Nishan (actor)

Nishan KP Nanaiah, known mononymously as Nishan, is an Indian actor from Karnataka , (brought up in Kolkata), has predominantly worked in Malayalam films. Also in a few languages like Hindi, Tamil and Telugu .Nishan speaks around 5-6 languages, and is very good at picking up new languages n its dialects, hence working in different languages comes naturally to him.. He debuted in 2009 through the Hindi film Cycle Kick but the film did not release. He got a career break in Shyamaprasad's Malayalam film Ritu in the same year. He became a notable actor through Sibi Malayil's Apoorvaragam which was released in 2010.

Nishan was born to K.S. Prasad, a customs officer, and late K. Padma Prasad, in Coorg, Karnataka. He was brought up in Kolkata, West Bengal. He was a university tennis player. He got a diploma in acting from the Pune Film Institute (FTII).

After graduating, he moved to Mumbai to try his luck in Bollywood. He worked with Subhash Ghai in a film titled Cycle Kick, which was released in 2011. As an actor, he believes in expanding his horizons and hence he decided to venture down south..his first southern break was Telugu film Manorama (2009). The film along with Nishan s performance was critically very well acclaimed..His character in the film was noted, however simultaneouslyHe got a call from legendary malayalam director Shyamaprasad during those days, for playing the lead role in his film, Ritu (2009). About the selection, the actor said, "Shyamaprasad sir had seen my stills from a model coordinator in Chennai. But I was not sure if I could do the film because Malayalam is a tough language. Shyam sir, however, told me that he was confident that I could do the role." Rithu was a critical hit, which won him the best debut award.

After Ritu, he got another notable role in Sibi Malayil's Apoorvaragam. Apoorvaragam was a sleeper hit. It ran for 100+ days. This movie made Nishan a household name as it was a commercial hit. In February, Ee Adutha Kaalathu released in which he played the role of Rustam. This film received positive response from critics and audiences, and is considered a path-breaker for its bold and realistic narration and the innovative style of weaving story threads together. Nishan's role of Rustam was more appreciated as it had a grey shade. He also starred in Bejoy Nambiar's David alongside Vikram. His role of Peter was appreciated by the critics. His last release was Geethanjali (Malayalam) directed by Priyadarshan, starring Mohanlal. The film went on to be a semi hit.

Nishan's forthcoming release is Badlapur Boys (Hindi) directed by newcomer Shailesh Verma. It is based on the Indian traditional rural sport, kabaddi.

Released

Upcoming

• Asianet Film Award for Best New Face (2009)
• Surya Film Award for Best Debutant (2009)
• World Malayalee Council and Kairali TV award for Best Debut (2009)