathil]]'', ''Spirit''
*;Nominations
* 2010: [[Filmfare Awards South]] – Best Actress – "[[Bhagyadevatha]]"


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
{{Pending films key}}


===As actress===
===As actress===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-  style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Language !! Notes
! Year !! Film !! Role !! Language!! Notes
|-
|-
| 2002 || ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]'' || Eashwari || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] ||
| 2002 || ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]'' || Eashwari || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="2"| 2003 || ''Ottesi Cheputunna'' || Divya || [[Telugu language|Telugu]] ||  
| rowspan="2"| 2003 || ''[[Ottesi Cheputunna]]'' || Divya || [[Telugu language|Telugu]] || rowspan="2"| Credited as Sravanthi
|-
|-
|''[[Annavru (2003 film)|Annavaru]]'' || Subbulakshmi || [[Kannada language|Kannada]] ||
|''[[Annavru (2003 film)|Annavaru]]'' || Subbulakshmi || [[Kannada]]  
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2004 || | ''[[Aethiree]]'' || Gayathri Natarajan || Tamil ||
| rowspan="2" | 2004 || | ''[[Aethiree]]'' || Gayathri Iyer || rowspan="3" | Tamil ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Autograph (2004 film)|Autograph]]'' || Thenmozhi Senthil || Tamil ||
| ''[[Autograph (2004 film)|Autograph]]'' || Thenmozhi Senthil ||
|-
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Dancer (2005 film)|Dancer]]'' || Divya || Tamil ||
| 2005 || ''[[Dancer (2005 film)|Dancer]]'' || Divya ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2006 || ''[[Naa Autograph]]'' || Sandhya || Telugu ||
| rowspan="4" | 2006 || ''[[Naa Autograph]]'' || Sandhya || Telugu ||
Line 96: Line 67:
| ''[[Sye (2005 film)|Sye]]'' || Renu || Kannada ||
| ''[[Sye (2005 film)|Sye]]'' || Renu || Kannada ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Varalaru (film)|Varalaru]]'' || Gayathri || Tamil ||
| ''[[Varalaru (film)|Varalaru]]'' || Gayathri || Tamil ||{{Nominated}} – [[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil]]
|-
|-
| ''[[Ennittum]]'' || Sneha || [[Malayalam]] ||
| ''[[Ennittum]]'' || Sneha || rowspan="2" | [[Malayalam]] ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2009 || ''[[Bhagyadevatha]]'' || Daisy Benny || Malayalam ||  
| rowspan="4" | 2009 || ''[[Bhagyadevatha]]'' || Daisy Benny ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Rajakumari (2009 film)|Rajakumari]]'' || Rajakumari || Kannada ||
| ''[[Rajakumari (2009 film)|Rajakumari]]'' || Rajakumari || Kannada ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Pazhassi Raja (2009 film)|Pazhassi Raja]]'' || Kaitheri Maakam || Malayalam ||  
| ''[[Pazhassi Raja (2009 film)|Pazhassi Raja]]'' || Kaitheri Maakam || rowspan="12" | Malayalam ||  
|-
|-
| ''[[My Big Father]]'' || Ancy || Malayalam ||
| ''[[My Big Father]]'' || Ancy ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="1"| 2010 || ''[[Drona 2010]]'' || Tulasimani || Malayalam ||
|rowspan="1"| 2010 || ''[[Drona 2010]]'' || Tulasimani ||
|-
|-
|| 2011 || ''[[Christian Brothers (film)|Christian Brothers]]'' || Stella || Malayalam ||  
|| 2011 || ''[[Christian Brothers (film)|Christian Brothers]]'' || Stella ||
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2012 || ''[[Cobra (2012 film)|Cobra]]'' || Annie ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2012 || ''[[Cobra (2012 film)|Cobra]]'' || Annie ||  Malayalam ||  
| ''[[Spirit (2012 film)|Spirit]]'' || Meera ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Spirit (2012 film)|Spirit]]'' || Meera || Malayalam ||
| ''[[Bavuttiyude Namathil]]'' || Mariam ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Bavuttiyude Namathil]]'' || Mariam || Malayalam ||
| rowspan="1" | 2013 || ''[[Orissa (film)|Orissa]]'' || Chandrabhaga ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2013 || ''[[Orissa (film)|Orissa]]'' || Chandrabhaga || Malayalam ||
| rowspan="3" | 2014 || ''[[To Noora with Love]]'' ||Sainaba ||<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/on-location-to-noora-with-love-all-about-noora/article5809735.ece |title=On location: To Noora with Love – All about Noora |first=P. K. Ajith |last=Kumar |newspaper=The Hindu |date=20 March 2014 |access-date=19 February 2018 |archive-date=19 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219210817/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/on-location-to-noora-with-love-all-about-noora/article5809735.ece |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
