Arya

Arya was working as a software engineer when his neighbour, cinematographer Jeeva, asked him to audition for Ullam Ketkumae. Jeeva also gave him his screen name; his real name is Jamshad Cethirakath. That film was delayed, so his first release was Vishnuvardhan's Arinthum Ariyamalum (2005). Born on 11 December 1980 in Trikaripur, Kerala, he went to school in Chennai and earned an engineering degree from Crescent Engineering College in Vandalur. He acts in and produces films, mostly in Tamil, with a few in Malayalam and Telugu. Arinthum Ariyamalum and Pattiyal (2006), both with Vishnuvardhan and both casting him as a rogue, made his name. Playing an Aghori in Bala's Naan Kadavul (2009) won him critical praise, and Madrasapattinam, Boss Engira Bhaskaran, Vettai and Raja Rani were commercial hits. The year 2013 also brought Settai, Arrambam and Irandam Ulagam. Pa. Ranjith's sports drama Sarpatta Parambarai (2021) earned him strong reviews. He has won two Filmfare Awards South and two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and appeared on the 2015 Forbes India Celebrity 100 list. His 40th film, Hello Kadhal, co-starring Nikhila Vimal and directed by the director of Pranaya Vilasam, is slated to open on 4 December.