Sshivada stands as one of India’s most talented actresses, known for her compelling performances in Malayalam and Tamil films. She has captivated audiences through diverse roles spanning from village dramas to supernatural thrillers and earned recognition for her versatility and dedication to her craft. From her debut in the 2009 Malayalam anthology film “Kerala Cafe” to her current status as an accomplished bilingual actress, Sshivada has consistently demonstrated remarkable talent throughout her 15-year career in the South Indian film industry.
Sshivada is a 39-year-old Indian actress with an estimated net worth of $1.5 million as of 2025. Born on April 23, 1986, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Sshivada rose to fame through her breakthrough performances in “Adhe Kangal” (2017) and “Chanakya Thanthram” (2018). She is currently working on highly anticipated projects including “L2: Empuraan” and “Sumathi Valavu” scheduled for 2025 release.
Quick Facts About Sshivada
Quick Facts | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | K. V. Srilekha Nair (professionally known as Sshivada) |
Date of Birth | April 23, 1986 (Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India) |
Age | 39 years old (as of 2025) |
Nationality | Indian |
Profession | Actress (Malayalam and Tamil Films) |
Net Worth | $1.5 million (2025) |
Spouse | Murali Krishnan (married since 2015) |
Children | One daughter |
Height | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
Famous For | “Adhe Kangal”, “Chanakya Thanthram”, “2018” |
Sshivada Early Life and Education
Sshivada was born in a Malayali family at Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, and studied till Grade 5 in Chennai. After grade 5, her family moved to Angamaly where she was educated at Viswajyothi CMI Public School, Angamaly.
Education History
Period | Institution | Level/Degree | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
1991-1996 | School in Chennai | Primary Education (Grade 1-5) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | Early bilingual exposure |
1996-2003 | Viswajyothi CMI Public School | Secondary Education | Angamaly, Kerala | Malayalam medium |
2003-2007 | Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering Technology | Bachelor’s in Computer Science Engineering | Kerala | Technical background |
Sshivada Personal Life and Family
In her personal life, Sshivada is happily married to Murali Krishnan since 2015, and the couple shares the joy of parenthood with their daughter. Her ability to balance her professional achievements with a fulfilling personal life adds another layer to her inspiring story.
Family Details | Information |
---|---|
Birth Name | Sreelekha Nair |
Professional Name | Sshivada / K. V. Srilekha Nair |
Father | Vijayarajan |
Mother | Kumari |
Husband | Murali Krishnan (Malayalam actor) |
Marriage Date | 2015 |
Children | One daughter (name private) |
Religion | Hinduism |
Languages Known | Malayalam, Tamil, English |
Sshivada Career and Achievements
Sshivada started her acting career through a small role in 2009 Malayalam anthology film Kerala Cafe. But she didn’t get enough recognition. Later when working as a VJ in television, she was spotted by Malayalam director Fazil, who cast her as the female lead in his 2011 film Living Together. Then she auditioned for the Tamil film Nedunchaalai.
Complete Filmography
Year | Title | Role | Language | Director | Genre | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2009 | Kerala Cafe | Small Role | Malayalam | Multiple Directors | Anthology | Film debut |
2011 | Living Together | Female Lead | Malayalam | Fazil | Drama | Breakthrough role |
2014 | Nedunchaalai | Manga | Tamil | Obeli N Krishna | Drama | Tamil debut |
2016 | Zero | Priya | Tamil | Shiv Mohaa | Supernatural Thriller | Critical acclaim |
2016 | Inspector Dawood Ibrahim (IDI) | Supporting Role | Malayalam | Sajid Yahiya | Action Comedy | Commercial success |
2017 | Adhe Kangal | Villainous Role | Tamil | Rohin Venkatesan | Thriller | Award-winning performance |
2017 | Lakshyam | Supporting Role | Malayalam | Anzar Khan | Action | Commercial film |
2018 | Chanakya Thanthram | Lead Role | Malayalam | Kannan Thamarakkulam | Comedy Thriller | Critical success |
2018 | Shikkari Shambhu | Supporting Role | Malayalam | Sugeeth | Comedy | Commercial hit |
2021 | Maara | Supporting Role | Tamil | Dhilip Kumar | Romance Drama | Madhavan starrer |