| ''Blackberry'' ||  Herself || Malayalam || Archived from [[Spirit (2012 film)|Spirit]]
| ''[[How Old Are You? (film)|How Old Are You]]'' || Susan David || Cameo appearance
|-
|-
| rowspan="3" | 2014 || ''[[To Noora with Love]]'' ||Sainaba || Malayalam ||<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-columns/on-location-to-noora-with-love-all-about-noora/article5809735.ece|title=On location: To Noora with Love – All about Noora|first=P. K. Ajith|last=Kumar|date=20 March 2014|access-date=19 February 2018|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>
| ''[[Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu]]'' || Waahida ||
|-
|-
| ''[[How Old Are You? (film)|How Old Are You]]'' || Susan David || Malayalam ||
| rowspan="2" | 2015 || ''[[Rudra Simhasanam]]'' || Mohini ||
|-
|-
| ''[[Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu]]'' || Waahida || Malayalam ||
| ''[[O Kadhal Kanmani]]'' ||Pregnant women
|Tamil|| Cameo appearance
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2015 || ''[[Rudra Simhasanam]]'' || Mohini || Malayalam ||
| rowspan="1" | 2016 ||''[[10 Kalpanakal]]''|| Sara || rowspan="9" |Malayalam||
|-
|-
| ''[[O Kadhal Kanmani]]'' ||Pregnant woman || Tamil || Cameo
| rowspan="2" | 2018
|''[[Abrahaminte Santhathikal]]''||Diana Joseph ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="1" | 2016 ||''[[10 Kalpanakal]]''||Sara ||Malayalam||
|''[[Drama (2018 film)|Drama]]''|| Mercy John Chacko (Kunjumol) ||
|-
|-
| rowspan="1" | 2017 ||''Green Apple''||Abhirami ||Malayalam||
| rowspan="2" | 2019 ||''[[Lonappante Mamodeesa]]''||Neelima||
|-
|-
|rowspan=2|2018
|''[[Mamangam (2019 film)|Mamangam]]''
|''[[Abrahaminte Santhathikal]]''||Diana Joseph || Malayalam||  
| Chirudevi
|
|-
|-
|-
| rowspan="4" | 2022
|''[[Drama (2018 film)|Drama]]''|| Mercy John Chacko (Kunjumol) ||Malayalam ||
|''[[Bro Daddy]]''||Elsy Kurian||<ref>{{cite news |last=Palisetty |first=Ramya |title=Prithviraj Sukumaran announces his second directorial Bro Daddy with Mohanlal |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/prithviraj-sukumaran-announces-his-second-directorial-bro-daddy-with-mohanlal-1816663-2021-06-18 |access-date=15 July 2021 |work=[[India Today]] |date=18 June 2021 |archive-date=19 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619201702/https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/prithviraj-sukumaran-announces-his-second-directorial-bro-daddy-with-mohanlal-1816663-2021-06-18 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|''[[CBI 5: The Brain]]''||Susan George / Ambika Unnithan||
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2019 ||''[[Lonappante Mamodeesa]]''||Neelima||Malayalam||
|''[[Paappan]]''|| Susan||<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/feb/15/suresh-gopi-to-reunite-with-joshiy-for-paapan-22836.html |title=Suresh Gopi to reunite with Joshiy for Paapan |work=[[Cinema Express]] |access-date=6 March 2021 |archive-date=5 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305040654/https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/feb/15/suresh-gopi-to-reunite-with-joshiy-for-paapan-22836.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|-
|'' [[Mamangam (2019 film)|Mamangam]]''
|''Perfume: Her Fragnance''
| Chirudevi
|Abhirami
| Malayalam
|
|
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" | 2021 ||''Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir''||{{TBA}}||Tamil||Filming
| 2023
| ''[[Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir]]'' ||Kanagarani|| rowspan="5" |Tamil||
|-
|rowspan=3|2024
| ''[[Weapon (film)|Weapon]]'' || Damini || 
|-
|''[[The Greatest of All Time]]''||Abi Menon ||Special appearance<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/tamil/did-you-know-ethirneechal-actress-kaniha-acted-in-vijays-film-goat/articleshow/113285278.cms|title=Did you know Ethirneechal actress Kaniha acted in Vijay's film Goat?|website=timesofindia.com}}</ref>
|-
|-
|''[[Cobra (2020 film)|Cobra]]''||{{TBA}}||Tamil||Completed
|''[[Once Upon A Time in Madras]]'' || Kowsi || Special appearance
|-
|-
|Rowspan=2|2022
|2025 ||''[[Niram Marum Ulagil]]'' ||Fathima ||<ref>{{cite news |title=Aadukalam Naren, Suresh Menon's character names in Natty-starrer Niram Marum Ulagil revealed! |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/tamil/movies/news/aadukalam-naren-suresh-menons-character-names-in-natty-starrer-niram-marum-ulagil-revealed/articleshow/118025055.cms |work=The Times of India |date=7 February 2025}}</ref>
|''[[Paappan]]''||Susan||Malayalam||Filming
|-
|-
|''[[Bro Daddy]]''||{{TBA}}||Malayalam||Filming
|}
|}


