

A true South Indian belle, she debuted with 'Amrutham' in Malayalam and proceeded to do notable films such as 'Rajamanikyam', 'Naalu Pennungal', 'Paradesi' nd 'Pazhassi Raja'. She effects a convincing/moving performance as a maid in an aristocratic household, who, in her desolation, finds solace in absolute devotion to Lord Krishna.In 'Kunjikoonan', Navya plays Chembakam, a poor, blind girl, who develops a rare bond with a hunchback (Dileep), and gets back her sight, only to find herself faced with some extremely challenging situations.Padmapriya left her corporate job for a career in films.

Navya's magnificent portrayal of Balamani in 'Nandanam' is unforgettable. She won the State Awards for Best Actress in 2002 for her performance in 'Nandanam' and in 2005 for 'Kanne Madanguka' and 'Saira'. Meera delivers a soul-stirring performance, as Deepti.Navya debuted with 'Ishtam', and went on to deliver rollicking hits such as 'Mazhathullikilukam', 'Kunjikoonan', 'Kalyanaraman', 'Chathikkatha Chandu' and 'Ammakillikoodu'. Her role as Deepti, a housewife, who, in her helplessness to treat her sick son, depends on a stranger, only to become further embroiled in a poignant yet heartbreaking relationship with him. The scenes between mother (Urvashi) and daughter were extremely entertaining, particularly due to the subtle rendering and excellent comic timing.Meera once again laid testament to her exquisite talent, through her awe-inspiring performance in 'Ore Kadal', as she swept away the Kerala State award, the Film Fare award and the Asianet award for best actress. Meera as Ashwathy in 'Achuvinte Amma', was a perfect blend of humour and gravitas.

She plays Shahina, whose dreams of a higher education are cut short due to child marriage and pregnancy, eventually leading to divorce. Her portrayals in 'Gramaphone', 'Swapnakoodu', 'Perumazhakaalam', 'Rasatanthram', 'Vinodayatra', 'Kasthooriman' and 'Calcutta News' won her countless awards.'Paadam onnu oru Vilaapam' (2003) won Meera the National and State awards for best actress.Her performance was so brilliant that she outshone her competition, with a unanimous verdict from the jury, to become one of the youngest actors to win the National award. Vote Now!Meera Jasmine, on her day, is capable of singlehandedly carrying a film on her shoulders. In spite of this predicament, some actresses have succeeded in breaking chains and effecting notable performances.Here, we present to you 10 Malayalam actresses who made a mark, this decade. The Mollywood of today is mostly a male chauvinistic realm, where actresses are expected either to be a glam prop to a superhero or a tame witness to the unfolding of an intensely sketched male character. Malayalam Cinema was once known for its female-oriented subjects.
