Nithya Menen wins Best Actress for Thiruchitrambalam at 70th National Film Awards

The 70th annual National Film Awards, annonced on Friday, August 16, 2024, celebrated the best in Indian cinema from 2022. In a remarkable achievement, Nithya Menen and Manasi Parekh tied for the prestigious Best Actress in a Leading Role award. Nithya Menen earned the accolade for her outstanding performance in Thiruchitrambalam, while Manasi Parekh was recognised for her role in Kutch Express.

Nithya Menen's win for Thiruchitrambalam highlights her versatility and depth as an actress. In the film, she portrays Shobana, a warm and relatable character who captures the hearts of viewers with her genuine emotions and nuanced performance. Nithya’s ability to bring authenticity to her roles has made her a beloved figure in the industry, and her work in Thiruchitrambalam is a testament to her exceptional talent.

The film, directed by Mithran Jawahar, revolves around the life of Thiruchitrambalam (played by Dhanush) and his relationships with the people around him, especially Shobana, who is his childhood friend. Nithya’s portrayal of Shobana adds layers of emotion and depth to the film, making it a memorable performance. Her chemistry with Dhanush is one of the film’s highlights, and her portrayal of a supportive and understanding friend resonated with audiences.

While Nithya Menen is celebrated for her work in regional cinema, her Bollywood career has also been noteworthy. She made her Hindi film debut in Mission Mangal (2019), where she starred alongside industry giants like Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan, and Taapsee Pannu. In the film, which narrates the story of India's Mars Orbiter Mission, Nithya played the role of Varsha Pillai, a scientist who contributes to the mission's success. Her natural performance in the ensemble cast further solidified her reputation as a versatile actress.

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In addition to Mission Mangal, Nithya also made a mark in the web series space with her role in Breathe: Into the Shadows (2020) on Amazon Prime Video. Playing Abha Sabharwal, the wife of Abhishek Bachchan's character, Nithya showcased her ability to handle complex and intense roles in a psychological thriller. Her performance was well-received, adding another layer of credibility to her growing body of work in Bollywood.

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The recognition at the National Film Awards is a significant milestone in Nithya Menen’s career. Known for her work across various Indian film industries, including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi, Nithya has consistently delivered powerful performances that leave a lasting impact. Her ability to seamlessly transition between different roles and genres has made her one of the most sought-after actresses in the industry.