===As dubbing artiste===
===As dubbing artist===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-  style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Film !! For !! Language
! Year !! Film !! For !! Language!!  Notes
|-
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Sachein]]'' || [[Genelia]] || Tamil ||
| rowspan="2" | 2005 || ''[[Sachein]]'' || [[Genelia D'Souza]] || rowspan="3" | [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|-
|-
| 2005 || ''[[Anniyan]]'' || [[Sadha]] || Tamil ||
| ''[[Anniyan]]'' || [[Sadha]]  
|-
|-
| 2007 || ''[[Sivaji (film)|Sivaji: The Boss]]'' || [[Shriya Saran]] || Tamil ||
| 2007 || ''[[Sivaji: The Boss]]'' || [[Shriya Saran]]  
|}
|}


===As playback singer===
===As playback singer===
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-  style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Title!! Film !! Language!! Composer!!  Notes
! Year !! Title!! Film !! Language!! Composer!!  Notes
|-
|-
| 2002 || "Engalukku" || ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]'' || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] || Parasuram-Radha ||
| 2002 || "Engalukku" || ''[[Five Star (film)|Five Star]]'' ||  rowspan="2" | [[Tamil language|Tamil]] || Parasuram-Radha ||
|-
| 2021 || "Thiruppavai" || ''Margazhi Thingal'' || Ravi G || Also actress in the music album
|}
 
