Preeti Nigam is an Indian television actress, known for her performances in Telugu-language serials.[1] She has had a career spanning over two decades, with notable roles in both positive and negative characters. Her acting career began in the 1990s, and she is recognized for her roles in several successful serials such as Ruthuragalu, Kasturi, and Chandramukhi.[2]
Preeti Nigam | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1996-present |
Early life and background
editPreeti Nigam was born and raised in Hyderabad in a Kayastha family with roots in Uttar Pradesh.[3] Her ancestors migrated from Uttar Pradesh to the Nizam's dominions and settled in Hyderabad several years ago.[3] She spent her early years in the Sultan Bazar area and initially did not know Telugu. Coming from a family with a strong background in the arts, Preeti received training in classical dance forms such as Kathak and Kuchipudi. During her school years, she gave her first stage performance at the Birla Mandir.[3]
Career
editDespite her interest in acting, Preeti's entry into the industry was met with resistance from her father, who questioned the necessity of acting for girls. However, her mother encouraged her passion. Preeti initially faced challenges due to her lack of proficiency in Telugu. Her acting debut came in 1989 in a dance-based documentary film, where she delivered a small dialogue. Her first notable role was in the Doordarshan serial Aaradhana, where she was initially hired as a choreographer but was later asked to act. Unable to speak Telugu at the time, she played a mute character, relying solely on her expressive eyes.[3]
Career Breakthrough
editPreeti initially struggled with Telugu but learned the language to advance her career. She gained recognition for her performance in Ruthuragalu (1996–1999), a popular serial where she portrayed the character of Haritha. The serial’s title song became immensely popular, and Preeti's portrayal earned her widespread acclaim. She continued to rise to fame with other notable roles in serials like Kasturi, Adadhi, Endamavulu, Kavyanjali, and Santhi Nivasam. Her career further soared when she portrayed negative roles, particularly in Chandramukhi. She has also appeared in serials like Swati Chinukulu, America Ammayi, and Sravana Sameeralu, balancing both positive and negative shades of characters.[3]
Films
editIn addition to her extensive television career, Preeti has acted in several Telugu and Hindi films. She featured in films such as Student No: 1, Sai, Chakali Ailamma, Jai Telangana, and Tripura. She played supporting roles in several films including the Hindi films Welcome to Sajjanpur (2008) and Well Done Abba (2009) before portraying the lead role of the revolutionary Chakali Ilamma in the film of the same name in 2013.[4][5]
Personal life
editPreeti is married to Nagesh Karra, whom she met during the shooting of Ruthuragalu.[5] They have two children, Adithi Sri and Aryan. Their son Aryan was selected to represent India in the World Roller Games in Barcelona (Spain) in 2019.[6]
Filmography
editFilms
edit- All films are in Telugu, unless otherwise noted.
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Student No: 1 | ||
| 2002 | Santosham | Rani | |
| Avunu Valliddaru Ista Paddaru! | Nookaraju's wife | ||
| 2003 | Ee Abbai Chala Manchodu | Vivekananda's step-mother | |
| Kabaddi Kabaddi | Nagendra's wife | ||
| Back Pocket | |||
| 2004 | Sye | Prudhvi's mother | |
| Kaani | Lakshmini | ||
| 2006 | Asadhyudu | Ram's wife | |
| 2008 | Welcome to Sajjanpur | Jamuna Bai | Hindi film |
| Ready | Pooja's mother | ||
| 2009 | Well Done Abba | Sakina's mother | Hindi film |
| 2010 | Shoebite | Hindi film; unreleased | |
| 2013 | Chakali Ailamma | Chakali Ailamma | |
| 2015 | Tripura | Tripura's servant | |
| 2019 | Hulchul | Rudra's mother | |
| 2021 | Bolo Hau | Rukhsar's mother | Hindi film[7] |
Television
edit- All films are in Telugu, unless otherwise noted.
| Year | Title | Role | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 -1999 | Ruthuragalu | Haritha | DD-8 | |
| Kasturi | Sunila | |||
| Anubhandhalu | ||||
| Devadasu | ||||
| 2003 - 2008 | Chakravakam | Gemini TV | ||
| 2007 - 2013 | Chandramukhi | Yashodhara | ETV Telugu | |
| 2011 | Sundarakanda | Bhanumathi Devi | Gemini TV | |
| 2012 - 2014 | Kanchana Ganga | Star Maa | ||
| 2013 - 2016 | Sravana Sameeralu | Gemini TV | ||
| 2013 - 2020 | Swathi Chinukulu | Sunanda | ETV Telugu | |
| 2015 - 2018 | America Ammayi | Jayanthi Vajrapati | Zee Telugu | |
| 2017 - 2018 | Ruthu Geetham | ETV Telugu | ||
| 2017 - 2018 | Uyyala Jampala | Neeraja | Star Maa | |
| 2018 - 2019 | Kante Kurtune Kanali | Bhramarambika Devi | Star Maa | |
| 2020 - 2021 | Deeparadhana | Muneeswari | Gemini TV | |
| 2020 - present | Intinti Gruhalakshmi | Anjali | Star Maa | Cameo |
| 2021 - present | Paape Maa Jeevanajyothi | Hymavathi | Star Maa | |
| 2021 | Swarna Palace | Rangamma | Zee Telugu | |
| 2021 | Ishmart Jodi 2 | Contestant | Star Maa | Participated with her husband Nagesh |
| 2023-present | Kalisundam Raa | Shakti | ETV Telugu |
References
edit- ^ Karamchetu, Abhyudaya (4 December 2016). "Talent unlimited". The Hans India. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
- ^ "నా జీవితమే ఓ పుస్తకం". Sakshi (in Telugu). 13 November 2014. Archived from the original on 18 May 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "విలన్గా భయపెడుతున్నా". Andhra Jyothi (in Telugu). 17 November 2015. Archived from the original on 18 May 2020.
- ^ Singh, T. Lalith (6 December 2013). "Serial performer Preeti Nigam now awaits her big test". The Hindu.
- ^ a b Singh, T Lalith (15 April 2018). "Pretty Preeti's performance peps up small screen". Telangana Today. Retrieved 27 January 2021.
- ^ Subrahmanyam, V. v (7 May 2019). "Telangana teenagers skate their way into world meet". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
- ^ Bolo Hau Movie Review: The same, age-old romantic drama, retrieved 1 July 2021
External links
edit- Preeti Nigam at IMDb