Milana Nagaraj Explained

Milana Nagaraj
Birth Date:25 April[1]
Birth Place:Hassan, Karnataka, India
Yearsactive:2013present
Alma Mater:Vivekananda Institute of Technology, Bengaluru

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 and is a recipient of several accolades including a Filmfare Awards South and two South Indian International Movie Awards.[2] [3]

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.[4] 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 frequent co-actor Darling Krishna.[5]

Early life and work

Milana was born on 25 April in Hassan, Karnataka.[6] 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.[7] [8]

Milana started her career as a model and participated in Femina Miss Karnataka, where she won "Miss Best Personality". She then ventured into acting.[9]

Career

Debut and early work (2013-2019)

Milana made her acting debut with the 2013 film Nam Duniya Nam Style opposite Likith Shetty.[10] Times of India noted "Milana Nagaraj excels with good expressions and dialogue delivery."[11] The same year, she portrayed Madhu opposite Darshan in Brindavana, a remake of Telugu film Brindavanam.[12] Times of India said that Milana "impresses" with her expressions.[13] In 2015, she portrayed Purvi in Charlie, opposite Krishna.

Milana has two releases in 2017. She first made her Malayalam film debut with Avarude Raavukal opposite Vinay Forrt.[14] Deccan Chronicle stated, "Milana Nagaraj has done a neat job but seems like an afterthought."[15] She next portrayed Aishwarya in Jani opposite Vijay Raghavendra.[16] Times of India noted that Milana has "bare minimum to do".[17]

Breakthrough and success (2020-2022)

Milana made her film comeback, post a three year hiatus with the 2020 film Love Mocktail.[18] She portrayed Nidhima, software employee opposite Krishna. The New Indian Express stated, "A unique role for Milana Nagaraj, she shows maturity in her acting."[19] 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."[20] The same year, she portrayed Spandana in Matte Udbhava opposite Panju.[21] Times of India mentioned that "Milana Nagaraj chips in with a good performance."[22]

Milana had three releases in 2022. She first reprised Nidhima in Love Mocktail 2 opposite Krishna.[23] 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".[24] Times of India stated, "Milana looks ethereal in the film and adds a lot of entertainment."[25] She next portrayed Renu Rona opposite Sudeepa in Vikrant Rona.[26] Bollywood Hungama noted that, "Milana is nice in her cameo role."[27] She then portrayed Nikitha alongside Amrutha Iyengar in O.[28] The New Indian Express stated, "Milana get to experiment with fresh characterisation and gives a strong performance."[29]

Milana also turned producer with these films. She has co-produced Love Mocktail (2020) and Love Mocktail 2 (2022).[30] She won SIIMA Award for Best Film – Kannada for the former.[31]

Career progression (2023-present)

In 2023, she first portrayed Pallavi opposite Krishna in Mr. Bachelor. Cinema Express mentions that she delivers "a likeable performance".[32] She next portrayed a fashion designer in Love Birds opposite Krishna.[33] 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."[34] [35] In her third film of the year, Milana portrayed an alcoholic again opposite Krishna in Kousalya Supraja Rama.[36] The Hindu noted, "Milana’s portrayal of a drunkard is a tad over the top, but she performs with superb restraint in serious portions."[37]

In 2024, Milana appeared in For Regn opposite Pruthvi Ambaar.[38] She played Anvita, whose marriage is in trouble. 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."[39] Milana will next appear in Araam Aravind Swamy opposite Anish Tejeshwar and Abhishek Shetty.

