Also 21, Navya Nair debuted opposite Dileep in the hit, Ishtam.

But it was the blockbuster Nandanam, opposite Prithviraj, which established her in the industry.

Navya walked away with all the awards including the state award. But she was also criticised for imitating Manju Warrier.

The films that followed, featuring Prithviraj and Navya Nair, sank at the box office. But nobody disputed her talent.

She is one of the few Malayalee actresses who have a filmi background -- her uncle, filmmaker K Madhu made the Sethurama Iyer series with Mammootty.

Navya's first Tamil film, Azhagiya Theeye, did good business, and she is regarded as a talented actress in Tamil cinema as well.