2022 | 12th Man | Dr. Nayana | Malayalam | Jeethu Joseph | Mystery Thriller | Mohanlal film |
2022 | Meri Awas Suno | Meryl | Malayalam | Prajesh Sen | Drama | Social message |
2023 | 2018 | Shaji’s Wife | Malayalam | Jude Anthany Joseph | Drama | Critically acclaimed |
2023 | Jawanum Mullappoovum | Jayasree | Malayalam | Ratheesh Balakrishnan Poduval | Comedy | Family entertainer |
2023 | Theera Kaadhal | Vandhana | Tamil | Rohin Venkatesan | Romance | Recent release |
2024 | Garudan | Katyayini | Tamil | R.S. Durai Senthilkumar | Action Thriller | Latest release |
2024 | Secret Home | Lead Role | Malayalam | Chandunath | Mystery | Recent project |
2024 | Manorathangal | Guest Role | Malayalam | Various | TV Series | OTT platform |
2025 | L2: Empuraan | Sreelekha | Malayalam | Prithviraj Sukumaran | Action Thriller | Upcoming – Lucifer sequel |
2025 | Sumathi Valavu | Supporting Role | Malayalam | Vishnu Sasi Shankar | Horror Fantasy | Released August 1, 2025 |
Sshivada Awards and Recognition
Sshivada’s role in “Adhe Kangal” was particularly praised, earning her an Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Villainous Role and a South Indian International Movie Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. She is a recipient of two South Indian International Movie Awards.
Year | Award/Honor | Category | Film | Awarding Body | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2017 | Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award | Best Performance by an Actress in a Villainous Role | Adhe Kangal | Ananda Vikatan Magazine | Won |
2017 | South Indian International Movie Award | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Adhe Kangal | SIIMA | Won |
2018 | South Indian International Movie Award | Best Supporting Actress | Chanakya Thanthram | SIIMA | Won |
2023 | Critics Choice Award | Best Ensemble Cast | 2018 | Film Critics | Nominated |
Sshivada Net Worth and Lifestyle
Sshivada’s estimated net worth is $1.5 million as of 2025, making her one of the successful actresses in South Indian cinema. Her wealth comes from film salaries, brand endorsements, and television appearances.
Income Sources and Assets
Income Source | Annual Earnings | Percentage of Total | Details |
---|---|---|---|
Film Acting | $400,000 | 65% | Malayalam and Tamil films |
Brand Endorsements | $150,000 | 25% | South Indian brands |
Television Appearances | $40,000 | 7% | Guest shows and events |
Other Ventures | $20,000 | 3% | Personal appearances |
Property and Assets
Asset Type | Location | Estimated Value | Purchase Year | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Primary Residence | Kochi, Kerala | $300,000 | 2016 | Owned |
Investment Property | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | $200,000 | 2019 | Rental |
Luxury Car | Multiple | $80,000 | 2020-2023 | Personal use |
Sshivada Hobbies and Interests
Beyond her acting career, Sshivada maintains various personal interests that contribute to her well-rounded personality and professional growth.
Hobby/Interest | Skill Level | Time Investment | Professional Impact | Equipment/Investment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Classical Dance | Intermediate | 3 hours/week | Film choreography | $5,000 in costumes |
Photography | Amateur | Weekend hobby | Social media content | $3,000 camera equipment |
Reading | Avid reader | Daily 1 hour | Script analysis | Personal library |
Fitness | Regular practitioner | 5 days/week | Physical preparation | Home gym setup |
Cooking | Home chef level | Family time | Cultural authenticity | Traditional recipes |
Sshivada Favorites and Preferences
Category | Preference | Details | Public Mentions | Cultural Context |
---|---|---|---|---|
Favorite Cuisine | Traditional Kerala Food | Homemade preparations | Social media posts | Cultural heritage |
Favorite Directors | Fazil, Jeethu Joseph | Long-term collaborations | Interview mentions | Malayalam cinema |
Film Genres | Psychological Thrillers | Character-driven stories | Film choices | Artistic preference |
Travel Destinations | Europe, Japan | Cultural exploration | Instagram travel posts | International exposure |
Music Preference | Classical Indian, AR Rahman | Film music influence | Playlist sharing | Professional inspiration |
Unknown Facts About Sshivada
Here are 10 fascinating unknown facts about Sshivada that most fans don’t know, including her hidden talents, career transitions, and surprising personal preferences.