Personal life

Milana Nagaraj met actor Krishna, on the sets of the 2013 film Nam Duniya Nam Style. They eventually started dating in 2015.[40] Milana married Krishna on 14 February 2021, in a private traditional ceremony on the outskirts of Bengaluru.[41] [42]

In the media

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."[43] Milana was placed 17th in 2013 and 14th in 2020, in the Bangalore Times' Most Desirable Women list.[44] [45] 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.[46] Milana is one of the most followed Kannada actress on Instagram.[47]

Filmography

Films

style="background:#FFFFCC;"
Denotes films that have not yet been released
YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
2013Nam Duniya Nam Style Milana [48]
Brindavana Madhu
2015 Charlie Purvi
2017Avarude RaavukalMeghnaMalayalam film
JaniAishwarya
2020 Love Mocktail Nidhima "Niddhi"
Matte Udbhava Spandana
2022Love Mocktail 2Nidhima "Nidhi"
Vikrant RonaRenu Rona Cameo appearance [49]
ONikitha
2023Mr. BachelorPallavi[50]
Love BirdsPooja[51]
Kousalya Supraja RamaMutthulakshmi
2024For RegnAnvita "Anvi"[52]
Araam Aravind SwamyFilming[53]

Producer

YearTitleRef.
2020 Love Mocktail
2022 Love Mocktail 2 [54]

