Meet actress who started as a child artist, won a National Award, and rose to become South India’s much-loved star, her name is…

On her birthday, we look back at her inspiring journey from a curious child actor to a National Award-winning South Indian superstar.

Born on October 17, 1992, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Keerthy Suresh was brought up in the world of cinema. Being the daughter of director G. Suresh Kumar and erstwhile actress Menaka, storytelling and creativity were an everyday affair. Even though she graduated in fashion designing from Pearl Academy in Chennai, fate had greater plans for her: the big screen.

How did Keerthy start acting?

Keerthy’s initial steps in the film industry were as a child artist in her father’s productions such as Pilots, Achaneyanenikkishtam, and Kuberan. Taking a break from studies, she came back to the world of cinema as a heroine with Geethaanjali (2013), where she gave a two-role performance and earned the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut, Malayalam.

By 2015, Keerthy was no longer a Malayalam sensation alone. She stamped herself in Tamil and Telugu cinema in Idhu Enna Maayam, Rajinimurugan, Remo, Nenu Sailaja, and Bairavaa. Her sparkling eyes, natural charm, and on-screen presence made her one of the most desired actresses within the region.

The role that defined her

2018 saw the release of Mahanati, the Savitri biopic, which became the turning point in Keerthy’s career. Both the critics and the audience applauded her performance, and she went on to win the National Film Award for Best Actress. The movie established that she could shoulder a story by herself with elegance, depth, and truth.

Beyond awards

Between 2019 and 2024, Keerthy demonstrated her diversity with movies such as Penguin, Miss India, Sarkaru Vaari Paata, Dasara, Saani Kaayidham, and Raghu Thatha. She has balanced commercial entertainers with critically appreciated performances beautifully, collecting various Filmfare and SIIMA Awards en route.

In December 2024, Keerthy wedded long-time friend Antony Thattil in a stunning wedding in Goa that combined Malayali and Christian traditions. The actress revealed that they waited patiently to get married until both of them were professionally and emotionally prepared, illustrating her down-to-earth approach to life and celebrity status.

As she turns a year older today, Keerthy keeps us going with the promises of her next projects, such as Baby John, Revolver Rita, and Kanni Vedi. From a curious little girl to a commanding actress, her journey is an example of determination, talent, and sincerity.

Highlights:

1. Keerthy Suresh was awarded the National Film Award for Best Actress for Mahanati.
2. She tied the knot with Antony Thattil in December 2024, uniting two cultures.
3. Throughout her career, she worked in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam movies, winning several awards.