South Indian actress Nayantara Converted to Hinduism?

Top southern actress Nayanthara has converted from Christianity to Hinduism, say sources close to the Arya Samaj, even as she herself maintains a studied silence on the issue.

Nayanthara, born and brought up as Diana Mariam Kurian, was a born Christian. She changed her name because of her foray into films.

She reportedly converted to Hinduism Sunday morning at the Arya Samaj Temple in Chennai, the sources said, adding she has retained her name Nayanthara.

Some see it as a step towards her impending marriage to actor-director Prabhu Deva who divorced his earlier wife, a Muslim and did not change her religion at the time of marriage.

Nayanthara is tightlipped. Asked about her marriage, she says: 'No comments.'

On Sunday morning, the actress reportedly headed straight to the Arya Samaj Temple on Waltax Road.

She went through all the religious processes as per the scriptures. All the procedures of 'Shuddhi Karma', a procedure involving Vedic purification, were meticulously followed, say the sources close to Arya Samaj.

They also added that a 'homan' or fire ritual was held where Nayantara chanted hymns and the Sankeerthan Mantra.

Incidentally, the members of Prabhu Deva's family are devotees of the Suttur Mutt in Mysore. His parents are devotees of Male Mahadeshwara Swamy.

The sources said Nayanthara left soon after the purification ceremony. A certificate of conversion to Hinduism was issued to her. The actress flew back to Kochi by an evening flight.

It is reported that her parents have expressed their opposition to Nayanthara's desire to convert to Hinduism.

Nayanthara's last film 'Ramayana', directed by veteran director Bapu, was completed only a few days ago.

Nayanthara who plays Sita's role in the film became emotional on the last day of her shoot and even lay prostrate before all the elders in the unit, including the octogenarian director Bapu.

Nayanthara says her decision to convert to Hinduism is purely personal.

'Yes, I have become a Hindu and it's my own personal decision. I went through the entire ceremony with passion and conviction,' she is believed to have told a friend.

She sports a tattoo of Prabhu Deva on her body. The couple were also seen in some film related functions together.

Prabhu Deva to be Granted Divorce on July 7

Finally, it was D-day for Prabhu Deva, as he was sanctioned divorce with his wife of 15 years Latha aka Ramlath today (July 2) at the family court in Chennai.

Remember that a joint affidavit, signed by the couple, was submitted in the family court on Dec 29, 2010.

The final settlement, was fixed for hearing after six months (on June 30) but both the parties failed to appear on the said date and the Magistrate has posted the case to July 10th, 2011.

But like a filmi-twist, Prabhu and Latha suddenly appeared before the magistrate today and was sanctioned divorce.

This high drama at the Family court grounds has brought to an end a rather complicated court battle.

Sources close to Prabhu say that it was to avoid media glare and publicity that he failed to appear on June 30 and instead opt for today.

But contrary to what Prabhu thought, the news of Prabhu and Latha appearing in court was out by noon and a huge contingent of reporters from newspapers and channels were waiting outside to hear the verdict. Prabhu was seen calm and composed but refused to speak to the media.

The magistrate posted the case to July 7 and said that the judgment on the divorce will be pronounced then.

Now the question on everybody’s lips is- "When is Prabhu Deva getting married to Nayanthara?"

Prabhu Deva to convert to Christianity?

No sooner had the affair between Prabhu Deva and Nayanthara blossomed, than it became the focus of public attention. Even the minutest details of their problems were relentlessly published in many newspapers. Naturally it turned out to be the hottest topic of Kodambakkam. First it was the problem caused by Prabhu Deva’s wife Ramlath and then their divorce. Later it was revealed by some of the closer sources that Prabhu Deva and Nayanthara will be entering wedlock by August.

The latest news is that the parents of Nayanthara have insisted that Prabhu Deva get baptized and convert to Christianity. It is worth mentioning that Nayanthara belongs to a staunch Roman Catholic family. However Nayan is advocating for her fiance and wants to settle the issue in a favorable way.

Urumi (2011) - Malayalam Movie Review

Cast and Crew:

Starring: Prithviraj, Prabhu Deva, Genelia D'Souza, Nithya Menon, Arya, Tabu, Vidya Balan, Jagathy Sreekumar
Directed by: Santosh Sivan
Produced by: Prithviraj, Santosh Sivan, Shaji Natesan
Written by: Shankar Ramakrishnan
Singers: K J Yesudas, Swetha, Manjari Babum, Job Kurian, Rita, Reshmi Sathish, Guru Kiran, Shaan Rahman, KR Renji,Prithviraj, Mili
Lyricist: Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri
Music by: Deepak Dev
Cinematography: Santosh Sivan
Editing by: A. Sreekar Prasad
Studio: August Cinema
Distributed by: August Films


Santosh Sivan’s Urumi is a miniature masterpiece of moods, emotions, anxieties ruled by a thirst for revenge. The film unfolds like a ballad and is a sweet and simple fairy tale. The 170 minutes film works to a large extent to its perfect casting, fantastic performances, soothing score and technical brilliance.

