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Regina Cassandra (born 13 December 1990) is an Indian actress who primarily works in Tamil and Telugu films.[1] Cassandra is a recipient of several accolades including a SIIMA Award and a CineMAA Award, along with a Filmfare OTT Award nomination.[2]
Regina Cassandra | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Cassandra in 2016 | |
| Born | 13 December 1990 Madras, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Education | M.Sc. Psychology (Madras University) |
| Alma mater | Women's Christian College, Chennai |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2005–present |
Cassandra made her acting debut in a supporting role with the Tamil film Kanda Naal Mudhal (2005) and had her breakthrough with her Telugu debut Siva Manasulo Sruthi (2012), which earned her the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut – Telugu. She then received commercial success with Routine Love Story (2010), Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga (2013), Power (2014) and Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham (2014).
Cassandra received praise for portraying a traditional girl in Subramanyam for Sale (2015), a dental student in Jyo Achyutananda (2016), a youngster in Maanagaram (2017), a drug addict in Awe (2018) and a businesswoman in Evaru (2019). She received the SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Telugu nomination for Jyo Achyutananda.[3] Following her expansion to Hindi films with Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga (2019), she starred in streaming series Rocket Boys (2022) and Jaanbaaz Hindustan Ke (2023).[4]
In addition to her acting career, she is a celebrity endorser for brands and products.[5]
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Cassandra was born on 13 December 1990 in Madras (now Chennai) in a Tamil family.[6][1] Her mother tongue is Tamil. She was nine years old when she started anchoring for Splash, a kids' channel.[7] She completed her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Women's Christian College, Chennai,[8] and did Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from University of Madras.[9][10]
Film debut and early struggles (2005–2014)
Cassandra made her film debut with the Tamil film Kanda Naal Mudhal in 2005 with Karthik Kumar.[11] She next appeared in the 2006 film Azhagiya Asura with Yogi.[12] In 2010, Cassandra played the lead in the Kannada film Suryakaanti alongside Chetan Kumar, and as she could not speak Kannada, she was told to act out scenes in English and add Kannada to it.[13] Rediff.com wrote, "Regina is more impressive than Chetan. She is really cute and her bubbly expressions suit the role."[14] After this film, she took time out and went on to graduate in psychology and took another year off before taking a final call on joining movies.[15][16] During her break, she acted in several short films, including Balaji Mohan's Kadhalil Sodhappuvadhu Yeppadi alongside Adith Arun.[citation needed]
Cassandra made her Telugu debut with Shiva Manasulo Shruti opposite Sudheer Babu. Hindustan Times noted, "Regina charms the viewers with her looks and her performance." She won the SIIMA Award for Best Female Debut - Telugu for the film. Before that, she was shortlisted in the film Life is Beautiful but the production team went on for long time in audition in decided to choose this project and opted out from that film[17][18].The same year she appeared opposite Sundeep Kishan in Routine Love Story.[19] which she signed even before her first release in Telugu. In 2013 she had two releases. She first appeared in Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga opposite Sivakarthikeyan.[20] She next played the lead opposite Vikram Anand in Nirnayam. The former proved successful at the box office.[21]
Cassandra had four releases in 2014. She first appeared opposite Allu Sirish in Kotha Janta.[22][23] Deccan Chronicle wrote, "The star of the film is undoubtedly Regina. She looks cute and bubbly and delivers a delightful performance."[24] Her next releases was Ra Ra... Krishnayya, opposite Sundeep Kishan.[25] She then played a Bengali girl opposite Ravi Teja, in the commercial success Power.[26] Bangalore Mirror wrote, "Regina looks rather cute in her limited screen presence."[27] Her final film of the year was Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitam opposite Sai Dharam Tej, a boxoffice success.[28]
Critical acclaim and success (2016–2020)
Cassandra's first release of 2015 was Rajathandhiram alongside Veera(2015).[29] Her next film was the commercially successful Subramanyam for Sale opposite Sai Dharam Tej. Pranita Jonnalagedda of Times of India noted, "Regina brings freshness to the film with her clean act and is brilliant except when she cries."[30] Her last film of the year was Soukhyam opposite Gopichand.[31] Cassandra appeared in three films in 2016. She appeared in Shourya alongside Manchu Manoj and in Shankara alongside Nara Rohit. The commercially successful film Jyo Achyutananda, became a breakthrough for her. She played a dental student opposite Naga Shaurya and Nara Rohit.[32] Deccan Chronicle wrote, "Regina looks beautiful and her performance is impressive."[33]
