Milana Nagaraj

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

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

Milana Nagaraj (born 25 April) is an Indian actress who primarily works in Kannada films. Milana 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[edit]

Milana was born on 25 April in Hassan, Karnataka.[1][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[edit]

Debut and early work (2013-2019)[edit]

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.[14]

Milana has two releases in 2017. She first made her Malayalam film debut with Avarude Raavukal opposite Vinay Forrt.[15] Deccan Chronicle stated, "Milana Nagaraj has done a neat job but seems like an afterthought."[16] She next portrayed Aishwarya in Jani opposite Vijay Raghavendra.[17] Times of India noted that Milana has "bare minimum to do".[18]

Breakthrough and success (2020-2022)[edit]

Milana made her film comeback, post a three year hiatus with the 2020 film Love Mocktail.[19] She portrayed Nidhima, software employee opposite Krishna. The New Indian Express stated, "A unique role for Milana Nagaraj, she shows maturity in her acting."[20] 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."[21] The same year, she portrayed Spandana in Matte Udbhava opposite Panju.[22] Times of India mentioned that "Milana Nagaraj chips in with a good performance."[23]

Milana had three releases in 2022. She first reprised Nidhima in Love Mocktail 2 opposite Krishna.[24] 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".[25] Times of India stated, "Milana looks ethereal in the film and adds a lot of entertainment."[26] She next portrayed Renu Rona opposite Sudeepa in Vikrant Rona.[27] Bollywood Hungama noted that, "Milana is nice in her cameo role."[28] She then portrayed Nikitha alongside Amrutha Iyengar in O(ಓ).[29] The New Indian Express stated, "Milana get to experiment with fresh characterisation and gives a strong performance."[30]

Milana also turned producer with these films. She has co-produced Love Mocktail (2020) and Love Mocktail 2 (2022).[31] She won SIIMA Award for Best Film – Kannada for the former.[32]

Career progression (2023-present)[edit]

In 2023, she first portrayed Pallavi opposite Krishna in Mr. Bachelor. Cinema Express mentions that she delivers "a likeable performance".[33] She next portrayed a fashion designer in Love Birds opposite Krishna.[34] 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."[35][36] In her third film of the year, Milana portrayed an alcoholic again opposite Krishna in Kousalya Supraja Rama.[37] The Hindu noted, "Milana’s portrayal of a drunkard is a tad over the top, but she performs with superb restraint in serious portions."[38]

In 2024, Milana appeared in For Regn opposite Pruthvi Ambaar.[39] 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."[40] Milana will next appear in Araam Aravind Swamy opposite Anish Tejeshwar and Abhishek Shetty.

Personal life[edit]

Milana Nagaraj met actor Krishna, on the sets of the 2013 film Nam Duniya Nam Style. They eventually started dating in 2015.[41] Milana married Krishna on 14 February 2021, in a private traditional ceremony on the outskirts of Bengaluru.[42][43]

In the media[edit]

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

Filmography[edit]

Films[edit]

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 [48]
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 [49]
O Nikitha
2023 Mr. Bachelor Pallavi [50]
Love Birds Pooja [51]
Kousalya Supraja Rama Mutthulakshmi
2024 For Regn Anvita "Anvi" [52]
Araam Aravind Swamy TBA Filming [53]

Other crew positions[edit]

Year Title Role Ref.
2020 Love Mocktail Producer
2022 Love Mocktail 2 [54]

Accolades[edit]

Year Award Category Film Result Ref
2014 61st Filmfare Awards South Best Supporting Actress – Kannada Brindavana Nominated [55]
2021 2nd Chandanavana Film Critics Academy Awards Best Film Love Mocktail Nominated [56]
Best Actress Nominated
9th South Indian International Movie Awards Best Film – Kannada Won [57]
Best Actress – Kannada Won
2022 67th Filmfare Awards South Best Actress – Kannada Nominated [58]
Best Actress Critics – Kannada Won