Santosh has made it like how a period drama should be made without too much talk about freedom struggle, no bombastic dialogues or playing to the gallery for heroism. His vision and concept gives this epic the feel of a Brave Heart or Gladiator.

It provides us a new insight into the hearts and minds of ancient heroes and shot in locations that reflect the period as everything looks fresh, green and clean and one can feel even the mist. Another major plus is that there are hardly any CG special effects that one would associate with a period war film.

Shankar Ramakrishnan’s script is simple and straightforward and keeps the narrative absorbing and inspiring. The film starts in the present day with a modern don’t care youth Krishna Das (Prithviraj) and his friend (Prabhu Deva) having a jolly good time. A big corporate offers Krishna Das a bomb for his ancestral property in Kerala.

On his arrival in Kerala to sign the papers, he learns the truth about his land and ancestors, which is told in a flashback. A brave warrior (Arya), wants to kill Vasco da Gama, the Viceroy of Portuguese Empire in India. But he is brutally killed by the invaders and his son Chirakkal Kelu Naynar (Prithviraj) is out to take revenge with a golden Urumi, that he makes with the ornaments of dead women and children who were burnt alive in a ship that was going to Mecca. It was set on fire and sunk under the instructions from Vasco Da Gama.

The film is spread between the second and third visit of Gama to India and chronicles a varied version of how Gama could have met a bloody death in 1524 AD. Kelu is supported by his childhood Muslim buddy Vavvali (Prabhu Deva). In the journey he meets warrior princess Ayesha (Genelia), who has her own axe to grind against the foreign invaders. Will they be able to kill Vasco Da Gama ?

The major highlight of the film is the performances of its lead actors. Prithviraj as Kelu Naynar is dashing. You cannot take your eyes of him, it’s a difficult role and he has come out with flying colours especially in the climax scene. Prabhu Deva is there in as many frames as Prithviraj, and is a real treat to watch. He does comedy and romance with ease and the chat song with Nithya is a scream.

However it goes without saying that this is Genelia’s show. She has shed her bubbly image for an out of the world controlled performance and her Kalaripayattu action scenes are thrilling. Nithya Menen looks pretty and is a scene stealer, while Jagathy is outstanding. Amol Gupte, Alex, Robin and others are lifelike. There is also walk in cameo appearances by Arya, Vidya Balan and Tabu.

Music of Deepak Dev enriches the film with Aaro nee aaro, Chimmi Chimmi and the theme music is haunting. A pat for Shankar Ramakrishnan for his intricately crafted script, super editing by Sreekar Prasad without any gimmicks and eye catching beautiful camera work by Sivan and his assistant Anjuli Shukla.

Santosh Sivan has come out with a story of valour with an admirable degree of craftsmanship and clarity. The producers Santosh, Prithviraj and Shaji Natesan can be proud of this epic.

Urumi is a fairy tale fantasy film that has a heart and technical artistry. Go for it.

Verdict- Very Good

Urumi gets 'U' certificate

Cinematographer-Director Santosh's magnum opus Urumi, being made in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and English with Prithviraj, Genelia, Vidya Balan, Tabu and Prabhu Deva in the lead roles, was censored on March 30 by the Thiruvananthapuram Regional Censors who cleared the film with a clean 'U' certificate without any cuts.

The film is releasing in 70 screens on March 31. Titled Vasco Da Gama (English version) and Pathinaindham Nootrandu Uraivaal (Tamil version), Urumi is based on the attempted murder of Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama when he came to Kerala. Music is by Deepak Dev, a former keyboard player with A.R.Rahman.

Genelia’s new face in “Urumi”

So far we have seen bubbly beauty Genelia in romantic and comedy roles but in “Urumi” she will be seen in a complete new role.

She is playing the role of a Portuguese princess and performed amazing martial art stunts. In fact, Genelia has undergone a short training in martial arts for performing this role perfectly. The film is based on the attempt made in killing Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gamma, when he reached Kappadu near Kozhikode in the year 1498.

Directed by Santosh Sivan the film has Prithviraj, Arya, Jagathy Sreekumar, Vidya Balan, Tabu and Prabhu Deva in the lead roles. The film is releasing on March 31, 2011 as the big summer release in Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi and English.

Santosh Sivan, Prithviraj and Shaji Natesan produced the film under the banner of August Cinema. Music is by Deepak Dev. The trailer which was out recently is showered with praises for Santosh Sivan’s brave attempt and presentation.