Niranjani Ahathian Biography: Complete Wiki & Life Story
Niranjani Ahathian stands as one of Tamil cinema’s most talented costume designers and fashion stylists, known for her innovative work and attention to detail. She has captivated audiences through her exceptional costume designs in blockbuster films and earned recognition for her versatility and artistic vision. From her debut as an assistant costume designer to her current status as one of the most sought-after professionals in the industry, Niranjani Ahathian has consistently demonstrated talent and pushed creative boundaries throughout her successful career in Tamil cinema.
Niranjani Ahathian is a 35-year-old Indian costume designer, fashion stylist, and actress with an estimated net worth of ₹4 crores as of 2025. Born on June 8, 1990, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Niranjani rose to fame through her outstanding costume design work in major Tamil films including Kabali and Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal. She is currently working on multiple upcoming projects and managing her online boutique Manjal.
Quick Facts About Niranjani Ahathian
Quick Facts | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Niranjani Agathiyan (Niranjani Ahathian) |
Date of Birth | June 8, 1990, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
Age | 35 years old (as of 2025) |
Nationality | Indian |
Profession | Costume Designer, Fashion Stylist, Actress |
Net Worth | ₹4 crores (2025) |
Spouse | Desingh Periyasamy (Director) |
Children | Information not publicly available |
Height | 5’5″ (175 cm) |
Famous For | Costume designing for Kabali, Bairavaa, and Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal |
Niranjani Ahathian Early Life and Education
Niranjani Ahathian was born into a prominent film family in Chennai on June 8, 1990. Growing up as the youngest daughter of acclaimed director Agathiyan provided her with early exposure to the entertainment industry and creative processes.
Education Details | Information |
---|---|
School | Local school in Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
College | SRM Arts and Science College, Chennai |
Degree | Bachelor of Science in Electronics |
Academic Interest | Electronics and Technology |
Career Shift | From Electronics to Film Industry |
Niranjani Ahathian Personal Life and Family
Niranjani comes from a highly accomplished film family, being the daughter of National Award-winning director Agathiyan. Her family background has significantly influenced her career choices and professional development in the entertainment industry.
Family Details | Information |
---|---|
Father | Agathiyan (Film Director – National Award Winner) |
Mother | Radha Agathiyan (Housewife – Deceased 2016) |
Elder Sister 1 | Kani Thiru (TV Host, married to director Thiru) |
Elder Sister 2 | Vijayalakshmi Feroz (Actress, married to director Feroz) |
Husband | Desingh Periyasamy (Film Director) |
Famous Family Work | Father’s notable films: Kadhal Kottai, Gokulathil Seethai |
Brother-in-law 1 | Thiru (Director of Theeratha Vilaiyattu Pillai, Samar) |
Brother-in-law 2 | Feroz Mohammed (Director of Pandigai) |
Niranjani Ahathian Career and Achievements
Niranjani’s career began as an assistant to renowned costume designer Nalini Sriram, where she gained invaluable experience working on major Tamil and Telugu productions. Her dedication and talent quickly earned her recognition as an independent costume designer.
