Divya Unni

Divya Unni (born 1982 in Kochi, India) is an Indian actress of Malayalam and Tamil films. She appeared in films like Pranayavarnangal and Bharathan's last movie Churam, in which she acted alongside Manoj K. Jayan. Unni migrated to the US after her marriage.

Unni was crowned, in 1990 and 1991, Kalathilakom in statewide competitions. On India's premier Television Channel Doordarshan, she presented a variety of Indian dance art-forms to national audiences, such as Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Mohiniyattam, and folk dances.

In addition, she has appeared in more than a dozen TV serials and TV films in a variety of roles, leaving an indelible impression upon fans. She received the Aravindaksha Memorial Award - the Abhinaya Tilaka Puraskaram for the best state dance performance. Recently, she received global recognition by earning The Mother Teresa Award for her contributions to the performing arts.

In addition to performing throughout India, Unni performs on international stages throughout North America, Europe and Persian Gulf countries.

In the pursuit of promoting Indian culture in the West, Unni is developing the artistic talents of young children in the U.S.; with this goal, she is currently the Director of Sreepadam School of Arts in Houston, Texas, U.S.A., with a branch in Kochi, India.

As a trained classical dancer who has given many performances, she was given the Kalathilakam and Bhavans Jyothi titles and numerous other artistic awards.

She is a dancer and film artist recognized throughout South India. She has earned the devotion of her fans - not only through over 50 films - but also through her dance performances.

As a child, Divya got her first break in the film Nee Ethra Dhanya when she was a class II student. It was followed by Pookalam Varavayi directed by Kamal and Oh Faby by Srikuttan. She also did a TV serial directed by Vinayan.

Divya's first feature film was Kalyana Sowgandhigam - one she did when she was in tenth standard. She had the opportunity to work with both Mohanlal and Mammootty.

She married Sudhir Sekharan, an NRI in the USA and the couple have a boy named Arjun. She is also currently one of the anchors of a television show called American Jalakam on Asianet.

Prepared by: Dr. Susie Pazhavarical