==Television==
===Shows===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! Year !! Program !! Role !! Channel!! Language
|-
|2006||''Kalakka Povathu Yaaru''|| rowspan="3" | Host||[[Vijay TV]]||rowspan="3"| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|-
|2007–2008||''Mega Thangavettai''|| rowspan="2" | [[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]
|-
|2008||''Annual Chutti Vikatan Children's Quiz Show''
|-
|2013||''Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njanum''|| rowspan="5" | Judge||[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]]||rowspan="8"| [[Malayalam]]
|-
|2015||''Uggram Ujjwalam''||[[Mazhavil Manorama]]
|-
|2016||'' comedy stars season 2''||[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]]
|-
|2017||''Grand Magical Circus''|| rowspan="2" | [[Amrita TV]]
|-
|2019||''Kerala Dance League''
|-
|rowspan="2" | 2020||''Snehathode Veetil Ninnu''|| rowspan="2" | Herself||[[Mazhavil Manorama]]
|-
|''Health Desk''||[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]]
|-
|2021||''Red Carpet''||Mentor||[[Amrita TV]]
|-
|rowspan="2" | 2022||''[[Vanakkam Tamizha]]''|| Guest ||[[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]||Tamil
|-
|''Cook with Comedy ''||Judge||[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]]||[[Malayalam]]
|-
|2023
|''Pongal Vilayattu''
|Participant
|rowspan="3"|[[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]
|rowspan="5"|[[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|-
|2024–2025
|''Naanga Ready Neenga Ready Ah''
|Judge
|-
|2025
|''[[Vanakkam Tamizha]]''|| Guest
|-
|2025
|''Single Pasanga''
|Judge
|[[Zee Tamil]]
|-
|-
|2021||"Thiruppavai"||''Margazhi Thingal''||[[Tamil language|Tamil]]||Ravi G||Also actress in the music album
|}
|}
; Television
 
===Serials===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-  style="background:#ccc; text-align:center;"
! Year !! Program !! Role !! Channel!!Language
! Year !! Program !! Role !! Channel!!Language!! Notes
!Notes
|-
|-
|2006||Kalakka Povathu Yaaru||Host||[[Vijay TV]]||[[Tamil language|Tamil]]||
|2008||''Thiruvillayadal''||Devi||rowspan="2"| [[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]||rowspan="4"| [[Tamil language|Tamil]]
|
|-
|-
|2007–2008||Mega Thangavettai||Host||[[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]||Tamil||
|2022–2024
|''[[Ethirneechal (TV series)|Ethirneechal]]''
|Eshwari Gunasekaran
|{{Won}} - [[Tamil Nadu State Awards|Tamil Nadu State Television Awards]] for Best Character Actress
|-
|-
|2008||Annual Chutti Vikatan Children's Quiz Show ||Host||[[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]||Tamil||
|2022
|''[[Mad Company]]''||Podhum Ponnu
|[[Aha (streaming service)|Aha]]
| [[Web series]]
|-
|2024– 2025
|''[[Ethirneechal (TV series)|Ethirneechal Thodargiradhu]]''
|Eshwari Gunasekaran||Sun TV
|
|-
|-
|2008||''Thiruvillayadal''||Devi||[[Sun TV (India)|Sun TV]]||Tamil||Serial
|}
 
== Awards and nominations ==
{{BLP unreferenced section|date=November 2024}}
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Year
!Film & TV shows
!Award
!Category
!Result
|-
|-
|2013||Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njanum||Judge||[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]]||[[Malayalam]]||
|2007
|''[[Varalaru]]''
|[[Filmfare Awards South]]
|[[Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil]]
|{{Nominated}}
|-
|-
|2015||Uggram Ujjwalam ||Judge||[[Mazhavil Manorama]]||Malayalam||
|2010||''[[Pazhassiraja]]''||[[Asianet Film Awards]]||Special Jury Award||{{Won}}
|-
|-
|2017||Grand Magical Circus ||Judge||[[Amrita TV]]||Malayalam||
|2013
|''[[Bavuttiyude Namathil]]''
|[[Vanitha Film Awards]]  
|Best Supporting Actress
|{{Won}}
|-
|-
|2019||Kerala Dance League||Judge||[[Amrita TV]]||Malayalam||
| rowspan="2" |2023
| rowspan="3" |''[[Ethirneechal (TV series)|Ethirneechal]]''
| Behindwoods Gold Icons
|Best Lead Cast On Television
|{{Won}}
|-
|-
|2020||Snehathode Veetil Ninnu||Herself||[[Mazhavil Manorama]]||Malayalam||rowspan=2|Covid-19 Special awareness show
|[[Sun Kudumbam Viruthugal]]
|Thanga Mangai
|{{Won}}
|-
|-
|2020||Health Desk||Herself||[[Asianet (TV channel)|Asianet]]||Malayalam
|2024
|[[Ananda Vikatan Awards|Ananda Vikatan Television Awards]]  
|Best Supporting Actress
|{{Won}}
|-
|-
|2021||Red Carpet||Mentor||[[Amrita TV]]||Malayalam||
|2025
|''[[Ethirneechal (TV series)|Ethirneechal Thodargirathu]]''
|[[Sun Kudumbam Viruthugal]]
|Thanga Mangai
|{{Won}}
|-
|-
|2026
|''[[Ethirneechal (TV series)|Ethirneechal]]''
|[[Tamil Nadu State Awards|Tamil Nadu State Awards – Television]]
|Best Charector Actress –2022
|{{Won}}<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 2016-2022 and TV Awards 2014-2022 announced {{!}} Full list|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/entertainment/southern_cinema/tamil-nadu-state-film-awards-2016-2022-and-tv-awards-2014-2022-announced-full-list-1503548795.html|website=The Statesman|date=2026-01-30|access-date=2026-02-02|language=en-US|first=Statesman News|last=Service}}</ref>
|}
|}
; TV Shows as Guest
* Star Singer
* Onasallapam
* Annie's Kitchen
* Comedy Stars
* Smart Show
* Cookalong Celebrity
* Get Set Chat
* Media Directory
* Ayalathe Onam
* I Personally
* Abhrahaminoppam Mammoottyiyude Perunnal
* JOQ (Just One Question)
* TV New
* OMF Media
* ACV News
* Cinema Vikatan
* E Onam Kanihakkoppam
* Meet The Editors
* Yes I Am
* Washington Diary
* Webindia 123
* Star Chat
* Chillujalakam
* FOMAA 2010
* Asianet Film Awards
* Vanitha Film Awards