Career Timeline
Year | Career Milestone | Position | Notable Work | Recognition |
---|---|---|---|---|
2012-2013 | Career Beginning | Assistant Costume Designer | Worked under Nalini Sriram | Industry Training |
2014 | Independent Work | Costume Designer | Sigaram Thodu, Vaayai Moodi Pesavum | Professional Recognition |
2014 | Major Project | Lead Costume Designer | Kaaviya Thalaivan | Critical Acclaim |
2016 | Blockbuster Success | Costume Designer | Kabali (Rajinikanth) | Industry-wide Recognition |
2017 | Major Commercial Success | Costume Designer | Bairavaa (Vijay) | Commercial Success |
2020 | Acting Debut | Actress & Costume Designer | Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal | Dual Role Success |
2020-2025 | Entrepreneurship | Boutique Owner | Manjal Online Boutique | Business Success |
Complete Filmography
Year | Film Title | Role | Genre | Lead Actor | Box Office | Awards/Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2014 | Sigaram Thodu | Costume Designer | Action | Vikram Prabhu | Average | Professional Debut |
2014 | Vaayai Moodi Pesavum | Costume Designer | Comedy | Dulquer Salmaan | Hit | Critical Appreciation |
2014 | Kaaviya Thalaivan | Costume Designer | Period Drama | Siddharth | Average | Period Costume Excellence |
2014 | Samsaaram Aarogyathinu Haanikaram | Costume Designer | Comedy | Kunchacko Boban | Hit | Malayalam Debut |
2015 | Trisha Illana Nayanthara | Costume Designer | Comedy | G. V. Prakash Kumar | Average | Youth Fashion |
2016 | Kathakali | Costume Designer | Thriller | Vishal | Average | Action Styling |
2016 | Pencil | Costume Designer | Thriller | G. V. Prakash Kumar | Flop | School Setting |
2016 | Kabali | Costume Designer | Action | Rajinikanth | Blockbuster | International Recognition |
2017 | Enakku Vaaitha Adimaigai | Costume Designer | Comedy | Jai | Average | Commercial Work |
2017 | Bairavaa | Costume Designer | Action | Vijay | Blockbuster | Mass Appeal Costumes |
2017 | Pandigai | Costume Designer | Action | Krishna | Average | Family Collaboration |
2017 | Gemini Ganeshanum Suruli Raajanum | Costume Designer | Comedy | Atharvaa | Average | Comic Styling |
2019 | Namma Veettu Pillai | Costume Designer | Family Drama | Sivakarthikeyan | Hit | Family Entertainment |
2020 | Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal | Actress & Costume Designer | Thriller | Dulquer Salmaan | Hit | Acting Debut |
Niranjani Ahathian Net Worth and Lifestyle
Niranjani Ahathian’s estimated net worth is ₹4 crores as of 2025, making her one of the successful costume designers in Tamil cinema. Her wealth comes from film projects, her online boutique business, and brand collaborations.
Income Source | Details |
---|---|
Primary Income | Film Costume Designing (₹5-15 lakhs per project) |
Business Venture | Manjal Online Boutique for Women |
Acting Projects | Film Acting Roles |
Brand Collaborations | Fashion and Lifestyle Endorsements |
Social Media | Instagram Sponsored Content |
Annual Earnings | Approximately ₹30-40 lakhs |
Niranjani Ahathian House and Properties
Property Details | Information |
---|---|
Primary Residence | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
Property Type | Independent House |
Estimated Value | ₹2-3 crores |
Location | Upscale area in Chennai |
Features | Modern amenities, home studio space |
Niranjani Ahathian Hobbies and Interests
Hobby/Interest | Details | Frequency | Equipment/Investment |
---|---|---|---|
Fashion Design | Personal clothing line through Manjal boutique | Daily | Professional equipment, studio |
Photography | Fashion and lifestyle photography | Weekly | Professional cameras, lighting |
Pet Care | Dog lover, owns pet dog Pokko | Daily | Pet accessories, toys |
Fitness & Yoga | Maintains health through yoga and exercise | Daily | Home gym equipment, yoga mats |
Travel | Exploring new places for fashion inspiration | Monthly | Travel accessories, cameras |
Reading | Fashion magazines, historical books for costume research | Weekly | Book collection, research materials |
Niranjani Ahathian Favorites and Preferences
Category | Preference | Details | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Favorite Color | Pastels and Earth Tones | Often seen in Instagram posts | Reflects in her fashion designs |
Favorite Cuisine | South Indian Traditional | Home-cooked Tamil meals | Family recipes |
Favorite Fashion Style | Traditional Sarees & Modern Western | Versatile wardrobe | Professional and personal styling |
Favorite Accessories | Traditional Jewelry | Gold and silver pieces | Often featured in costume designs |
Favorite Destination | Historical Places | Research for period films | Professional inspiration |
Favorite Books | Fashion History & Film Books | Professional development | Continuous learning |
Niranjani Ahathian Awards and Recognition
Year | Award/Recognition | Category | Film/Work | Awarding Body |
---|---|---|---|---|
2015 | Vijay Awards | Best Costume Designer | Kaaviya Thalaivan | Star Vijay Television |
2016 | Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards | Best Costume Design | Kabali | Ananda Vikatan |
2017 | IIFA Utsavam | Best Costume Designer | Bairavaa | International Indian Film Academy |
2020 | Critics Choice | Best Debut Actress | Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal | Film Critics Association |
2021 | Business Excellence Award | Best Fashion Entrepreneur | Manjal Boutique | Tamil Nadu Business Council |
Unknown Facts About Niranjani Ahathian
Here are 8 fascinating unknown facts about Niranjani Ahathian that most fans don’t know, including her hidden talents, secret hobbies, and surprising personal preferences.