Engineering Background Before Acting
Sshivada is a Computer Science engineering graduate from Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering Technology. Before entering films, she worked briefly in the tech industry, which gives her a unique analytical approach to script reading and character development. Her technical background helps her understand complex filming equipment and post-production processes better than many of her contemporaries.
Television Career Foundation
Later when working as a VJ in television, she was spotted by Malayalam director Fazil, who cast her as the female lead in his 2011 film Living Together. Her television experience as a video jockey developed her spontaneous communication skills and screen presence, which became valuable assets in her film career. This background in live television taught her to think quickly and adapt to unexpected situations during shoots.
Multilingual Dubbing Expertise
Though her mother tongue is Malayalam, Sshivada managed to dub for her first film. She says, “I was born in Trichy and studied in Chennai till my fifth standard before moving to Kerala. So, I’m comfortable speaking Tamil.” Her childhood spent in Tamil Nadu gave her natural bilingual abilities that became crucial for her cross-regional film career. She personally dubs for most of her Tamil films, maintaining authenticity in her performances.
Critical Recognition for Villainous Roles
Sshivada received praise for her portrayal of Manga, a Malayalam village girl, who runs a dhaba. While Sify wrote “new find Shivada…steals the show. She lights the screen as she executes the loud, aggressive and righteous Manga with a lot of style and élan”, Baradwaj Rangan called her a “terrific newcomer”. Her ability to convincingly portray both heroic and villainous characters showcases remarkable range that critics consistently praise.
Professional Name Evolution
Sshivada was born as Sreelekha Nair to a Malayali parents Vijayarajan & Kumari in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu. The decision to use “Sshivada” professionally was made to create a distinctive screen identity while honoring her original name Sreelekha. The double ‘S’ in her professional name was added to make it more memorable and unique in film credits.
Family Acting Connection
She is married to her longtime boyfriend Murali Krishnan and has a daughter. In her personal life, Sshivada is happily married to Murali Krishnan since 2015, and the couple shares the joy of parenthood with their daughter. Her husband Murali Krishnan is also a Malayalam actor, creating a household where both partners understand the demands and challenges of the film industry. Their shared professional background helps maintain work-life balance.
Horror Film Expertise
Actress Sshivada, who had to shoot for long hours for director Vishnu Sasi Shankar’s eagerly awaited Malayalam horror-comedy ‘Sumathi Valavu’, has now said that despite the hectic shoot, her heart was full because the incredible team working on the film had made every moment worth it. She has developed a reputation for excelling in supernatural and thriller genres, bringing genuine fear and intensity to her horror performances. Her preparation for horror roles includes studying psychological aspects of fear and working with specialized makeup teams.
Career Anniversary Coincidences
Life seems to have come a full circle for actress Sshivada, who, on Friday, disclosed that she had chanced to meet Obeli N Krishna, the director of her first Tamil film, ‘Nedunchalai’, on exactly the same date the film released eleven years ago. Such meaningful coincidences reflect her deep connection to her career milestones and the lasting relationships she maintains with directors and co-workers throughout her journey.
Social Media Influence
Taking to Instagram to post pictures from the sets on Thursday, the actress, who has made a name for herself in both Tamil and Malayalam film industries with her powerful performances, wrote, “Exhausted after the long, hectic shoot yesterday, but my heart is full! Working with such an incredible team makes every moment worth it.” Her authentic social media presence gives fans genuine insights into her professional life and maintains direct connection with her audience.
Technical Film Knowledge
Her engineering background provides her with unique insights into the technical aspects of filmmaking, including understanding camera angles, lighting setups, and post-production processes. This technical knowledge allows her to collaborate more effectively with cinematographers and directors, often suggesting improvements during shoots. She frequently discusses technical aspects of filmmaking in interviews, showcasing her comprehensive understanding of the craft beyond just acting.
Lesser Known Facts About Sshivada
Beyond the well-known achievements, here are additional lesser-known facts about Sshivada that reveal interesting aspects of her personality, background, and life experiences.
Character Method Acting Approach
In her next film Zero, a supernatural thriller directed by debutant Shiv Mohaa, a former assistant of Bharat Bala, she plays Priya, “a modern-day wife, who is also orthodox and holds on to some traditional values”. Sshivada develops detailed character backstories for each role, often creating personal histories that extend beyond what’s written in the script. Her method acting preparation includes spending time in environments similar to her characters and adopting their speech patterns weeks before filming begins.
