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 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.[2][3]

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 1985 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

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.[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)

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]

Career progression (2022-present)

In 2023, she first portrayed Pallavi opposite Krishna in Mr. Bachelor. Cinema Express mentions that she delivers "a likeable performance".[31] She next portrayed a fashion designer in Love Birds opposite Krishna.[32] 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."[33][34] In her third film of the year, Milana portrayed an alcoholic again opposite Krishna in Kousalya Supraja Rama.[35] The Hindu noted, "Milana’s portrayal of a drunkard is a tad over the top, but she performs with superb restraint in serious portions."[36]

Milana will next appear in For Regn opposite Pruthvi Ambaar and in Araam Aravind Swamy opposite Anish Tejeshwar and Abhishek Shetty.[37]

Personal life

Milana Nagaraj met actor Krishna, on the sets of the 2013 film Nam Duniya Nam Style. They eventually started dating in 2015.[38] Milana married Krishna on 14 February 2021, in a private traditional ceremony on the outskirts of Bengaluru.[39][40]

Other work and media image

Milana turned producer alongside Krishna in 2020. She has co-produced Love Mocktail (2020) and Love Mocktail 2 (2022).[41] She won SIIMA Award for Best Film – Kannada for the former.[42]

Milana ranked 14th in Bangalore Times' 30 Most Desirable Women list of 2020.[43]

Filmography

Films

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 [44]
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 [45]
O Nikitha
2023 Mr. Bachelor Pallavi [46]
Love Birds Pooja [47]
Kousalya Supraja Rama Mutthulakshmi
2024 For Regn† Anvi Completed [48]
Araam Aravind Swamy TBA Filming [49]

Other crew positions

Year Title Role Ref.
2020 Love Mocktail Producer
2022 Love Mocktail 2 [50]

Accolades

Year Award Category Film Result Ref
2014 61st Filmfare Awards South Best Supporting Actress – Kannada Brindavana Nominated [51]
2021 2nd Chandanavana Film Critics Academy Awards Best Film Love Mocktail Nominated [52]
Best Actress Nominated
9th South Indian International Movie Awards Best Film – Kannada Won [53]
Best Actress – Kannada Won
2022 67th Filmfare Awards South Best Actress – Kannada Nominated [54]
Best Actress Critics – Kannada Won

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "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. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  31. ↑ "Mr. Bachelor Movie Review: An effective timepass entertainer". Cinema Express. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
  32. ↑ "Darling Krishna-Milana Nagaraj: ಲವ್ ಬರ್ಡ್ಸ್ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಪಳ ಪಳ ಹಾಡು!". News18 Kannada. Retrieved 5 February 2023.
  33. ↑ "Love Birds Movie Review: A mature take on the highs and lows of marriage". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  34. ↑ "Love Birds Movie Review: Love Birds is a warm take on what comes after happily ever after". Times of India. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  35. ↑ "Milana Nagaraj reunites with Krishna for Kousalya Supraja Rama". The New Indian Express. 11 July 2023. Retrieved 26 July 2023.
  36. ↑ "Kousalya Supraja Rama movie review: An engaging take on the perils of male ego". The Hindu. 28 July 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  37. ↑ "Exclusive - Milana Nagaraj joins For Regn opposite Pruthvi Ambaar". Cinema Express. Retrieved 19 October 2020.
  38. ↑ "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.
  39. ↑ Padmashree Bhat. "ವೈವಾಹಿಕ ಜೀವನಕ್ಕೆ ಕಾಲಿಟ್ಟ ನಟ ಡಾರ್ಲಿಂಗ್ ಕೃಷ್ಣ, ಮಿಲನಾ ನಾಗರಾಜ್!". Vijay Karnataka. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  40. ↑ "KrissMi Wedding: Kannada stars Darling Krishna and Milana Nagaraj tie the knot!". The Times Of India. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  41. ↑ "Darling Krishna and Co. wrap up 'Love Mocktail 2' - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  42. ↑ "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.
  43. ↑ "Meet the beautiful ladies who make up Bangalore Times' 30 Most Desirable Women of 2020". Times of India. Retrieved 15 November 2020.
  44. ↑ "Nam Duniya Nam Style: Fun with friends". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 6 September 2013.
  45. ↑ "Kichcha Sudeep's action thriller 'Vikrant Rona' to release on OTT soon". ZEE5. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  46. ↑ Lokesh, Vinay. "Darling Krishna teams up with Nimika Ratnakar for his next". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
  47. ↑ "FIRST LOOK OUT: Milana Nagaraj looks Elegant, focused and independent". Times of India. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
  48. ↑ "Pruthvi Ambaar and Milana Nagaraj play Ashu and Anvi in the love story 'For Regn'". Times of India. Retrieved 25 October 2022.
  49. ↑ "Milana Nagaraj to star alongside Anissh in Aaram Aravind Swamy". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2 January 2023.
  50. ↑ "Team 'Love Mocktail 2' sets up a valentine's date with fans". The Times of India. 12 December 2021.
  51. ↑ "61st Filmfare Awards (South) Nominations: 'Attarintiki Daredi' Leads; Complete List of Nominees". IB Times. 2 July 2014.
  52. ↑ "Chandanavana Film Critics Academy Awards: Love Mocktail, Dia, Gentleman Dominate Nomination List". IB Times. 13 February 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
  53. ↑ 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.
  54. ↑ "Winners of the Filmfare Awards South 2022". Filmfare. 9 October 2022. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
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