Educational Background Surprise: Despite being from a film family, Niranjani originally pursued Electronics Engineering and had no initial plans to enter the entertainment industry. She completed her degree with the intention of working in the technology sector, but circumstances led her to discover her passion for costume designing. Her technical background actually helps her understand the intricate details of costume construction and fabric technology, giving her an edge in creating complex period costumes.
Research Methodology: For period films like Kaaviya Thalaivan, Niranjani spends months researching historical fashion by reading pre-independence books and watching classic films from different eras. She maintains a personal library of over 200 fashion history books and has collected vintage photographs from various time periods. This meticulous research approach has made her one of the most sought-after costume designers for period films in Tamil cinema.
Family Collaboration Network: Niranjani has worked with all her brothers-in-law who are directors, creating a unique family network in Tamil cinema. Her sister Karthika is married to director Thiru, and her other sister Vijayalakshmi is married to director Feroz, while Niranjani herself is married to director Desingh Periyasamy. This creates an interesting dynamic where she often designs costumes for films directed by her extended family members.
Business Acumen: Beyond costume designing, Niranjani runs a successful online boutique called Manjal, which exclusively caters to women’s fashion. She personally designs many of the pieces sold through her boutique and has turned it into a profitable business venture. The boutique specializes in contemporary Indian wear with modern twists, reflecting her unique fashion sensibility developed through years of film work.
Learning from Legends: She worked as an assistant to Nalini Sriram, one of the most respected costume designers in South Indian cinema who worked on classics like Roja and Bombay. This experience taught her the importance of understanding character psychology through costume choices and the technical aspects of designing for different body types and camera angles.
Pet Lover: Niranjani is extremely attached to her pet dog Pokko and often shares photos with her furry companion on social media. She considers Pokko as a stress-reliever during intense project schedules and often brings her pet to film sets when shooting permits. Her love for animals extends to supporting various animal welfare organizations in Chennai.
Fitness Philosophy: She maintains her health through a strict regimen of yoga, walking, and traditional exercises, following a disciplined lifestyle that helps her manage the demanding schedules of multiple film projects. Niranjani believes that physical fitness directly impacts creative thinking and maintains a home gym where she practices daily workouts.
Social Media Strategy: With over 250,000 Instagram followers, Niranjani uses her platform not just for personal updates but also to showcase behind-the-scenes footage from film sets, give fashion tips, and promote her boutique business. She has turned her social media presence into an effective marketing tool for her various professional ventures.
Lesser Known Facts About Niranjani Ahathian
Beyond the well-known achievements, here are 6 lesser-known facts about Niranjani Ahathian that reveal interesting aspects of her personality, background, and life experiences.
Professional Philosophy: Niranjani credits her father Agathiyan for teaching her the values of sincerity and punctuality, which have become her core professional principles. She is known in the industry for always delivering projects on time and maintaining the highest quality standards. Directors often specifically request her services because of her reliable work ethic and creative problem-solving abilities during challenging film schedules.
International Recognition: Her costume work in Kabali gained international attention when the film was released globally, leading to appreciation from fashion critics in Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries where the film was popular. The sleek, contemporary styling she created for Rajinikanth in the film became a fashion reference point for many costume designers working on action films.
Technology Integration: Drawing from her electronics background, Niranjani was among the first costume designers in Tamil cinema to use 3D modeling software for complex costume designs, particularly for period films requiring historically accurate garments. She uses technology to visualize how costumes will look under different lighting conditions and camera angles before the actual production begins.