Accolades

YearAward Category Film Result Ref
2014Filmfare Awards SouthBest Supporting Actress – KannadaBrindavana[55]
2021Chandanavana Film Critics Academy AwardsBest FilmLove Mocktail[56]
Best Actress
South Indian International Movie AwardsBest Film – Kannada[57]
Best Actress – Kannada
2022Filmfare Awards SouthBest Actress – Kannada[58]
Best Actress Critics – Kannada
2024Chandanavana Film Critics Academy AwardsBest Actress Kousalya Supraja Rama[59]
Filmfare Awards SouthBest Actress – Kannada[60]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Happy Birthday Milana Nagaraj: Love Mocktail actress celebrates birthday with her husband Darling Krishna . News18 Kannada . 25 April 2021.
  2. Web site: Milana Nagaraj: She believes she can fly, swim and act! . Deccan Chronicle . 15 December 2019.
  3. Web site: 10 Things To Know About Kannada Star Milana Nagaraj . She The People . 15 February 2021.
  4. Web site: SIIMA Awards 2021: Here Is The Complete Winners List Of Day 2 . The Hans India . 20 September 2021.
  5. Web site: Actor Darling Krishna's Wife-actress Milana Nagaraj Drops Her AI-generated Pictures . News18 . 12 February 2023.
  6. Web site: Kannada actress Milana Nagaraj celebrates her birthday with her parents and cousins! . The Times of India . 25 April 2022.
  7. Web site: Affiliated Institutes - Bengaluru . Visvesvaraya Technological University . 25 June 2017 . 21 June 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170621233656/http://vtu.ac.in/affiliated-institutes/affiliated-institutes-bengaluru/ . dead.
  8. News: Milana Nagaraj: I wanted to be a national level swimmer! . The Times of India . 23 September 2013.
  9. News: Milana Nagaraj . The Times of India . 23 September 2013 . I participated in Miss Karnataka contest and was adjudged winner of Miss Best Personality.
  10. Web site: Preetham Gubbi's Nam Duniya Nam Style nearing completion . https://web.archive.org/web/20130421002444/http://www.sify.com/movies/preetham-gubbis-nam-duniya-nam-style-nearing-completion-news-kannada-neslmniehad.html . dead . 21 April 2013 . . 6 September 2013.
  11. News: NAM DUNIYA NAM STYLE MOVIE REVIEW - TOI . 17 December 2016 . The Times of India.
  12. News: Brindavana launched . https://web.archive.org/web/20130224022810/http://www.sify.com/movies/brindavana-launched-news-kannada-nctpoMgfbcg.html . dead . 24 February 2013 . . 19 February 2013.
  13. Web site: 2013 KANNADA FILM 'BRINDAAVANA' MOVIE REVIEW . The Times of India . 14 May 2016.
  14. News: Avarude Ravukal Movie Review: Critic Review of the film by Times of India . The Times of India . 2 June 2018.
  15. Web site: Avarude Raavukal movie review: A puzzle to unravel . Deccan Chronicle . 25 September 2017.
  16. Web site: Cinematographer PKH Das makes his directorial debut with the film 'Jani' . Lehren.com . 8 August 2017 . 9 August 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170809170853/https://www.lehren.com/news/regional/kannada/cinematographer-pkh-das-makes-his-directorial-debut-with-the-film-%E2%80%98jani%E2%80%99-20170807 . dead.
  17. Web site: Jani Movie Review: A 80s and 90s style commercial drama . The Times of India . 18 August 2017.
  18. Web site: I was inspired by the Tamil film '96' to make 'Love Mocktail': Director Darling Krishna . The New Indian Express . 10 May 2020.
  19. Web site: 'Love Mocktail' Movie Review: Mocktail of emotions with a musical hangover . The New Indian Express . 22 March 2020.
  20. Web site: 'Love Mocktail' review: This pleasant romcom strikes all the right notes . The News Minute . 20 March 2020.
  21. Web site: Matte Udbhava: Cast, Photos, Videos, Review, Showtime and much more.. . The Times of India . 20 August 2020.
  22. Web site: Matte Udbhava Movie Review: A movie marred only by cringe-worthy comedy . The Times of India . 27 February 2021.
  23. Web site: 2 June 2020 . Ready to start shooting for 'Love Mocktail 2', says Darling Krishna . The New Indian Express . 10 October 2021.
  24. Web site: 'Love Mocktail 2' Movie Review: The magic is still intact . Deccan Herald . 11 February 2022.
  25. Web site: 11 February 2022 . Love Mocktail 2 Movie Review : A heart-warming journey, filled with loads of laughter . The Times of India.
  26. Web site: Vikrant Rona teaser: Kichcha Sudeepa film promises to be an immersive cinematic experience. Watch . 19 April 2022 . The Indian Express.
  27. Web site: Vikrant Rona Movie Review - 2022 Kannada film . Bollywood Hungama . 28 July 2022 . 30 July 2022.
  28. Web site: O Movie ready to Release: 'ಓ' ಮೂಲಕ ಹೆದರಿಸಲು ಬರ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಮಿಲನಾ ನಾಗರಾಜ್‌, ಅಮೃತಾ ಅಯ್ಯಂಗಾರ್‌ . Hindustan Times . 11 November 2022.
