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Milana Nagaraj

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In this Indian name, the name Nagaraj is a patronymic, and the person should be referred to by the given name, Milana.

Milana Nagaraj
Milana in 2024
Born25 April[1]
Hassan, Karnataka, India
Alma materVivekananda Institute of Technology, Bengaluru
Occupations
  • Actress
  • model
  • producer
Years active2013–present
Spouse
​
(m. 2021)​
Children1

Milana Nagaraj (born 25 April) is an Indian actress who primarily works in Kannada films. Milana has established herself as one of the leading actresses in Kannada cinema,[2] and is a recipient of several accolades including a Filmfare Awards South and two South Indian International Movie Awards.[3][4]

Milana made her acting debut with Nam Duniya Nam Style (2013). The same year, she received Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Kannada nomination, for her performance in Brindavana. Post a series of failures, Milana received praises for her portrayal of Nidhi in Love Mocktail (2020) and its sequel Love Mocktail 2 (2022), they marked a turning point in her career.[5] For the former, she won the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress – Kannada and SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Kannada. Further success came with Kousalya Supraja Rama (2023).

Milana is married to her co-actor Darling Krishna with whom she has a daughter.[6]

Early life and work

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Milana was born on 25 April in Hassan, Karnataka.[1][7] She completed her schooling in Hassan. She completed her BE in computer science from Vivekananda Institute of Technology, Bengaluru and is a computer engineer. She was a state-level backstroke swimmer, before she started modelling.[8][9]

Milana started her career as a model and participated in Femina Miss Karnataka, where she won "Miss Best Personality". She then ventured into acting.[10]

Career

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Early work and struggle (2013-2019)

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Milana made her acting debut with the 2013 film Nam Duniya Nam Style opposite Likith Shetty.[11] A Times of India critic noted "Milana Nagaraj excels with good expressions and dialogue delivery."[12] The same year, she portrayed Madhu opposite Darshan in Brindavana, a remake of Telugu film Brindavanam.[13] Times of India said that Milana "impresses" with her expressions.[14] In 2015, she portrayed Purvi in Charlie, opposite Krishna.[15]

Milana has two releases in 2017. She first made her Malayalam film debut with Avarude Raavukal opposite Vinay Forrt.[16] Deccan Chronicle stated, "Milana Nagaraj has done a neat job but seems like an afterthought."[17] She next portrayed Aishwarya in Jani opposite Vijay Raghavendra.[18] Times of India noted that Milana has "bare minimum to do".[19]

Breakthrough and success (2020-2022)

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Milana made her film comeback, post a three year hiatus with the 2020 film Love Mocktail.[20] She portrayed Nidhima, software employee opposite Krishna. The New Indian Express stated, "A unique role for Milana Nagaraj, she shows maturity in her acting."[21] The News Minute noted, "Milana Nagaraj has a refreshing character and plays her part well. She must continue to pick roles that bring the best out of her."[22] The same year, she portrayed Spandana in Matte Udbhava opposite Panju.[23] Times of India mentioned that "Milana Nagaraj chips in with a good performance."[24]

Milana had three releases in 2022. She first reprised Nidhima in Love Mocktail 2 opposite Krishna.[25] Deccan Herald mentioned, "Milana's effort is a fine mix of understanding the character and bringing new layers to it." They even termed her "The soul of the franchise".[26] Times of India stated, "Milana looks ethereal in the film and adds a lot of entertainment."[27] She next portrayed Renu Rona opposite Sudeepa in Vikrant Rona.[28] Bollywood Hungama noted that, "Milana is nice in her cameo role."[29] She then portrayed Nikitha alongside Amrutha Iyengar in O.[30] The New Indian Express stated, "Milana get to experiment with fresh characterisation and gives a strong performance."[31]

Milana also turned producer with these films. She has co-produced Love Mocktail (2020) and Love Mocktail 2 (2022).[32] She won SIIMA Award for Best Film – Kannada for the former.[33]

Career progression (2023-present)

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In 2023, she first portrayed Pallavi opposite Krishna in Mr. Bachelor. Cinema Express mentions that she delivers "a likeable performance".[34] She next portrayed a fashion designer in Love Birds opposite Krishna.[35] The New Indian Express said, "Milana gives a natural and poignant performance." While Times of India wrote, "Krishna and Milana impress with their performance as a couple that is very much in love, but are unable to see through their differences."[36][37] In her third film of the year, Milana portrayed an alcoholic again opposite Krishna in Kousalya Supraja Rama.[38] The Hindu noted, "Milana’s portrayal of a drunkard is a tad over the top, but she performs with superb restraint in serious portions."[39]

