Nadhiya

Biography

Nadhiya, born Zareena Moidu, is a renowned Indian actress known for her versatile performances in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films. With a career spanning several decades, Nadhiya has established herself as a prominent figure in South Indian cinema. 

She is celebrated for her charisma, acting range, and elegance on screen, earning a special place in the hearts of audiences. Though she initially started her career as a lead actress, Nadhiya later returned to the industry in impactful supporting roles, consistently impressing audiences across generations.

Nadhiya completed her schooling at Sir Jamsetjee Jeejebhoy School of Art in Mumbai. She then pursued further education in the United States at a college in Long Island, New York, before eventually returning to India. Nadhiya’s time in the U.S. played a crucial role in shaping her personality, adding an international perspective to her approach to life and work.

Rise to Fame in Tamil and Telugu Cinema

Following the success of her debut film, Nadhiya quickly became one of the most sought-after actresses in South Indian cinema. She transitioned smoothly into Tamil cinema with her debut in Poove Poochudava (1985), directed by Fazil, which further solidified her popularity. This film, in which she starred opposite Padmini and Jaishankar, was a massive hit and showcased Nadhiya’s ability to portray a range of emotions with finesse.

Major Films and Memorable Roles

Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Nadhiya appeared in several hit films across the Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam film industries, working with top actors and directors. Some of her most notable films from her early career include:

Poove Poochudava (1985) – This Tamil film showcased Nadhiya’s talent for emotional acting and established her as a star. Her role as the spirited and resilient young woman, Sundari, became iconic.

Rajadhi Raja (1989) – Nadhiya starred opposite Rajinikanth in this Tamil film, directed by R. Sundarrajan. Her character, depicted as both strong and graceful, further cemented her position in the industry.

Mugguru Kodukulu (1988) – This Telugu film showcased Nadhiya’s versatility as an actress, and her role was appreciated by audiences in the Telugu-speaking states.

Nadodi Pattukkaran (1992) – Starring alongside Karthik, Nadhiya played a memorable role in this Tamil musical romantic drama. Her on-screen chemistry with Karthik added to the film’s appeal.

Chinna Thambi (1991) – Though not the lead in this Tamil classic, Nadhiya’s presence contributed to the film's overall appeal. Her versatility was once again evident in her ability to leave an impact in supporting roles.

Hiatus and Return to Cinema

After achieving significant success in her early career, Nadhiya took a hiatus from the film industry in the early 1990s. During this time, she moved to the United States, where she married Shirish Godbole, an investment banker. The couple settled down, and Nadhiya focused on her family, dedicating time to raising her two children, Sanam and Saachin.

However, her love for cinema and acting eventually brought her back to the industry. Nadhiya returned to films in the mid-2000s, primarily taking on supporting roles that showcased her maturity and acting depth. Her comeback was marked by impactful performances in both Tamil and Telugu films, redefining her image as a talented character actress.

Second Innings in Cinema: Supporting Roles and Iconic Characters

M. Kumaran S/O Mahalakshmi (2004) – Nadhiya’s comeback film, a Tamil movie directed by M. Raja, saw her in a powerful role as the protagonist's mother, Mahalakshmi. Starring opposite Jayam Ravi, Nadhiya received widespread acclaim for her portrayal of a strong, loving mother. The role revitalized her career, earning her several accolades and setting a trend of casting her in motherly roles with grace and strength.

Attarintiki Daredi (2013) – Nadhiya’s performance as Sunanda in this Telugu blockbuster, directed by Trivikram Srinivas, showcased her elegance and acting prowess. Starring alongside Pawan Kalyan and Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Nadhiya brought depth to her character, a woman caught in familial conflicts. The film was a massive hit, making her one of the go-to actresses for strong female roles in Telugu cinema.

Drushyam (2014) – In this Telugu adaptation of the Malayalam hit Drishyam, Nadhiya played a strict police officer opposite Venkatesh. Her commanding screen presence and powerful performance added depth to the suspense drama, making her character memorable.

A Aa (2016) – Directed by Trivikram Srinivas, this romantic comedy starred Nadhiya in the role of Parvathi, the mother of the lead character played by Nithiin. Her role was lauded for balancing humor with emotional depth, adding further dimensions to her character.

Thattathin Marayathu (2012) – Nadhiya also appeared in the Malayalam film Thattathin Marayathu, where her character as the mother played a key role in the narrative.

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout her career, Nadhiya has received numerous accolades, including:

Kerala State Film Special Jury Award for Nokketha Doorathu Kannum Nattu

Filmfare Awards South for her powerful comeback roles

SIIMA and Nandi Award nominations for her performances in supporting roles in Telugu films