  29. Web site: 'O' movie review: It raises the horror bar…a bit . https://web.archive.org/web/20221120163000/https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2022/nov/12/o-movie-review-itraisesthe-horrorbarhellipa-bit-2517421.amp . dead . 20 November 2022 . The New Indian Express . 13 November 2022.
  30. Web site: Darling Krishna and Co. wrap up 'Love Mocktail 2' - Times of India . 15 September 2021 . The Times of India . en.
  31. Web site: 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.
  32. Web site: Mr. Bachelor Movie Review: An effective timepass entertainer . Cinema Express . 25 January 2023.
  33. Web site: Darling Krishna-Milana Nagaraj: ಲವ್ ಬರ್ಡ್ಸ್ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಳ ಪಳ ಹಾಡು! . News18 Kannada . 5 February 2023.
  34. Web site: Love Birds Movie Review: A mature take on the highs and lows of marriage . The New Indian Express . 20 February 2023.
  35. Web site: Love Birds Movie Review: Love Birds is a warm take on what comes after happily ever after . The Times of India . 17 February 2023.
  36. Web site: Milana Nagaraj reunites with Krishna for Kousalya Supraja Rama . 11 July 2023 . 26 July 2023 . The New Indian Express . en.
  37. News: Kousalya Supraja Rama movie review: An engaging take on the perils of male ego . The Hindu . 2 August 2023 . 28 July 2023 .
  38. Web site: Exclusive - Milana Nagaraj joins For Regn opposite Pruthvi Ambaar . 19 October 2020 . Cinema Express.
  39. Web site: For Regn movie review: Milana Nagaraj, Pruthvi Ambaar are wasted in a shallow relationship drama . 23 February 2024 . The Hindu.
  40. Web site: Real life couple Krishna and Milana open up on working together for 'Love Mocktail' . The News Minute . 14 September 2020 . 5 April 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200405093058/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/real-life-couple-krishna-and-milana-open-working-together-love-mocktail-119840?amp . dead.
  41. Web site: ವೈವಾಹಿಕ ಜೀವನಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾಲಿಟ್ಟ ನಟ ಡಾರ್ಲಿಂಗ್ ಕೃಷ್ಣ, ಮಿಲನಾ ನಾಗರಾಜ್! . Vijay Karnataka . Padmashree Bhat . 15 February 2021.
  42. News: KrissMi Wedding: Kannada stars Darling Krishna and Milana Nagaraj tie the knot! . The Times of India . 14 February 2021.
  43. Web site: Rom-Coms provide scope for actresses to perform: Milana Nagaraj . Film Companion . 24 February 2024.
  44. News: Meet the Bangalore Times Top 25 Most Desirable Women 2013 . 25 September 2014 . The Times of India . 24 June 2014.
  45. Web site: Meet the beautiful ladies who make up Bangalore Times' 30 Most Desirable Women of 2020 . The Times of India . 15 November 2020.
  46. Web site: Rukimini Vasanth to Milana Nagaraj, 5 Kannada actress who raised the acting bar in 2023 . News18 India . 15 December 2023.
  47. Web site: Radhika Pandit to Milana Nagaraj: The most followed Kannada actresses on Instagram . News18 India . 12 September 2023.
  48. Web site: Nam Duniya Nam Style: Fun with friends . https://web.archive.org/web/20141218213212/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/Fun-with-friends/2013/06/27/article1654325.ece . dead . 18 December 2014 . The New Indian Express . 6 September 2013.
  49. Web site: Kichcha Sudeep's action thriller 'Vikrant Rona' to release on OTT soon . ZEE5 . 26 August 2022.
  50. News: Darling Krishna teams up with Nimika Ratnakar for his next . 15 September 2021 . The Times of India . en . Lokesh . Vinay.
  51. Web site: FIRST LOOK OUT: Milana Nagaraj looks Elegant, focused and independent . 19 January 2023 . The Times of India.
  52. Web site: Pruthvi Ambaar and Milana Nagaraj play Ashu and Anvi in the love story 'For Regn' . 25 October 2022 . The Times of India.
  53. Web site: Milana Nagaraj to star alongside Anissh in Aaram Aravind Swamy . 2 January 2023 . The New Indian Express.
  54. Web site: 12 December 2021 . Team 'Love Mocktail 2' sets up a valentine's date with fans . The Times of India.
  55. Web site: 61st Filmfare Awards (South) Complete Winners List. Filmfare. 13 July 2014. 19 September 2014.
  56. Web site: Chandanavana Film Critics Academy Awards: Love Mocktail, Dia, Gentleman Dominate. CFCA Academy. 28 September 2022.
  57. Web site: SIIMA Awards 2020 & 2021: Check Out The Nominations, Ceremony Date And Time Of This Most Awaited Gala Event . Ravali Hymavathi . The Hans India . 18 September 2021 . 18 September 2021.
  58. Web site: Winners of the Filmfare Awards South 2022 . Filmfare . 9 October 2022 . 10 October 2022.
  59. Web site: CFC Academy Awards 2024: ಚಂದನವನ ಫಿಲ್ಮ್ ಕ್ರಿಟಿಕ್ಸ್ ಅವಾರ್ಡ್‌ ನಾಮನಿರ್ದೇಶನ; ಇಲ್ಲೂ ದರ್ಶನ್‌ ‘ಕಾಟೇರ’ನೇ ಮುಂದು, ಹೀಗಿದೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ನಾಮಿನೇಷನ್‌ ಲಿಸ್ಟ್‌ . Hindustan Times Kannada . 21 January 2024.
  60. Web site: Nominations for the 69th Filmfare Awards (Kannada) 2024 . Filmfare . 16 July 2024 . 17 July 2024.

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