In her first release of 2024, Milana played a secretly married woman in For Regn opposite Pruthvi Ambaar.[40] Vivek M. V. noted, "Milana is natural in emotional sequences and the actors [Milana and Ambaar] do more for the film than what the film does for them."[41] Following this, she played a school teacher in Aaraam Arvind Swamy opposite Aniish.[42] Suhasini B Srihari of Deccan Herald was appreciative of her "credible performance".[43]

Personal life

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Milana Nagaraj met actor Krishna, on the sets of the 2013 film Nam Duniya Nam Style. They eventually started dating in 2015.[44] Milana married Krishna on 14 February 2021, in a private traditional ceremony on the outskirts of Bengaluru.[45][46] On 5 September 2024, she gave birth to their daughter Pari.[47][48]

In the media

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Milana in 2023

Writing for Film Companion, film journalist Sonu Venugopal opined: "Milana Nagaraj has starred in many rom-coms in her career and has ushered in a new brand of such films in Kannada cinema. Milana would certainly be the perfect actor for a monicker in the rom-com genre, if there was."[49] Vivek M.V. of The Hindu noted, "Even in her weaker films, Milana stood out thanks to her charming presence and effortless portrayal of her characters."[50]

Milana was placed 17th in 2013 and 14th in 2020, in the Bangalore Times' Most Desirable Women list.[51][52] In 2023, News18 placed her 3rd in its "Top Kannada Actresses" list and noted, "Her on-screen charisma and stellar performance worked wonders in Kousalya Supraja Rama.[2] Milana is one of the most followed Kannada actress on Instagram.[53]

Filmography

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Films

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Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released
  • All films are in Kannada unless otherwise noted.
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2013 Nam Duniya Nam Style Milana [54]
Brindavana Madhu
2015 Charlie Purvi
2017 Avarude Raavukal Meghna Malayalam film
Jani Aishwarya
2020 Love Mocktail Nidhima "Niddhi"
Matte Udbhava Spandana
2022 Love Mocktail 2 Nidhima "Nidhi"
Vikrant Rona Renu Rona Cameo appearance [55]
O Nikitha
2023 Mr. Bachelor Pallavi [56]
Love Birds Pooja [57]
Kousalya Supraja Rama Mutthulakshmi
2024 For Regn Anvita "Anvi" [58]
Aaraam Arvind Swamy Geetha [59]

Producer

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Year Title Ref.
2020 Love Mocktail
2022 Love Mocktail 2 [60]