==See also==
==See also==
* [[List of BITS alumni]]
* [[List of BITS Pilani alumni]]


==References==
==References==
Line 245: Line 297:
* {{IMDb name|id=1701016|name=Kanika}}
* {{IMDb name|id=1701016|name=Kanika}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150325161718/http://www.nilacharal.com/enter/celeb/kanika.asp Kanika's profile] at Nilacharal
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20150325161718/http://www.nilacharal.com/enter/celeb/kanika.asp Kanika's profile] at Nilacharal
* [http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm Interview to rediff.com on May 2007]
* [http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2007/may/24sskanika.htm Interview to rediff.com in May 2007]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110929230703/http://www.flixster.com/actor/kanika Flixster Profile]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110929230703/http://www.flixster.com/actor/kanika Flixster Profile]


Line 252: Line 304:
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kanika}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kanika}}
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Actresses from Madurai]]
[[Category:Indian film actresses]]
[[Category:Indian film actresses]]
[[Category:Tamil actresses]]
[[Category:Tamil actresses]]
Line 262: Line 313:
[[Category:Tamil television actresses]]
[[Category:Tamil television actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian actresses]]
[[Category:Tamil playback singers]]
[[Category:Tamil-language playback singers]]
[[Category:Indian female film singers]]
[[Category:Indian women playback singers]]
[[Category:Actresses from Madurai]]
[[Category:Singers from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Singers from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Indian voice actresses]]
[[Category:Indian voice actresses]]
[[Category:1982 births]]
[[Category:Women musicians from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Women musicians from Tamil Nadu]]
[[Category:Musicians from Madurai]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian women singers]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian singers]]
[[Category:1980 births]]

Latest revision as of 00:28, 27 March 2026


For the village in Assam, see Kaniha, Kamrup.

Kanika
Born
Divya Venkatasubramaniam Iyer

(1982-07-03) 3 July 1982 (age 44)
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Other namesKaniha, Sravanthi
Alma materBITS Pilani
Occupation
  • Actress
  • Voice actor
  • Playback singer
  • TV anchor
Years active2002-present
Spouse(s)
Shyam Radhakrishnan
(
m. 2008)
ChildrenSai Rishi

Divya Venkatasubramaniam Iyer, better known by her stage name Kaniha, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in Malayalam cinema along with a few Tamil, Telugu and Kannada movies.[1][2] Kaniha made her debut in the 2002 Tamil film Five Star.[3]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Kanika was born 3 July 1982[4] as Divya Venkata Subramaniam in Madurai. Her father Venkata Subramaniam Iyer was an engineer. She won the Tamil Nadu State Award for Educational Excellence in 1999. She pursued her Mechanical engineering degree from 1999 to 2003 at BITS Pilani.[5][6][7]

