Bhavana, originally named Karthika Menon, is a well-known Indian actress who has predominantly worked in Malayalam and Kannada cinema, along with notable appearances in Tamil and Telugu films. Her career in the film industry started with the 2002 Malayalam movie "Nammal," where she adopted the stage name Bhavana. She has showcased her talent in numerous successful films across different languages, receiving recognition and awards for her performances.
Born on June 6, 1986, in Thrissur, Kerala, Bhavana is the daughter of Pushpa and assistant cinematographer G. Balachandran. Her schooling took place at Holy Family Convent Girls High School in Thrissur. Bhavana has described herself as a restless and determined person, always aspiring to become an actress from a young age.
Her acting journey began at the age of 16 with the critically acclaimed Malayalam film "Nammal," where she portrayed the character Parimalam, a slum dweller, earning her the Kerala State Special Jury Mention. Subsequently, she appeared in several successful films like "Chronic Bachelor," "C.I.D. Moosa," "Swapnakoodu," "Chathikkatha Chanthu," "Naran," and "Chotta Mumbai," establishing herself as a versatile actress in Malayalam cinema.
Bhavana expanded her reach into Tamil cinema with films like "Chithiram Pesuthadi," "Chinthamani Kolacase," "Kisan," "Chess," "Veyil," and "Jayamkondaan," earning her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress in Tamil for her role in "Chithiram Pesuthadi." Her entry into Telugu cinema included films like "Ontari," "Hero," and "Mahatma."
The actress made a significant mark in Kannada cinema with successful films such as "Jackie," "Vishnuvardhana," "Romeo," "Yaare Koogadali," and "Tagaru," where her performances received appreciation and nominations.
Unfortunately, Bhavana's career faced a setback after she became a victim of abduction and assault in 2017. The incident led to a prolonged absence from the industry as she took time away to recover. Her courage and the subsequent legal proceedings sparked discussions around women's safety in the film industry, leading to the formation of initiatives like the Women in Cinema Collective in Malayalam cinema.
After her hiatus, Bhavana made a comeback to Malayalam cinema with the film "Ntikkakkakkoru Premondarnn" released in 2023. Her return marked a significant moment in her career and in the film industry.
In her personal life, Bhavana got engaged to Kannada film producer Naveen in March 2017, and they tied the knot on January 22, 2018. The actress continues to captivate audiences with her talent and resilience, making a commendable return to the industry after a challenging period in her life.