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b "Happy Birthday Milana Nagaraj: Love Mocktail actress celebrates birthday with her husband Darling Krishna". News18 Kannada. Retrieved 25 April 2021.
  2. ^ "Milana Nagaraj: She believes she can fly, swim and act!". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 15 December 2019.
  3. ^ "10 Things To Know About Kannada Star Milana Nagaraj". She The People. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  4. ^ "SIIMA Awards 2021: Here Is The Complete Winners List Of Day 2". The Hans India. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  5. ^ "Actor Darling Krishna's Wife-actress Milana Nagaraj Drops Her AI-generated Pictures". News18. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  6. ^ "Kannada actress Milana Nagaraj celebrates her birthday with her parents and cousins!". Times of India. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  7. ^ "Affiliated Institutes - Bengaluru". Visvesvaraya Technological University. Archived from the original on 21 June 2017. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  8. ^ "Milana Nagaraj: I wanted to be a national level swimmer!". The Times of India. 23 September 2013.
  9. ^ "Milana Nagaraj". The Times of India. 23 September 2013. I participated in Miss Karnataka contest and was adjudged winner of Miss Best Personality
  10. ^ "Preetham Gubbi's Nam Duniya Nam Style nearing completion". Sify. Archived from the original on 21 April 2013. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  11. ^ "NAM DUNIYA NAM STYLE MOVIE REVIEW - TOI". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
  12. ^ "Brindavana launched". Sify. 19 February 2013. Archived from the original on 24 February 2013.
  13. ^ "2013 KANNADA FILM 'BRINDAAVANA' MOVIE REVIEW". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 May 2016.
  14. ^ "Madarangi fame Krishna is now Charlie – Exclusive". Chitraloka. Retrieved 16 September 2015.
  15. ^ "Avarude Ravukal Movie Review: Critic Review of the film by Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  16. ^ "Avarude Raavukal movie review: A puzzle to unravel". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 25 September 2017.
  17. ^ "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.
  18. ^ "Jani Movie Review: A 80s and 90s style commercial drama". Times of India. Retrieved 18 August 2017.
  19. ^ "I was inspired by the Tamil film '96' to make 'Love Mocktail': Director Darling Krishna". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
  20. ^ "'Love Mocktail' Movie Review: Mocktail of emotions with a musical hangover". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
  21. ^ "'Love Mocktail' review: This pleasant romcom strikes all the right notes". The News Minute. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
  22. ^ "Matte Udbhava: Cast, Photos, Videos, Review, Showtime and much more." The Times of India. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  23. ^ "Matte Udbhava Movie Review: A movie marred only by cringe-worthy comedy". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 February 2021.
  24. ^ "Ready to start shooting for 'Love Mocktail 2', says Darling Krishna". The New Indian Express. 2 June 2020. Retrieved 10 October 2021.
  25. ^ "'Love Mocktail 2' Movie Review: The magic is still intact". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  26. ^ "Love Mocktail 2 Movie Review : A heart-warming journey, filled with loads of laughter". The Times of India. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  27. ^ "Vikrant Rona teaser: Kichcha Sudeepa film promises to be an immersive cinematic experience. Watch". The Indian Express. Retrieved 19 April 2022.
  28. ^ "Vikrant Rona Movie Review - 2022 Kannada film". Bollywood Hungama. 28 July 2022. Retrieved 30 July 2022.
  29. ^ "O Movie ready to Release: 'ಓ' ಮೂಲಕ ಹೆದರಿಸಲು ಬರ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಮಿಲನಾ ನಾಗರಾಜ್‌, ಅಮೃತಾ ಅಯ್ಯಂಗಾರ್‌". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  30. ^ "'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.
  31. ^ "Darling Krishna and Co. wrap up 'Love Mocktail 2' - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  32. ^ "SIIMA 2021: Mahesh Babu and Rashmika Mandanna win big for Maharshi and Dear Comrade, check out full winners list". The Indian Express. Retrieved 19 September 2021.
  33. ^ "Mr. Bachelor Movie Review: An effective timepass entertainer". Cinema Express. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
  34. ^ "Darling Krishna-Milana Nagaraj: ಲವ್ ಬರ್ಡ್ಸ್ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಳ ಪಳ ಹಾಡು!". News18 Kannada. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  35. ^ "Love Birds Movie Review: A mature take on the highs and lows of marriage". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  36. ^ "Love Birds Movie Review: Love Birds is a warm take on what comes after happily ever after". Times of India. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  37. ^ "Milana Nagaraj reunites with Krishna for Kousalya Supraja Rama". The New Indian Express. 11 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  38. ^ "Kousalya Supraja Rama movie review: An engaging take on the perils of male ego". The Hindu. 28 July 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  39. ^ "Exclusive - Milana Nagaraj joins For Regn opposite Pruthvi Ambaar". Cinema Express. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  40. ^ "For Regn movie review: Milana Nagaraj, Pruthvi Ambaar are wasted in a shallow relationship drama". The Hindu. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  41. ^ "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.
  42. ^ Padmashree Bhat. "ವೈವಾಹಿಕ ಜೀವನಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾಲಿಟ್ಟ ನಟ ಡಾರ್ಲಿಂಗ್ ಕೃಷ್ಣ, ಮಿಲನಾ ನಾಗರಾಜ್!". Vijay Karnataka. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  43. ^ "KrissMi Wedding: Kannada stars Darling Krishna and Milana Nagaraj tie the knot!". The Times Of India. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  44. ^ "Rom-Coms provide scope for actresses to perform: Milana Nagaraj". Film Companion. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  45. ^ "Meet the Bangalore Times Top 25 Most Desirable Women 2013". Times of India. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 25 September 2014.
  46. ^ "Meet the beautiful ladies who make up Bangalore Times' 30 Most Desirable Women of 2020". Times of India. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  47. ^ "Radhika Pandit to Milana Nagaraj: The most followed Kannada actresses on Instagram". News18 India. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  48. ^ "Nam Duniya Nam Style: Fun with friends". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  49. ^ "Kichcha Sudeep's action thriller 'Vikrant Rona' to release on OTT soon". ZEE5. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  50. ^ Lokesh, Vinay. "Darling Krishna teams up with Nimika Ratnakar for his next". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  51. ^ "FIRST LOOK OUT: Milana Nagaraj looks Elegant, focused and independent". Times of India. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  52. ^ "Pruthvi Ambaar and Milana Nagaraj play Ashu and Anvi in the love story 'For Regn'". Times of India. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  53. ^ "Milana Nagaraj to star alongside Anissh in Aaram Aravind Swamy". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  54. ^ "Team 'Love Mocktail 2' sets up a valentine's date with fans". The Times of India. 12 December 2021.
  55. ^ "61st Filmfare Awards (South) Nominations: 'Attarintiki Daredi' Leads; Complete List of Nominees". IB Times. 2 July 2014.
  56. ^ "Chandanavana Film Critics Academy Awards: Love Mocktail, Dia, Gentleman Dominate Nomination List". IB Times. 13 February 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  57. ^ 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.
  58. ^ "Winners of the Filmfare Awards South 2022". Filmfare. 9 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.

External links[edit]

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