Bhavana (Kannada actress)

🪔 About

Nandini Ramanna, professionally known as Bhavana, is an accomplished Indian actress and Bharatanatyam dancer, primarily recognized for her work in the Kannada film industry. Born in 1984 in Agumbe, Shimoga district, Karnataka, Bhavana embarked on her artistic journey with a rigorous training in Bharatanatyam, dedicating nearly a decade to the classical dance form from an early age. Her initial aspiration was to become a stage choreographer, with her entry into films happening by chance. She holds a master's degree in English literature from Bangalore University and a diploma in film acting and making from Adarsha Film & TV Institute. Bhavana's acting career began with the Tulu film *Maribale* in 1996, though she gained prominence in Kannada cinema. She has been honored with three Karnataka State Film Awards: Best Supporting Actress in 1997 for *Nee Mudida Mallige*, Best Actress in 2002 for *Kshaama*, and Best Actress in 2012 for *Bhagirathi*. A notable achievement in her filmography is her role as the sole actor in the 2004 Kannada film *Shanti*, which earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the 'fewest actors in a narrative film'. In 2018, she was also bestowed with the "India's Best Actress" title by the Kaveri Kannada Association in Maryland, USA, for her contributions to the Kannada film industry. Beyond her acting and dance performances, Bhavana Ramanna is the director of HomeTown Productions, a company dedicated to organizing and presenting dance and music shows. While she is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer and promotes the arts through her production house, the available information does not extensively detail her role as a classical dance guru with a significant teaching legacy or a large number of documented students. She became a single mother through IVF in 2025, delivering a baby girl named Rukmini. Awards & Honours: Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actress (1997), Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress (2002), Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress (2012), India's Best Actress (Kaveri Kannada Association) (2018).