Devika Nambiar

Devika Nambiar is an Indian actress, television presenter, and classical dancer primarily known for her roles in Malayalam-language serials and a handful of films.^[1] She began her television career in 2011 with the serial Parinayam, gaining widespread acclaim for her realistic acting in Balamani (2014), which established her as a prominent figure in Malayalam TV.^[1][2] Nambiar gained further prominence for her versatile performances, including the lead role of Tulasi in the 2021 series Rakkuyil, which highlighted her strong on-screen presence, and as a host on the comedy show Oru Chiri Iru Chiri Bumper Chiri.^[3][4] In cinema, she made her debut in 2013 with supporting roles in the Malayalam film One and the Tamil movie Mayil Paarai, and later appeared in Malayalam productions like Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan (2016) and Thanka Bhasma Kuriyitta Thamburatty (2019).^[5][6] On the personal front, Nambiar married musician Vijay Madhav in January 2022 after getting engaged the previous year; the couple welcomed their first child, a son, in March 2023, followed by a daughter named Om Paramatma in February 2025.^[2][7][8]

Early life

Upbringing

Devika Nambiar was born on 17 November in Manjeri, a town in the Malappuram district of Kerala, India.^[9] She hails from a close-knit, small family comprising her parents and a younger brother, which provided a supportive environment during her formative years in this culturally rich region of Kerala.^[9] From a young age, Nambiar displayed a keen interest in the performing arts, particularly classical dance, where she began training in Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi forms. This early exposure to traditional dance disciplines shaped her artistic inclinations and laid the foundation for her later pursuits in entertainment.^[9] While her birth year remains undisclosed in public records, Nambiar entered the Malayalam entertainment industry in 2011.^[5]

Education

Devika Nambiar pursued studies in psychology during her early career, earning a diploma in Counselling Psychology.^[10] Specific institutions and completion dates for her education are not publicly detailed. She balanced these academic pursuits with her burgeoning acting commitments in television serials and films, describing the effort as challenging yet essential for maintaining stability amid the uncertainties of the entertainment industry.^[10]

Career

Television

Nambiar's television work primarily consists of lead roles in Malayalam serials on Mazhavil Manorama, along with hosting and special appearances on other channels. She hosted the comedy show Oru Chiri Iru Chiri Bumper Chiri on Mazhavil Manorama and made special appearances in programs on Asianet and Surya TV during this period.^[2][18]

Films

Dance and hosting

Devika Nambiar is a trained classical dancer, particularly in Kuchipudi, who has performed at cultural events. In 2024, Nambiar completed her Arangetram, the traditional debut recital, at Kollur Mookambika Temple.^[27] In 2025, she presented a Kuchipudi solo at the AIDA Kochi Festival, earning first prize in the sub-junior category.^[28] Beyond scripted television roles, Nambiar has hosted live entertainment events, including the comedy show Oru Chiri Iru Chiri Bumper Chiri. Post-2022, she has selectively participated in cultural events amid family commitments.

Personal life

Marriage

Devika Nambiar met singer and composer Vijay Madhav in 2012 during the recording of a Valentine's Day special album in the Malayalam entertainment industry.^[29] Their professional collaboration evolved into a romantic relationship, leading to an engagement on August 26, 2021.^[11] The couple married on January 22, 2022, in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.^[30] The wedding garnered significant media coverage due to Nambiar's prominence as a television actress and host, and Madhav's popularity as a musician and Star Singer contestant.^[4] In August 2025, the couple faced a rough patch in their relationship that led to a temporary breakup, but they reconciled after Vijay Madhav's younger sister shared a photograph that rekindled their bond.^[31] Following their marriage, Nambiar and Madhav continued their respective careers in the industry, offering mutual support in their artistic projects, including joint appearances on shows like Panam Tharum Padam.^[4] Their partnership has been highlighted in interviews as a source of creative inspiration amid professional demands.^[32]

Children

Devika Nambiar and her husband Vijay Madhav welcomed their first child, a son named Atmaja Mahadev, in March 2023.^[32] The choice of name drew significant social media discussion due to its traditional association with feminine connotations in Sanskrit, though the couple clarified it as a unisex term meaning "born of the soul" or "divine birth," reflecting their spiritual inclinations.^[8] Their second child, a daughter named Om Paramatma, was born on January 30, 2025, at PRS Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram.^[8] Vijay Madhav selected the name, with Devika's full consent, drawing from spiritual concepts where "Om Paramatma" signifies the supreme soul; the reveal was shared publicly through an Instagram reel, continuing the family's tradition of announcing personal milestones on social media.^[33] Like their son's name, Om Paramatma also sparked online debates for its unconventional and deeply spiritual nature.^[34] The Nambiar-Madhav family emphasizes spiritual naming conventions rooted in Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy, viewing them as meaningful expressions of their values, and frequently shares glimpses of their parenting joys on platforms like Instagram to connect with fans.^[8] Supported by their strong marital partnership, they have balanced parenthood with ongoing professional pursuits, with no reported career interruptions for Devika beyond a brief maternity period following their 2022 marriage.^[3]

Filmography

Films

Television

Nambiar's television work primarily consists of lead roles in Malayalam serials on Mazhavil Manorama, along with hosting and special appearances on other channels. She hosted multiple episodes of the comedy show Comedy Super Nite on Flowers TV and made special appearances in programs on Asianet and Surya TV during this period.^[9][18]

Web series

Devika Nambiar has made limited forays into web series, primarily in Malayalam digital content, marking an extension of her acting career into streaming platforms.^[35] Her debut in web series came with the 2021 Malayalam comedy-thriller Kochi Heist, a YouTube original directed by Athul R and produced by Behindwoods Swag, where she portrayed the character Andrea in a story revolving around a group of youngsters executing a heist in Kochi.^[36][35] In 2025, Nambiar appeared in the Malayalam humor-mystery series Super Girls on ManoramaMAX, playing the role of Reethu alongside Sreelakshmi Haridas and Anagha Ashok in a narrative following two village girls navigating life in a mysterious city household.^[37][38]

Music videos

Devika Nambiar has made appearances in select Malayalam music videos, primarily featuring in album songs and devotional tracks, with some collaborations linked to her husband, musician Vijay Madhav.^[2] Pre-2022 titles include the romantic album song "Nee Vadalle Poove," directed by Saji Millennium, where she performed as the lead female artist.^[39] She also featured in the devotional video "Sreerama Pahima," part of the Sree Rama Sandhya Namam series, emphasizing traditional Hindu themes.^[40] Post-marriage, Nambiar collaborated with Madhav on their wedding video song in 2022, a promotional piece capturing their union at Guruvayur Temple.^[41] In 2019, she appeared in the devotional track "Ramarama Pahimam," continuing her involvement in spiritual music content.^[42]