In 2017, Cassandra's first film was the successful Maanagaram opposite Sundeep Kishan.[34] Malini Mannath of The New Indian Express wrote, "Regina's matter-of-fact portrayal is perfect."[35] She subsequently appeared in Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen opposite Udhayanidhi Stalin, Gemini Ganeshanum Suruli Raajanum opposite Atharvaa, Nakshatram opposite Sundeep Kishan and Balakrishnudu opposite Nara Rohit.[36] In 2018, Cassandra first played a waitress and drug addict in the critical acclaimed Awe.[37] Firstpost noted, "Regina Cassandra has an interesting role, and delivers noteworthy performance."[38] She then appeared in Mr. Chandramouli alongside Gautham Karthik and Silukkuvarupatti Singam opposite Vishnu Vishal. The latter was a critical and commercial success.[citation needed]
Cassandra's career marked a successful phase in 2019. She first made her Hindi film debut with Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga opposite Sonam Kapoor. She played an unconventional role of a lesbian.[39] Bollywood Hungama noted, "Regina Cassandra is quite an important part of the film and impresses with her confident act."[40] She played a negative character for the first time in 7.[41] Her final film of the year, Evaru earned her critical acclaim. She played a rising businesswoman alongside Adivi Sesh.[42] India Today noted, "Regina Cassandra performs extremely well and for a large part of the film, you cannot fathom whether she's guilty or not." While 123telugu stated, "Regina makes a solid comeback with Evaru. She is amazing in her double-edged role and gives her career best performance."[43][44]
Career progression (2021–present)
Cassandra had five releases in 2021. She first appeared in Mughizh opposite Vijay Sethupathi.[45] She then played a chess coach and computer hacker in Chakra.[46] She then played an orphan in Nenjam Marappathillai.[47] Hindustan Times noted, "Cassandra is incredibly good as Mariam, a role that fits her like a glove."[48] She then appeared in the anthology film Kasada Tabara alongside Premgi Amaren.[49] Cassandra did a cameo in the bilingual Thalaivii as B. Saroja Devi.[50]
Cassandra's first release in 2022 was 1945 alongside Rana Daggubati.[51] Cassandra made her web debut with the series Rocket Boys, where she portrayed Mrinalini Sarabhai opposite Ishwak Singh, and reprised her role in the second season.[52] Saibal Chatterjee of NDTV termed her "terrific", while Roktim Rajpal of India Today noted, "Regina shines despite having limited scope. She channels her character's griefs and insecurities with a fair degree of competence."[53][54] She then had a special number in Chiranjeevi's Acharya.[55] She then appeared in three more web series, Fingertip, Anya's Tutorial and Shoorveer.[56] Her final release of the year was the bilingual Saakini Daakini.[57][58] The News Minute stated, "Regina particularly looks perfect as a young police trainee. She performs her stunts well and gives a brilliant performance."[59]
In 2023, Cassandra first appeared in the web series Jaanbaaz Hindustan Ke, as a NIA officer.[60] Deepa Gehlot of Rediff.com wrote, "Regina Cassandra has an attractive screen presence, but her Kavya is mostly one-dimensional."[61] She next appeared in Farzi as Vijay Sethupathi's wife.[62][63] Her first film of the year was Karungaapiyam.[64] She next played dual roles in Nene Naa, one of which was an archaeologist.[65] 123telugu noted, "Regina shines in the dual roles, particularly as Divya. Her engaging performance adds depth to the character and keeps the audience intrigued."[66] She later played a paranormal investigator in Conjuring Kannappan opposite Sathish.[67] Janani K found her portrayal to be "decent".[68]
In her first release of 2024, Cassandra played a lively girl opposite Dilip Prakash in Utsavam.[69] Nelki Naresh Kumar found her to be "convincing" in Rama's role.[70] Cassandra will next appear in the Tamil films Vidaamuyarchi and Flashback and the Hindi films Section 108 and Jatt.[71]
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Salil Panchal of Forbes noted, "Cassandra has emerged as one of the most dependable and versatile actresses of South Indian cinema."[72] Ram Venkat Srikar of The New Indian Express termed her filmography a mix of "conventional and unconventional", and wrote, "Regina exudes much self-awareness" while describing her acting choices.[73] Zinia Bandyopadhyay of News18 said that the actress is someone who has always "chosen characters that are poles apart from one another".[74] Mayur Sanap of Rediff.com termed her Hindi debut "unconventional", and said, "Cassandra has successfully carved a niche for herself with her choices of films."[5] Sushmita Dey of Times Now noted her for her "versatile roles" and said, "Regina has a unique approach towards every character."[75]
