Janani (actress)
Zanani Iyer | |
|---|---|
| File:Janani Iyer.JPG Zanani Iyer in Circa 2012 | |
| Born | Zanani Iyer Chennai, Tamilnadu, India |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2011-present |
Zanani Iyer is an Indian actress who predominantly appears in Tamil and Malayalam movies. She started her modelling career during her studies and appeared in over 150 television advertisements before getting signed by director Bala to essay the lead female role in the Tamil feature film Avan Ivan.[1]
She is one of the 16 contestants of the Tamil television reality show Bigg Boss Tamil 2 which is telecasted on Star Vijay.[2]
Personal life
Zanani Iyer was born in Kathivakkam in Chennai to a Tamil Brahmin family. She did her schooling at DAV Gopalapuram and graduated with a degree in computer science at Saveetha Engineering college.[3][4]
Career
After her studies, she ventured into modeling and appeared in over 150 regional television advertisements.[3][5] However, she said, she always dreamt of becoming an actress, considering acting to be her "passion in life".[3] During her modelling career, she appeared in cameo roles in Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru (2009) and Gautham Menon's Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (2010), though she had initially signed the latter film to play the second heroine.
In early 2010, following the recommendation of director A. L. Vijay, Janani went to audition for director Bala,[3] who was looking for a Tamil-speaking newcomer for the lead female character for his film project, Avan Ivan. Upon seeing her audition, Bala signed her for the role, saying he felt that she "fits into the role".[3] The comedy-drama film featured Iyer in the role of an innocent police constable.[1] Her next release was Paagan, in which she was paired opposite Srikanth.[6] A critic from Sify wrote, "Janani Iyer looks beautiful and it is a relief to watch a Tamil girl speaking in her own voice."[7]
In 2013, she made her debut in Malayalam cinema with 3 Dots.[8]
In 2014, her Tamil Film Thegidi released with both critical and Box office acclaim. IndiaGlitz.com review said - Janani Iyer is sweet and plays her part perfectly as Madhu the innocent girl.[9] She has signed four more Malayalam films Koothara[10] and Edison Photos, in which she plays a Tulu Brahmin girl,[11] Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal[12] and Seventh Day.[13]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Thiru Thiru Thuru Thuru | Background model | Tamil | (Uncredited) Cameo appearance |
| 2010 | Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa | Assistant director | Tamil | Cameo appearance |
| 2011 | Avan Ivan | Baby | Tamil | |
| 2012 | Paagan | Mahalakshmi | Tamil | |
| 2013 | 3 Dots | Lakshmi | Malayalam | |
| 2014 | Thegidi | Madhushree | Tamil | |
| 2014 | 7th Day | Jessy | Malayalam | |
| 2014 | Mosayile Kuthira Meenukal | Deena | Malayalam | |
| 2014 | Koothara | Noora | Malayalam | |
| 2016 | Ithu Thaanda Police | Niya Menon | Malayalam | |
| 2016 | Ma Chu Ka | Nivedita Haran | Malayalam | |
| 2017 | Adhe Kangal | Sadhana | Tamil | |
| 2017 | Mupparimanam | Herself | Tamil | Cameo appearance |
| 2017 | Balloon | Shenbagavalli | Tamil | |
| 2018 | Vidhi Madhi Ultaa | Divya | Tamil | |
| 2018 | Thollaikatchi | Tamil | Filming |
- Television
- Bigg Boss Tamil 2 (2018)
References
- ^ a b "I'm God's favourite child: Janani Iyer". The Times of India. 25 February 2011.
- ^ Lee, Dharmik (17 June 2018). "பிக்பாஸ் போட்டியாளரான பாலா பட கதாநாயகி!". Vikatan (in Tamil). Retrieved 17 June 2018.
- ^ a b c d e "Bala's new Tamil heroine!". Moviebuzz. Sify.com. 31 January 2010. Retrieved 2 February 2010.
- ^ "Janani Iyer- Bala's new heroine". Indiaglitz.com. 8 February 2010. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
- ^ "A dream start for Janani Iyer". The Times of India. 4 February 2010.
- ^ "Srikanth – Janani Iyer in 'Paagan'". IndiaGlitz. 29 August 2011. Retrieved 29 August 2011.
- ^ "Paagan Movie Review". Retrieved 18 October 2012.
- ^ "Janani's journey begins here". Deccan Chronicle. 28 November 2012. Archived from the original on 12 November 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Thegidi Movie Review". 28 February 2014.
- ^ "Language's not a barrier for Janani Iyer – Times of India". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 26 September 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
- ^ "Janani Iyer and Nivin Pauly will team up next – Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 13 November 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
- ^ Gayathry (12 December 2013). "Andrea Jeremiah Says No To Asif Ali! – Oneindia Entertainment". Entertainment.oneindia.in. Retrieved 30 January 2014.
- ^ "Prithviraj to play a middle-aged cop! – Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 13 December 2013. Retrieved 30 January 2014.