Accolades

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Year Award Category Film Result Ref
2014 Filmfare Awards South Best Supporting Actress – Kannada Brindavana Nominated [61]
2021 Chandanavana Film Critics Academy Awards Best Film Love Mocktail Nominated [62]
Best Actress Nominated
South Indian International Movie Awards Best Film – Kannada Won [63]
Best Actress – Kannada Won
2022 Filmfare Awards South Best Actress – Kannada Nominated [64]
Best Actress Critics – Kannada Won
2023 South Indian International Movie Awards Best Film – Kannada Love Mocktail 2 Nominated [65]
2024 Chandanavana Film Critics Academy Awards Best Actress Kousalya Supraja Rama Nominated [66]
Filmfare Awards South Best Actress – Kannada Nominated [67]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Happy Birthday Milana Nagaraj: Love Mocktail actress celebrates birthday with her husband Darling Krishna". News18 Kannada. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  2. ^ a b "Rukimini Vasanth to Milana Nagaraj, 5 Kannada actress who raised the acting bar in 2023". News18 India. 13 December 2023. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  3. ^ "Milana Nagaraj: She believes she can fly, swim and act!". Deccan Chronicle. 14 November 2018. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  4. ^ "10 Things To Know About Kannada Star Milana Nagaraj". She The People. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  5. ^ "SIIMA Awards 2021: Here Is The Complete Winners List Of Day 2". The Hans India. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  6. ^ "Actor Darling Krishna's Wife-actress Milana Nagaraj Drops Her AI-generated Pictures". News18. 2 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  7. ^ "Kannada actress Milana Nagaraj celebrates her birthday with her parents and cousins!". The Times of India. 25 April 2020. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  8. ^ "Affiliated Institutes - Bengaluru". Visvesvaraya Technological University. Archived from the original on 21 June 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  9. ^ "Milana Nagaraj: I wanted to be a national level swimmer!". The Times of India. 23 September 2013.
  10. ^ "Milana Nagaraj". The Times of India. 23 September 2013. I participated in Miss Karnataka contest and was adjudged winner of Miss Best Personality
  11. ^ "Preetham Gubbi's Nam Duniya Nam Style nearing completion". Sify. Archived from the original on 21 April 2013. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  12. ^ "NAM DUNIYA NAM STYLE MOVIE REVIEW - TOI". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  13. ^ "Brindavana launched". Sify. 19 February 2013. Archived from the original on 24 February 2013.
  14. ^ "2013 KANNADA FILM 'BRINDAAVANA' MOVIE REVIEW". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  15. ^ "Charlie Movie Review". The Times of India. Retrieved 16 July 2016.
  16. ^ "Avarude Ravukal Movie Review: Critic Review of the film by Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  17. ^ "Avarude Raavukal movie review: A puzzle to unravel". Deccan Chronicle. 25 June 2017. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  18. ^ "Cinematographer PKH Das makes his directorial debut with the film 'Jani'". Lehren.com. Archived from the original on 9 August 2017. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  19. ^ "Jani Movie Review: A 80s and 90s style commercial drama". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  20. ^ "I was inspired by the Tamil film '96' to make 'Love Mocktail': Director Darling Krishna". The New Indian Express. 30 January 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  21. ^ "'Love Mocktail' Movie Review: Mocktail of emotions with a musical hangover". The New Indian Express. 4 February 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  22. ^ "'Love Mocktail' review: This pleasant romcom strikes all the right notes". The News Minute. 31 January 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  23. ^ "Matte Udbhava: Cast, Photos, Videos, Review, Showtime and much more." The Times of India. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  24. ^ "Matte Udbhava Movie Review: A movie marred only by cringe-worthy comedy". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  25. ^ "Ready to start shooting for 'Love Mocktail 2', says Darling Krishna". The New Indian Express. 2 June 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  26. ^ "'Love Mocktail 2' Movie Review: The magic is still intact". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  27. ^ "Love Mocktail 2 Movie Review : A heart-warming journey, filled with loads of laughter". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  28. ^ "Vikrant Rona teaser: Kichcha Sudeepa film promises to be an immersive cinematic experience. Watch". The Indian Express. 2 April 2022. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  29. ^ "Vikrant Rona Movie Review - 2022 Kannada film". Bollywood Hungama. 28 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  30. ^ "O Movie ready to Release: 'ಓ' ಮೂಲಕ ಹೆದರಿಸಲು ಬರ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಮಿಲನಾ ನಾಗರಾಜ್‌, ಅಮೃತಾ ಅಯ್ಯಂಗಾರ್‌". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  31. ^ "'O' movie review: It raises the horror bar…a bit". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 20 November 2022. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  32. ^ "Darling Krishna and Co. wrap up 'Love Mocktail 2' - Times of India". The Times of India. 9 August 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  33. ^ "SIIMA 2021: Mahesh Babu and Rashmika Mandanna win big for Maharshi and Dear Comrade, check out full winners list". The Indian Express. 19 September 2021. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  34. ^ "Mr. Bachelor Movie Review: An effective timepass entertainer". Cinema Express. 10 January 2023. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