Having improved her singing talent since childhood by participating in pop music and light music shows, Divya was interested in performing arts. While she was still studying, she gave stage performances as a pop singer from time to time. When she was scheduled to perform at the Miss Chennai beauty pageant in 2001, she was selected to participate in the pageant after a model had backed out at the last minute.[8] Despite lack of experience, she emerged victorious in the contest.[9]

Career[edit | edit source]

Susi Ganesan spotted Kanika on a magazine cover page and insisted on her performing the lead female role in his second feature film. Divya eventually entered the Film industry, accepting the offer, while her name was changed to Kanika. Her debut film was the Mani Ratnam-produced Five Star (2002) with Prasanna, who made his acting debut as well, in which Kaniha portrayed a traditional village girl. She completed the entire film during her summer holidays, since she was a student.[10]

Kanika turned down all projects that were subsequently offered to her, including films by S. Shankar and P. C. Sreeram,[10] and went on to complete her graduation. Even before she finished her graduation, she completed her Telugu debut film Ottesi Cheputunna during her winter vacations, acting under another stage name Sravanthi.[11][12] In regard to her performance, Idlebrain wrote: "Sravanthy looks homely in the film and suited the character. She performed well. She is good at dances as well".[13]

After completing her studies, Kanika decided to give herself a go at the Tinsel towns. She starred in the Kannada film Annavaru (2004), a remake of Mani Ratnam's Thalapathi (1991), stepping into Kannada filmdom, too. She followed the movie with a cameo role in Cheran's Autograph. Kaniha next appeared in a comedy oriented role in a commercial film by K. S. Ravikumar, Aethiree along with Madhavan, Sada, in which she portrayed a "naughty Brahmin girl".[10] Sify labelled her performance in the film as "outstanding".[14] She returned to Telugu cinema, accepting to reprise her role in the Telugu remake of Autograph, Naa Autograph, playing the same role as in the original version.[12]

Kanika has ventured into playback singing and dubbing as well. Having a vast experience and being a professional singer before turning actress, Kanika got the offer to sing the theme song of her debut film Five Star. She then became a dubbing artiste, dubbing for actresses Genelia D'Souza in Sachein (2005), Sadha in Anniyan (2005) and Shriya Saran in Sivaji: The Boss (2007).[15]

After her marriage, when she was supposed to bid adieu to the film industry, Kanika returned to Malayalam cinema in 2009, with the films Bhagyadevatha, directed by veteran Sathyan Anthikkad and starring Jayaram and Narain as well, and Pazhassi Raja, directed by reputed director Hariharan and starring Mammootty, Sarath Kumar and Padmapriya among others. While the former one, in which she played the role of a homely Christian girl, was highly successful at the box office, the latter one, a biographical historical film, in which she played the role of a queen opposite Mammootty. Her performance in Bhagyadevatha led to her winning several awards.[16]

She was starred with Mammootty in Abrahaminte Santhathikal (2018) and Mamangam (2018). She working with Mohanlal and Prithviraj Sukumaran in the comedy drama Bro Daddy (2022).[17]

She is best known for her stellar performance in the hit TV serial Ethirneechal (2022-2024), has once again captivated audiences with her acting versatility. In a lesser-known but significant role, Kaniha made a cameo appearance in director Venkat Prabhu’s much-talked-about film The Greatest of All Time (2024), starring Vijay.[18]

Personal life[edit | edit source]

Kanika married Shyam Radhakrishnan, brother of Jayashree on 15 June 2008 who works as a US-based software engineer. They have a son Sai Rishi born in November 2010. Initially she had decided to leave the film industry, finishing her career as an actress, and to settle down in the US, stating that she, however, would complete her hitherto signed films.[citation needed] In January 2009 then, Kanika, unexpectedly, announced her comeback with the Sathyan Anthikkad-directed Malayalam film Bhagyadevatha.[19][20][21]