Cross-Regional Film Industry Navigation
Her unique position as an actress working successfully in both Malayalam and Tamil industries required her to understand different filmmaking cultures, audience preferences, and industry practices. She maintains separate fan bases in Kerala and Tamil Nadu while ensuring her performances resonate with both regional audiences. This cross-cultural expertise makes her valuable for films targeting pan-South Indian markets.
Award Recognition Strategy
These accolades underscore her versatility and depth as an actress. Her role in “Adhe Kangal” was particularly praised, earning her an Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Villainous Role and a South Indian International Movie Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Her strategic choice of challenging roles, particularly villainous characters, demonstrates her commitment to showcasing acting range rather than playing safe with conventional heroine roles.
Industry Relationship Building
She has worked with acclaimed directors like Fazil, Jeethu Joseph, and emerging talents like Vishnu Sasi Shankar, building lasting professional relationships that lead to repeated collaborations. Her reputation for professionalism and creative input makes directors eager to work with her on multiple projects. Industry insiders praise her collaborative approach and problem-solving abilities during challenging shoots.
Personal Brand Development
Sshivada continues to be a notable figure in the Indian film industry, known for her dedication to her craft and her memorable performances. Her ability to balance her professional achievements with a fulfilling personal life adds another layer to her inspiring story. She carefully curates her public image to reflect both her artistic seriousness and personal authenticity, avoiding controversial topics while maintaining genuine fan connections.
Sshivada Online Presence and Social Links
Official Social Media Accounts
Platform | Username/Handle | Followers/Status | Link/URL | Verification |
---|---|---|---|---|
@sshivadaoffcl | 670K followers | instagram.com/sshivadaoffcl | ✓ Verified | |
Twitter/X | @sshivadaoffcl | Active since 2016 | twitter.com/sshivadaoffcl | Official |
Sshivada Official | 901K likes | facebook.com/sshivada | ✓ Verified | |
Instagram Secondary | @sshivada_official | Personal account | instagram.com/sshivada_official | Personal |
Professional Profiles
Platform Type | Platform Name | Profile Status | Link/URL | Purpose |
---|---|---|---|---|
IMDb | Actor Database | Complete Filmography | imdb.com/name/nm5615167 | Professional Credits |
Wikipedia | Biography Page | Updated Weekly | en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sshivada | Encyclopedia Entry |
Amazon Prime Video | Artist Profile | Active | amazon.com/prime-video/actor/Sshivada | Streaming Platform |
FilmiBeat | Celebrity Profile | Regular Updates | filmibeat.com/celebs/sshivada | News & Updates |
Frequently Asked Questions About Sshivada
What is Sshivada’s net worth?
Sshivada’s estimated net worth is $1.5 million as of 2025, primarily from Malayalam and Tamil film salaries, brand endorsements, and television appearances.
How old is Sshivada?
Sshivada is 39 years old, born on April 23, 1986, in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India.
Is Sshivada married?
Yes, Sshivada is married to Malayalam actor Murali Krishnan since 2015, and they have one daughter together.
What is Sshivada’s real name?
Sshivada’s real name is K. V. Srilekha Nair, and she was born as Sreelekha Nair.
What are Sshivada’s upcoming movies?
Sshivada’s upcoming films include “L2: Empuraan” (2025) directed by Prithviraj Sukumaran and “Sumathi Valavu” which was released on August 1, 2025.
What is Sshivada famous for?
Sshivada is best known for her award-winning performances in “Adhe Kangal” (2017), “Chanakya Thanthram” (2018), and “2018” (2023).
What languages does Sshivada speak?
Sshivada is fluent in Malayalam (mother tongue), Tamil, and English, allowing her to work in both Malayalam and Tamil film industries.
How tall is Sshivada?
Sshivada is approximately 5’4″ (163 cm) tall.
What awards has Sshivada won?
Sshivada has won two South Indian International Movie Awards, an Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Villainous Role, and received critical acclaim for multiple performances.
What is Sshivada’s educational background?
Sshivada is a Computer Science engineering graduate from Adi Shankara Institute of Engineering Technology in Kerala, completed after studying at Viswajyothi CMI Public School in Angamaly.