Bhavana, born Karthika Menon, is an acclaimed Indian actress who has predominantly worked in the Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu film industries. With her impressive acting skills and charming screen presence, she has won the hearts of millions across South India. Bhavana made her film debut in the early 2000s and quickly established herself as a leading actress known for her versatility and natural performances. Over the years, she has received numerous awards and accolades for her exceptional work in cinema.
Personal Details of Bhavana
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Karthika Menon |
| Stage Name | Bhavana |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1986 |
| Age | 38 years (as of 2024) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Profession | Actress |
| Height | 5 feet 3 inches (161 cm) |
| Weight | 54 kg (119 lbs) |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Zodiac Sign | Gemini |
| Father | G. Balachandran (Assistant Cinematographer) |
| Mother | Pushpa Balachandran |
| Siblings | Jayadev Menon (Brother) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Naveen (m. 2018) |
| Affairs/Boyfriend | Naveen (Film Producer) |
| Net Worth | Approx. ₹25-30 Crore |
Bhavana’s Career Bio and Filmography
Early Life and Entry into the Film Industry
Bhavana was born in Thrissur, Kerala, into a family with a background in cinema. Her father was an assistant cinematographer, which gave her early exposure to the film industry. She developed an interest in acting at a young age and actively participated in school dramas and cultural events. Her passion for films led her to audition for roles in Malayalam cinema, and she got her breakthrough at the age of 16.
Debut and Rise in Malayalam Cinema
Bhavana made her acting debut in 2002 with the Malayalam film Nammal, directed by Kamal. The movie was a commercial success, and her performance as Parimalam was highly appreciated. She won the Kerala State Film Special Jury Award for her role, marking an excellent start to her career. Following this, she starred in several successful Malayalam films, including Chronic Bachelor (2003), CID Moosa (2003), and Swapnakoodu (2003), which helped her gain widespread recognition.
Expansion into Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu Films
After establishing herself in Malayalam cinema, Bhavana ventured into Tamil cinema with Chithiram Pesuthadi (2006), which became a huge hit. She continued to work in Tamil films, sharing screen space with leading actors like Vijay, Ajith, and Madhavan. In Kannada cinema, she gained immense popularity with Jackie (2010) opposite Puneeth Rajkumar, which became a blockbuster. She later acted in several successful Kannada films, making her one of the most sought-after actresses in Sandalwood.
Filmography
Malayalam Films
| Year | Film Name | Character | Remarks |
| 2002 | Nammal | Parimalam | Debut Film |
| 2003 | CID Moosa | Meena | Commercial Hit |
| 2004 | Runway | Shilpa | Thriller Film |
| 2006 | Chinthamani Kolacase | Chinthamani | Legal Drama |
| 2012 | Ozhimuri | Balamani | Critically Acclaimed |
| 2023 | Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnn | Nithya | Comeback Film |
Tamil Films
| Year | Film Name | Character | Remarks |
| 2006 | Chithiram Pesuthadi | Charu | Tamil Debut |
| 2007 | Deepavali | Susi | Romantic Film |
| 2009 | Vaazhthugal | Kayalvizhi | Family Drama |
| 2011 | Aasal | Sarah | Opposite Ajith Kumar |
Kannada Films
| Year | Film Name | Character | Remarks |
| 2010 | Jackie | Lakshmi | Blockbuster |
| 2011 | Vishnuvardhana | Bharathi | Commercial Success |
| 2013 | Topiwala | Suman | Political Thriller |
| 2014 | Ninnindale | Pavi | Opposite Puneeth Rajkumar |
Telugu Films
| Year | Film Name | Character | Remarks |
| 2008 | Ontari | Bujji | Telugu Debut |
| 2010 | Mahatma | Krishnaveni | Social Drama |
Bhavana’s Net Worth and Earnings
Bhavana’s estimated net worth is around ₹25-30 crore, making her one of the wealthiest actresses in South Indian cinema. Her primary sources of income include acting, brand endorsements, and television appearances. She has also been a part of several high-budget films, contributing significantly to her wealth. Additionally, she has invested in real estate and owns luxury apartments in Kerala and Bangalore. Her brand endorsements with reputed companies add to her annual earnings, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in the industry.
Lesser-Known Facts About Bhavana
- Bhavana’s real name is Karthika Menon, but she changed it for professional reasons.
- She made her debut at the age of 16 and won the Kerala State Film Special Jury Award for her first film.
- She is a trained classical dancer and has performed in several stage shows.
- Bhavana has worked in over 85 films across Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu.
- She married Kannada film producer Naveen in 2018 after a long-term relationship.
- She has a strong social media presence, frequently interacting with her fans.
- She has openly spoken about her experiences in the film industry and has been a strong advocate for women’s rights.
Bhavana’s Personal Interests and Hobbies
Bhavana is passionate about fitness and wellness. She follows a strict workout routine, including yoga and dance, to stay in shape. She enjoys traveling and often explores new destinations during her free time. Fashion is another area of interest for her, and she is known for her stylish and elegant outfits. Apart from acting, she loves reading, music, and photography.
Bhavana’s Social Media Presence
Bhavana is highly active on social media platforms, where she shares updates about her personal and professional life. She engages with her fans by posting pictures, videos, and behind-the-scenes moments from her films.
Future Prospects and Career Aspirations
Bhavana has continued to evolve as an actress, taking on diverse and challenging roles. While she made a strong comeback with Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnn in 2023, she is expected to take up more projects in the Malayalam and Kannada industries. She has expressed interest in working in OTT platforms, which offer innovative content and challenging roles. With her talent and dedication, Bhavana is set to reach greater heights in her career.
Conclusion
Bhavana has had a stellar career in Indian cinema, earning recognition for her versatile performances. Her journey from a teenage debutante to a successful actress is truly inspiring. She continues to be a beloved star, admired for her talent, humility, and resilience.