Filmography[edit | edit source]

Key
Films that have not yet been released Denotes films that have not yet been released

As actress[edit | edit source]

Year Film Role Language Notes
2002 Five Star Eashwari Tamil
2003 Ottesi Cheputunna Divya Telugu Credited as Sravanthi
Annavaru Subbulakshmi Kannada
2004 Aethiree Gayathri Iyer Tamil
Autograph Thenmozhi Senthil
2005 Dancer Divya
2006 Naa Autograph Sandhya Telugu
Sye Renu Kannada
Varalaru Gayathri Tamil Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil
Ennittum Sneha Malayalam
2009 Bhagyadevatha Daisy Benny
Rajakumari Rajakumari Kannada
Pazhassi Raja Kaitheri Maakam Malayalam
My Big Father Ancy
2010 Drona 2010 Tulasimani
2011 Christian Brothers Stella
2012 Cobra Annie
Spirit Meera
Bavuttiyude Namathil Mariam
2013 Orissa Chandrabhaga
2014 To Noora with Love Sainaba [22]
How Old Are You Susan David Cameo appearance
Mylanchi Monchulla Veedu Waahida
2015 Rudra Simhasanam Mohini
O Kadhal Kanmani Pregnant women Tamil Cameo appearance
2016 10 Kalpanakal Sara Malayalam
2018 Abrahaminte Santhathikal Diana Joseph
Drama Mercy John Chacko (Kunjumol)
2019 Lonappante Mamodeesa Neelima
Mamangam Chirudevi
2022 Bro Daddy Elsy Kurian [23]
CBI 5: The Brain Susan George / Ambika Unnithan
Paappan Susan [24]
Perfume: Her Fragnance Abhirami
2023 Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir Kanagarani Tamil
2024 Weapon Damini
The Greatest of All Time Abi Menon Special appearance[25]
Once Upon A Time in Madras Kowsi Special appearance
2025 Niram Marum Ulagil Fathima [26]

As dubbing artist[edit | edit source]

Year Film For Language
2005 Sachein Genelia D'Souza Tamil
Anniyan Sadha
2007 Sivaji: The Boss Shriya Saran

As playback singer[edit | edit source]

Year Title Film Language Composer Notes
2002 "Engalukku" Five Star Tamil Parasuram-Radha
2021 "Thiruppavai" Margazhi Thingal Ravi G Also actress in the music album

Television[edit | edit source]

Shows[edit | edit source]

Year Program Role Channel Language
2006 Kalakka Povathu Yaaru Host Vijay TV Tamil
2007–2008 Mega Thangavettai Sun TV
2008 Annual Chutti Vikatan Children's Quiz Show
2013 Sundari Neeyum Sundaran Njanum Judge Asianet Malayalam
2015 Uggram Ujjwalam Mazhavil Manorama
2016 comedy stars season 2 Asianet
2017 Grand Magical Circus Amrita TV
2019 Kerala Dance League
2020 Snehathode Veetil Ninnu Herself Mazhavil Manorama
Health Desk Asianet
2021 Red Carpet Mentor Amrita TV
2022 Vanakkam Tamizha Guest Sun TV Tamil
Cook with Comedy Judge Asianet Malayalam
2023 Pongal Vilayattu Participant Sun TV Tamil
2024–2025 Naanga Ready Neenga Ready Ah Judge
2025 Vanakkam Tamizha Guest
2025 Single Pasanga Judge Zee Tamil

Serials[edit | edit source]

Year Program Role Channel Language Notes
2008 Thiruvillayadal Devi Sun TV Tamil
2022–2024 Ethirneechal Eshwari Gunasekaran Won - Tamil Nadu State Television Awards for Best Character Actress
2022 Mad Company Podhum Ponnu Aha Web series
2024– 2025 Ethirneechal Thodargiradhu Eshwari Gunasekaran Sun TV

Awards and nominations[edit | edit source]

