Navya Nair is one of the most popular actresses who has primarily worked in Malayalam films. She also appeared in a few films in the Kannada and Tamil languages. However, currently, the actress has garnered a lot of limelight, which is not related to her work. For the unversed, the actress was fined a hefty amount at the Melbourne airport for wearing a jasmine gajra. Besides being an actress, Navya is a trained classical dancer and is also an author.
Coming to her personal life, she is married to a businessman, Santhosh Menon. It was Navya, who had sent the marriage proposal to Santhosh. Initially hesitant, Santhosh later fell for Navya due to her simplicity. But do you know Navya began her acting journey at the age of 16? Yes, you read it right. So, without further ado, let’s jump in to know more about her.
Who is Navya Nair?
Navya Nair was born Dhanya Veena on October 14, 1985, in Cheppad, Alappuzha, Kerala. Her father, Raju Nair, is a retired telecom employee, and her mother, Veena Nair, is a retired high school teacher. She has a brother, Rahul Nair. She completed her primary schooling at Bethany Balikamadam High School, Nangiarkulangara, and her secondary education at M.S.M. Secondary School. She also holds degrees, including a B.A. in Literature and an M.B.A. in Finance. At the age of 16, she began her acting career.
Navya Nair’s acting career
In 2001, Navya made her debut at the age of 16, with the Malayalam film, Ishtam. She is best known for her role as ‘Balamani’ in the Malayalam film, Nandanam. This movie helped her bag numerous accolades, including her first Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress. She is a two-time recipient of the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for her stellar performances in the movies Nandanam, Kanne Madanguka and Saira.
She has given many hits like Nandanam, Ishtam, Kunjikoonan, Mazhathullikkilukkam, and Kalyanaraman, among others. She also appeared in the Tamil film, Aadum Koothu, which won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Tamil. She made her Kannada debut with the movie, Gaja, which became a box office hit.
Navya Nair is a trained classical dancer and author
When Navya was in grade 2, she began her formal training in classical dance. After two years of training, she made her public debut. In 2006, she also received the Kalaimamani award, the highest civilian honour in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, for her contribution to art. Apart from being a phenomenal actress and a dedicated dancer, Navya has also written her autobiography, Navya Rasangal.
Navya Nair tied the knot with businessman, Santhosh Menon in 2010
Navya met the man of her dreams, Santhosh, in March 2009. The actress had sent the marriage proposal to Santhosh. However, the businessman was initially hesitant about the proposal as he thought the film stars had a lot of attitude. So, with the mix of curiosity and interest, he decided to meet Navya. The duo met for the first time in 2009 at Navya’s house. After the meeting, Santhosh’s perspective changed, and he eventually decided to marry Navya.
The couple tied the knot on January 21, 2010. The marriage ceremony took place at the Christ King High School ground at Cheppad. More than 5000 people attended the wedding, including superstars, Mammootty and Mohanlal, as well as Kavya Madhavan and Bhavana. The two went to Dubai for their honeymoon. In the same year, the couple welcomed their first child, a son, Sai Krishna.
Why was Navya Nair fined over Rs. 1 lakh at the Melbourne airport?
While sporting jasmine gajras is a part of Onam festivities in South India, this style statement made Navya lose a hefty amount. During her recent trip to Australia to attend the Onam celebrations organised by the Malayali Association of Victoria, the actress was stopped at the Melbourne airport and charged Rs. 1.14 lakh as a fine. During a public event, Navya shared how her father had brought the gajras for her before she left for Singapore. She was quoted as saying:
“Before I came here, it was my father who bought jasmine for me. He cut it into two parts and gave it to me. He asked me to wear one in my hair from Kochi to Singapore, since it would wither by the time I reached. He told me to keep the second one in my handbag so I could wear it on the onward journey from Singapore. I put it in my carry bag.”
Navya mentioned that what she did was against the law, but she had no idea of it beforehand. She also shared that officials have told her to pay the fine within 28 days. She also mentioned the amount that was charged to her as the fine. In her words:
“What I did was against the law. It was a mistake I made unknowingly. However, ignorance is no excuse. For bringing a 15 cm jasmine string, officials asked me to pay a fine of AUD 1,980 (Rs 1.14 lakh). A mistake is a mistake, though it was not intentional. They told me the fine must be paid within 28 days.”
What are your thoughts on Navya Nair getting fined by the officials at the Melbourne Airport? Let us know.
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