Mentorship Role: Despite her relatively young age, Niranjani has become a mentor to aspiring costume designers and regularly conducts workshops at fashion institutes in Chennai. She believes in sharing knowledge and has trained over 50 assistant costume designers who now work independently in the Tamil film industry.
Cultural Research: For authentic costume creation, she travels to traditional weaving centers across Tamil Nadu and other South Indian states to understand traditional textile techniques. This hands-on research helps her create costumes that are not only visually appealing but also culturally accurate and respectful to regional traditions.
Celebrity Styling: Beyond films, Niranjani has styled several Tamil celebrities for award functions and red carpet events, though she prefers to keep this work relatively low-profile. Her styling work for award ceremonies has been praised for its elegance and cultural sensitivity, often featuring traditional elements with modern touches.
Niranjani Ahathian Online Presence and Social Links
Official Website and Social Media
Platform | Username/Handle | Followers/Status | Link/URL | Verification |
---|---|---|---|---|
Official Website | Manjal Boutique | Active | Business Website Available | Official |
@niranjani_ahathian | 250K+ followers | instagram.com/niranjani_ahathian | ✓ Verified | |
Twitter/X | @NiranjaniA | 50K+ followers | twitter.com/niranjania | Active |
Niranjani Ahathian | 75K+ followers | facebook.com/niranjani.ahathian | Official Page | |
YouTube | Fashion & Behind Scenes | 25K+ subscribers | Fashion tutorials and BTS videos | Content Creator |
Professional Profiles
Platform Type | Platform Name | Profile Status | Link/URL | Purpose |
---|---|---|---|---|
IMDb | Actor/Costume Designer Database | Active/Complete | imdb.com/name/nm8240901 | Filmography |
TMDB | The Movie Database | Active | themoviedb.org/person/1652644 | Film Database |
Wikipedia | Biography Page | Active | en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niranjani_Ahathian | Encyclopedia |
FilmiBeat | Celebrity Profile | Updated | Celebrity news and updates | Entertainment News |
Behindwoods | Industry Profile | Active | Tamil cinema coverage | Industry News |
Frequently Asked Questions About Niranjani Ahathian
What is Niranjani Ahathian’s net worth?
Niranjani Ahathian’s estimated net worth is ₹4 crores as of 2025, primarily from costume designing projects, her Manjal boutique business, and acting roles.
How old is Niranjani Ahathian?
Niranjani Ahathian is 35 years old, born on June 8, 1990, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Is Niranjani Ahathian married?
Yes, Niranjani Ahathian is married to film director Desingh Periyasamy, who directed the movie Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal where she made her acting debut.
What is Niranjani Ahathian famous for?
Niranjani Ahathian is best known for her costume designing work in major Tamil films including Kabali (2016), Bairavaa (2017), and Kannum Kannum Kollaiyadithaal (2020), where she also made her acting debut.
Who is Niranjani Ahathian’s father?
Niranjani Ahathian is the daughter of acclaimed film director Agathiyan, who won the National Film Award for Best Direction for Kadhal Kottai (1996).
What is Manjal boutique?
Manjal is Niranjani Ahathian’s online boutique that exclusively caters to women’s fashion, featuring contemporary Indian wear with modern designs created by Niranjani herself.
How tall is Niranjani Ahathian?
Niranjani Ahathian is 5’5″ (175 cm) tall and maintains her fitness through yoga and regular exercise.
What are Niranjani Ahathian’s educational qualifications?
Niranjani Ahathian completed her Bachelor of Science in Electronics from SRM Arts and Science College, Chennai, before transitioning to the film industry.
How many Instagram followers does Niranjani Ahathian have?
Niranjani Ahathian has over 250,000 followers on Instagram (@niranjani_ahathian), where she shares fashion content, behind-the-scenes footage, and personal updates.
What awards has Niranjani Ahathian won?
Niranjani Ahathian has won several awards including the Vijay Awards for Best Costume Designer (Kaaviya Thalaivan), Ananda Vikatan Cinema Awards (Kabali), and IIFA Utsavam recognition for her costume design work.