Vidya Pradeep is an Indian actress and scientist. She is currently working as a stem cell researcher in the United States. Her films include Saivam (2014), Pasanga 2 (2015), Thadam (2019), and Kannagi (2023). As a scientist, her most recent paper is titled 'Aster-B Modulates Oxidative Stress Responses and Carotenoid Distribution in ARPE-19 Cells' published in the reputed scientific journal "Antioxidants".
Career After completing her Master of Science in Biotechnology degree, Vidya Pradeep completed her PhD in Stem Cell Biology at an eye hospital in Chennai. She worked on ocular stem cells, and her work has been published in the "International Journal of Cell & Gene Therapy".
She practiced Bharatanatyam during her childhood. While pursuing her PhD, Vidya worked as a model and appeared in several print and television advertisements. Vidya says that her break in to the world of Ads and movies were accidental. She also appeared in the music video for A. R. Rahman's "Aa Bhi Jaa" from his studio album Raunaq alongside Yami Gautam and several other models. Vidya was signed to play a role in a film by Lohithadas, but the film didn't materialise. She was subsequently signed to play a supporting role in Aval Peyar Thamizharasi (2010) and debuted under the name Dhyana. Her next film was Virunthali (2010), where she played the heroine. She was spotted by director A. L. Vijay, who cast her in his successful family drama film, Saivam (2014) to portray Sara Arjun's mother. For the film, she reverted to her original name and put on weight to portray a middle-aged woman. The film and the ensemble cast won positive reviews for its portrayal of a family. She then featured in the action drama, Adhibar (2015) as the lead actress opposite Jeevan. Pradeep then worked on Pandiraj's Pasanga 2 (2015). She worked on the psychological thriller Onnume Puriyala (2016), which made the headlines for becoming the first Tamil film to be remade in German, and played a cameo in Achamindri (2016).
Pradeep made her debut in Kannada with Bangara s/o Bangarada Manushya (2017) opposite Shivarajkumar, and the film opened to very positive reviews. Vidya was highly appreciated by the critics for her acting skills and screen presence. The New Indian Express noted that "Vidya Pradeep doesn’t stay a glam doll instead proves her talent in acting when called for", while the Deccan Herald says that it is a "fortuitous debut for Vidya Pradeep". In March 2019, she appeared in Thadam with Arun Vijay. Times of India said "Vidya's performance stands out" and The Indian Express stated that "Vidya Pradeep needs a special mention and manages to hold your attention undivided right through as Malar".
Filmography +Key Denotes films that have not yet been released Year Film Role(s) Notes2010 Aval Peyar Thamizharasi Dancer Debut film; Credited as DhyanaVirunthali Archana Credited as Dhyana 2013 Proprietors: Kammath & Kammath Radhika Malayalam film; Cameo Appearance 2014 Saivam Thenmozhi 2015Adhibar Suganthi Pasanga 2 Divya Kathir 2016 Achamindri Shruthi 2017 Bangara s/o Bangarada Manushya Nayana Kannada film2018Iravukku Aayiram Kangal Anitha Kalari Mallika Maari 2 Kalai's Wife 2019 Thadam Malarvizhi 2020 Ponmagal Vandhal Shakthi Jothi (Psycho Jothi) Cameo appearance2021 Kasada Thapara Vaanathi Streaming release; Segment: ThappattamThalaivii Actress Cameo appearanceChithirai Sevvanam Lakshmi 2022 Selfie Mona Ward 126 Yamini Yenni Thuniga Teja Powder Vidya Second Show Meera 2023 D3 Maya Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum Kelir Maya Infinity Nandini Echo Nila Striker Priya Kannagi Nethra 2024 Light House Sattam En Kaiyil Balu's wife Thirumbipaar Janani 2025 Vattakhanal Radha
Web series
Year Series Role Notes2021I Hate You I Love You - "Chapter 2 - Searching"ShruthiMadboys Original YouTube Channel
Television series
Year Series RoleChannel language Notes2018-2020NayagiAnandhi Kathiresan ThirumuruganSun TVTamilReplacement of Vijayalakshmi
References
External links