Template:BLP unreferenced section

Year Film & TV shows Award Category Result
2007 Varalaru Filmfare Awards South Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil Nominated
2010 Pazhassiraja Asianet Film Awards Special Jury Award Won
2013 Bavuttiyude Namathil Vanitha Film Awards Best Supporting Actress Won
2023 Ethirneechal Behindwoods Gold Icons Best Lead Cast On Television Won
Sun Kudumbam Viruthugal Thanga Mangai Won
2024 Ananda Vikatan Television Awards Best Supporting Actress Won
2025 Ethirneechal Thodargirathu Sun Kudumbam Viruthugal Thanga Mangai Won
2026 Ethirneechal Tamil Nadu State Awards – Television Best Charector Actress –2022 Won[27]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Kaniha turns hot in Mollywood". Sify. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014.
  2. ↑ "Kaniha to play female lead in Mammooty starrer Cobra". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 11 December 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2011.
  3. ↑ "The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji". Archived from the original on 16 September 2015. Retrieved 8 June 2009.
  4. ↑ "Kaniha rings in 40 with zeal, says, 'bring it on 40s'". Times of India. 4 July 2022.
  5. ↑ Nambidi, Parvathy (24 February 2013). "Topper meets her match". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
  6. ↑ "Sandpaper - The BITSAA Magazine". BITSAA International. 2006. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  7. ↑ "Srikanth's new movie details". Idlebrain.com. 20 January 2003. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  8. ↑ "The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji". Rediff. Archived from the original on 16 September 2015. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  9. ↑ "Miss Chennai 2001". vibamisschennai.com. Archived from the original on 4 February 2009. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji Archived 16 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine. Rediff.com (31 December 2004). Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  11. ↑ "Annavaru - Kannada". Deccan Herald. 21 December 2003. Archived from the original on 30 December 2003. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Telugu cinema Review – Naa Autograph – Sweet Memories – Ravi Teja, Bhumika Chawla, Gopika Archived 6 July 2017 at the Wayback Machine. Idlebrain.com (11 August 2004). Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  13. ↑ Telugu Cinema – Review – Ottesi Cheputunna – Srikanth, Sivaji – E Sathi Babu – Vidya Sagar – Anil Archived 27 January 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Idlebrain.com (11 April 2003). Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  14. ↑ Movie Review:Aethiree. Sify.com. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  15. ↑ "The voice behind Shriya in Sivaji". Rediff. Archived from the original on 16 September 2015. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
  16. ↑ Dailynews – 8 Best Actor awards in one year for Kanika!. Cinesouth.com (31 January 2010). Retrieved 27 February 2012.
  17. ↑ "Kaniha joins the cast of 'Bro Daddy'". The Times of India. 26 July 2021.
  18. ↑ "Did you know Ethirneechal actress Kaniha acted in Vijay's film Goat?". The Times of India. 12 September 2024.
  19. ↑ "Kanika makes her comeback". kollywoodtoday.com. 30 January 2009. Archived from the original on 4 January 2011. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
  20. ↑ "Kanika, the next big thing in Malayalam cinema". Rediff. Archived from the original on 21 October 2009. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
  21. ↑ "The hottest summer release in Malayalam". Rediff. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 11 June 2009.
  22. ↑ Kumar, P. K. Ajith (20 March 2014). "On location: To Noora with Love – All about Noora". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 19 February 2018. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  23. ↑ Palisetty, Ramya (18 June 2021). "Prithviraj Sukumaran announces his second directorial Bro Daddy with Mohanlal". India Today. Archived from the original on 19 June 2021. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  24. ↑ "Suresh Gopi to reunite with Joshiy for Paapan". Cinema Express. Archived from the original on 5 March 2021. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  25. ↑ "Did you know Ethirneechal actress Kaniha acted in Vijay's film Goat?". timesofindia.com.
  26. ↑ "Aadukalam Naren, Suresh Menon's character names in Natty-starrer Niram Marum Ulagil revealed!". The Times of India. 7 February 2025.
  27. ↑ Service, Statesman News (30 January 2026). "Tamil Nadu State Film Awards 2016-2022 and TV Awards 2014-2022 announced | Full list". The Statesman. Retrieved 2 February 2026.

External links[edit | edit source]

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