Milana Nagaraj

Milana was born in Hassan, Karnataka.^[1][7] She completed her schooling in Hassan. She completed her BE in computer science from Vivekananda Institute of Technology, Bengaluru and is a computer engineer. She was a state-level backstroke swimmer, before she started modelling.^[8][9]

Milana started her career as a model and participated in Femina Miss Karnataka, where she won "Miss Best Personality". She then ventured into acting.^[10]

Milana made her screen debut with the 2013 film Nam Duniya Nam Style opposite Likith Shetty.^[11] A Times of India critic noted, "Milana excels with good expressions and dialogue delivery."^[12] In the same year, she portrayed Madhu, a college student opposite Darshan in Brindavana, a remake of Telugu film Brindavanam.^[13] Several critics stated that Milana "impresses" with her expressions. She received a nomination for Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Kannada.^[14] It was a box office success.^[15] In 2015, she portrayed Purvi in Charlie, opposite Krishna.^[16]

Milana had two film releases in 2017. She first made her Malayalam film debut with Avarude Raavukal opposite Vinay Forrt.^[17] Cris from Deccan Chronicle stated, "Milana has done a neat job but seems like an afterthought."^[18] Milana next portrayed Aishwarya, a politician's daughter in Jani opposite Vijay Raghavendra.^[19] A critic of Vijaya Karnataka stated that Milana has "bare minimum to do".^[20]

Following a three year hiatus, Milana made her comeback to films with the 2020 film Love Mocktail.^[21] She portrayed Nidhima, software employee opposite Krishna, which she also co-produces. A Shraddha from The New Indian Express stated, "A unique role for Milana, she shows maturity in her acting."^[22] Aravind Shwetha of The News Minute noted, "Milana has a refreshing character and plays her part well. She must continue to pick roles that bring the best out of her."^[23] A major commercial success, it emerged as the fourth highest grossing Kannada film of the year.^[24] The same year, she portrayed Spandana in Matte Udbhava opposite Panju.^[25] Times of India mentioned that "Milana Nagaraj chips in with a good performance."^[26] Love Mocktail won her the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress – Kannada and she received her first Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada nomination.^[27]

Milana further had three film releases in 2022 – She first reprised Nidhima in the sequel Love Mocktail 2, opposite Krishna.^[28] Vivek M V called her the "soul of the franchise" and noted, "Milana's effort is a fine mix of understanding the character and bringing new layers to it."^[29] Sunayana Suresh stated, "Milana looks ethereal in the film and adds a lot of entertainment."^[30] It was a box office success and emerged as the eighth highest grossing Kannada film of the year.^[31] Following this, she played Renu, a detective's wife opposite Sudeepa in Vikrant Rona.^[32] A Bollywood Hungama critic was appreciative of hercameo role.^[33] It became one of the highest grossing Kannada film of all time.^[34] She then portrayed Nikitha alongside Amrutha Iyengar in O.^[35] A Sharadhaa stated, "Milana get to experiment with fresh characterisation and gives a strong performance." It was a box office average.^[36]

In 2023, Milana first portrayed Pallavi opposite Krishna in Mr. Bachelor.^[37] Vinay Lokesh stated that she proves her mettle with a "decent screen presence".^[38] She next portrayed a fashion designer in Love Birds opposite Krishna.^[39] A critic from The New Indian Express stated that she gave a "natural and poignant performance".^[40][41] In her last release of the year, Milana portrayed an alcoholic in Kousalya Supraja Rama, reuniting with Krishna.^[42] The Hindu critic noted, "Milana's portrayal of a drunkard is a tad over the top, but she performs with superb restraint in serious portions."^[43] Her performance earned her another nomination for Filmfare Best Actress – Kannada.^[44] Mr. Bachelor and Love Birds failed at the box office but Kousalya Supraja Rama emerged a box office success and the eighth highest grossing film of the year.^[45]

In her first release of 2024, Milana played a secretly married woman in For Regn opposite Pruthvi Ambaar.^[46] Vivek M. V. noted, "Milana is natural in emotional sequences and the actors [Milana and Ambaar] do more for the film than what the film does for them."^[47] Following this, she played a school teacher in Aaraam Arvind Swamy opposite Aniish.^[48] Suhasini B Srihari of Deccan Herald was appreciative of her "credible performance".^[49] Both films emerged as box office averages.^[50]

Milana Nagaraj met actor Krishna, on the sets of the 2013 film Nam Duniya Nam Style. They eventually started dating in 2015.^[51] Milana married Krishna on 14 February 2021, in a private traditional ceremony on the outskirts of Bengaluru.^[52][53] On 5 September 2024, she gave birth to their daughter Pari.^[54][55]

Writing for Film Companion, film journalist Sonu Venugopal opined: "Milana Nagaraj has starred in many rom-coms in her career and has ushered in a new brand of such films in Kannada cinema. Milana would certainly be the perfect actor for a monicker in the rom-com genre, if there was."^[56] Vivek M.V. of The Hindu noted, "Even in her weaker films, Milana stood out thanks to her charming presence and effortless portrayal of her characters."^[57]

Milana was placed 17th in 2013 and 14th in 2020, in the Bangalore Times' Most Desirable Women list.^[58][59] In 2023, News18 placed her 3rd in its "Top Kannada Actresses" list and noted, "Her on-screen charisma and stellar performance worked wonders in Kousalya Supraja Rama.^[60] Milana is one of the most followed Kannada actress on Instagram.^[61]

• All films are in Kannada unless otherwise noted.