  35. ^ "Darling Krishna-Milana Nagaraj: ಲವ್ ಬರ್ಡ್ಸ್ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಳ ಪಳ ಹಾಡು!". News18 Kannada. 2 February 2023. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  36. ^ "Love Birds Movie Review: A mature take on the highs and lows of marriage". The New Indian Express. 7 February 2023. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  37. ^ "Love Birds Movie Review: Love Birds is a warm take on what comes after happily ever after". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  38. ^ "Milana Nagaraj reunites with Krishna for Kousalya Supraja Rama". The New Indian Express. 11 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  39. ^ "Kousalya Supraja Rama movie review: An engaging take on the perils of male ego". The Hindu. 28 July 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  40. ^ "Exclusive - Milana Nagaraj joins For Regn opposite Pruthvi Ambaar". Cinema Express. 9 October 2020. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  41. ^ m. v, Vivek (23 February 2024). "For Regn movie review: Milana Nagaraj, Pruthvi Ambaar are wasted in a shallow relationship drama". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  42. ^ "'Aaram Aravinda Swamy' to bring a whirlwind of emotions, action, and fun". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
  43. ^ "Aaram Arvind Swamy movie review: Finding a beginning at the end of a relationshi". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 22 November 2024.
  44. ^ "Real life couple Krishna and Milana open up on working together for 'Love Mocktail'". The News Minute. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020. Retrieved 14 September 2020.
  45. ^ Padmashree Bhat. "ವೈವಾಹಿಕ ಜೀವನಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾಲಿಟ್ಟ ನಟ ಡಾರ್ಲಿಂಗ್ ಕೃಷ್ಣ, ಮಿಲನಾ ನಾಗರಾಜ್!". Vijay Karnataka. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  46. ^ "KrissMi Wedding: Kannada stars Darling Krishna and Milana Nagaraj tie the knot!". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  47. ^ "Love Mocktail stars Milana Nagaraj and Darling Krishna blessed with a baby girl". Cinema Express. September 2024. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
  48. ^ "Darling Krishna, Milana Nagaraj 'had a strong feeling' that they would have a daughter". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  49. ^ "Rom-Coms provide scope for actresses to perform: Milana Nagaraj". Film Companion. 7 February 2024. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  50. ^ "Milana Nagaraj interview: On pregnancy, returning to films and hunt for strong roles". The Hindu. 19 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  51. ^ "Meet the Bangalore Times Top 25 Most Desirable Women 2013". The Times of India. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 25 September 2014.
  52. ^ "Meet the beautiful ladies who make up Bangalore Times' 30 Most Desirable Women of 2020". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  53. ^ "Radhika Pandit to Milana Nagaraj: The most followed Kannada actresses on Instagram". News18 India. 6 July 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  54. ^ "Nam Duniya Nam Style: Fun with friends". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  55. ^ "Kichcha Sudeep's action thriller 'Vikrant Rona' to release on OTT soon". ZEE5. 26 August 2022. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  56. ^ Lokesh, Vinay. "Darling Krishna teams up with Nimika Ratnakar for his next". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  57. ^ "FIRST LOOK OUT: Milana Nagaraj looks Elegant, focused and independent". The Times of India. 9 January 2023. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  58. ^ "Pruthvi Ambaar and Milana Nagaraj play Ashu and Anvi in the love story 'For Regn'". The Times of India. 4 April 2022. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  59. ^ "Milana Nagaraj to star alongside Anissh in Aaram Aravind Swamy". The New Indian Express. January 2023. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  60. ^ "Team 'Love Mocktail 2' sets up a valentine's date with fans". The Times of India. 12 December 2021.
  61. ^ "61st Filmfare Awards (South) Complete Winners List". Filmfare. 13 July 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  62. ^ "Chandanavana Film Critics Academy Awards: Love Mocktail, Dia, Gentleman Dominate". CFCA Academy. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  63. ^ Ravali Hymavathi (18 September 2021). "SIIMA Awards 2020 & 2021: Check Out The Nominations, Ceremony Date And Time Of This Most Awaited Gala Event". The Hans India. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  64. ^ "Winners of the Filmfare Awards South 2022". Filmfare. 9 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
  65. ^ K., Janani (2 August 2023). "SIIMA 2023 nomination out. 'PS 1', 'RRR', 'KGF 2' and 'Kantara' bag top spots". India Today. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  66. ^ "CFC Academy Awards 2024: ಚಂದನವನ ಫಿಲ್ಮ್ ಕ್ರಿಟಿಕ್ಸ್ ಅವಾರ್ಡ್‌ ನಾಮನಿರ್ದೇಶನ; ಇಲ್ಲೂ ದರ್ಶನ್‌ 'ಕಾಟೇರ'ನೇ ಮುಂದು, ಹೀಗಿದೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ನಾಮಿನೇಷನ್‌ ಲಿಸ್ಟ್‌". Hindustan Times Kannada. Retrieved 21 January 2024.
  67. ^ "Nominations for the 69th Filmfare Awards (Kannada) 2024". Filmfare. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 17 July 2024.
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