Cassandra ranked 4th in Rediff.com's "Top Telugu Actresses" list of 2012.[76] In February 2023, she ranked 4th in IMDb's "Popular Indian Celebrities" list.[77] In Hyderabad Times' Most Desirable Woman list, she was placed 14th in 2015, 20th in 2016 and 28th in 2019.[78][79][80] In the Chennai Times' Most Desirable Woman list, she was placed 22nd in 2016.[81] Cassandra is a celebrity endorser for several brands and products such as Kalyan Jewellers, Trends, Biba and Meesho.[82][83] Cassandra has also worked for a number of causes. In 2014, she walked the ramp for "Teach for Change" charity show.[84] She has participated in People For Cattle in India's "Water Bowl Challenge", as its campaign ambassador in 2021. She also supports organic farming. In 2023, Cassandra became the co-founder of Democratic Sangha, participating in the rural women's leadership program.[85][86][87]
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| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Language(s) | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Kanda Naal Mudhal | Latha | Tamil | [88] | |
| 2006 | Azhagiya Asura | Mahalakshmi | [89] | ||
| 2010 | Suryakaanti | Kanthi | Kannada | [90] | |
| 2012 | Siva Manasulo Sruthi | Sruti | Telugu | [18] | |
| Routine Love Story | Tanvi | [91] | |||
| 2013 | Kedi Billa Killadi Ranga | Paappaa | Tamil | [92] | |
| Nirnayam | Jeni | [93] | |||
| 2014 | Kotha Janta | Suvarna | Telugu | [94] | |
| Ra Ra... Krishnayya | Nandeshwari "Nandu" | [95] | |||
| Power | Vaishnavi | [96] | |||
| Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham | Sailaja "Sailu" / Sirisha "Siri" | [97] | |||
| 2015 | Rajathandhiram | Michelle D'Mello | Tamil | [98] | |
| Subramanyam for Sale | Seetha | Telugu | [99] | ||
| Soukhyam | Sailaja "Sailu" | [100] | |||
| 2016 | Shourya | Netra | [101] | ||
| Jyo Achyutananda | Dr. Jyothsna Kumari "Jyo" | [102] | |||
| Shankara | Ananya / Pappu | [103] | |||
| 2017 | Maanagaram | HR officer | Tamil | [104] | |
| Saravanan Irukka Bayamaen | Thenmozhi | [105] | |||
| Gemini Ganeshanum Suruli Raajanum | Lavanya | [106] | |||
| Nakshatram | Jamuna | Telugu | [107] | ||
| Balakrishnudu | Aadhya | [108] | |||
| 2018 | Awe | Mira | [109] | ||
| Mr. Chandramouli | Madhu | Tamil | [110] | ||
| Silukkuvarupatti Singam | Rajeshwari "Raji" | [111] | |||
| Party | Madhu | Unreleased | [112] | ||
| 2019 | Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga | Kuhu | Hindi | [113] | |
| 7 | Saraswathi | Telugu / Tamil | Bilingual film | [114] | |
| Evaru | Sameera Maha | Telugu | [115] | ||
| 2021 | Mughizh | Radhika | Tamil | [116] | |
| Chakra | Leela | [117] | |||
| Nenjam Marappathillai | Mariam | [118] | |||
| Kasada Thapara | Tripura Sundari "Trisha" | [119] | |||
| Thalaivii | B. Saroja Devi | Hindi / Tamil | Bilingual film; cameo | [120] | |
| 2022 | 1945 | Anandhi | Tamil / Telugu | [121] | |
| Acharya | Mandakini | Telugu | Special appearance in a song "Saana Kastham" | [55] | |
| Saakini Daakini | Damini | [122] | |||
| 2023 | Karungaapiyam | Umayal Karthika | Tamil | [64] | |
| Nene Naa | Divya / Damayanti | Telugu | Dual role | [123] | |
| Conjuring Kannappan | Dark Deves | Tamil | [124] | ||
| 2024 | Utsavam | Rama | Telugu | [125] | |
| 2025 | Vidaamuyarchi † | TBA | Tamil | Filming | [126] |
| Jaat † | TBA | Hindi | Filming | [127] | |
| TBA | Section 108 † | Shikha Saxena | Post-production | [128] | |
| TBA | Flashback † | TBA | Tamil | Post-production | [129] |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–2023 | Rocket Boys | Mrinalini Sarabhai | Hindi | 2 seasons | [52] |
| 2022 | Fingertip | Priya | Tamil | Season 2 | [130] |
| Anya's Tutorial | Madhumitha | Telugu / Tamil | Bilingual series | [131] | |
| Shoorveer | Flt Lt. Avantika Rao | Hindi | [132] | ||
| 2023 | Farzi | Rekha Rao | [133] | ||
| Jaanbaaz Hindustan Ke | NIA SP Kavya Iyer | [134] |
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| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Female Debut – Telugu | Siva Manasulo Sruthi | Won | [135] |
| CineMAA Awards | Best Female Debut | Nominated | [136] | ||
| Promising Face of the Year | Won | ||||
| Hyderabad Times Film Awards | Promising Newcomer – Female | Won | [137] | ||
| 2016 | Zee Telugu Apsara Awards | Rising Star of the Year | Subramanyam for Sale | Nominated | [138] |
| Youth Icon of the Year | — | Nominated | |||
| Entertainer of the Year | — | Won | |||
| 2017 | South Indian International Movie Awards | Best Actress – Telugu | Jyo Achyutananda | Nominated | [139] |
| 2021 | Best Actor in a Negative Role – Telugu | Evaru | Nominated | [140] | |
| 2022 | Filmfare OTT Awards | Best Supporting Actress – Drama Series | Rocket Boys | Nominated | [141] |
| 2023 | Indian Television Academy Awards | Best Actress - Drama (OTT) | Jaanbaaz Hindustan Ke | Nominated | [142] |
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