Maanu
Maanu is an Indian actor, best known for Tamil cinema. Maanu began their career in 1998 and has been a prominent figure in the industry for over 28 years. With 30 credits to their name, Maanu remains one of the most prolific and celebrated talents in the industry. An emerging voice in Tamil cinema, Maanu is already attracting significant attention for their distinctive work.
- Born
- Age
- 47
Biography
Maanu (born Krishnakshi Sharma) is a Tamil cinema actress from Guwahati, Assam, best known for her debut as the female lead in Kadhal Mannan (1998), directed by Saran and starring Ajith Kumar. The film ran for 80 days and is credited with reviving Ajith Kumar's career after a difficult period. Maanu was discovered by actor Vivek at a dance show and trained extensively in Manipuri and Kathak classical dance forms. After Kadhal Mannan's success, she returned to dance, founding the performing arts company Maanu Artz, before making a brief return to acting in the Tamil film Enna Satham Indha Neram (2014).
Career Milestones
Film debut in Tamil cinema as Thilothama
View film →Breakthrough role opposite Ajith Kumar in commercially successful romantic drama
View film →Return to acting after long hiatus from films
Iconic Roles
Kadhal Mannan
Maanu's debut and only major role, a lead character in this Ajith Kumar romantic film directed by Saran. She was discovered by actor Vivek who saw her perform in a dance show, and the film was a commercial success.
Maanu by the Numbers
If you watched every Maanu film back-to-back, you'd be at it for roughly 2 hours. Most-paired with Vivek — 2 films together.
Filmography
See all 30 credits →
Collaboration Network
Career Analytics
Language Distribution
Films by Decade
Top Co-Actors
See all →Maanu has worked most frequently with Vivek (2 films).
Legacy & Influence
Maanu is a Tamil film actress known for her work in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her career trajectory began with her debut in the 1998 Tamil romantic drama 'Kadhal Mannan', directed by A. Venkatesh and starring alongside Vijay. In the film, she played the role of Thilothama, the female lead. This debut placed her in a significant commercial project during a period of transition in Tamil cinema. While her filmography is not extensive, her entry through a major film with a leading star provided visibility. Her contribution lies primarily in her participation in the popular cinema of that era, which catered to a mass audience with its blend of romance, drama, and musical elements typical of late-90s Tamil filmmaking. There is no widely documented information about subsequent major roles or a sustained leading career, limiting the scope of her direct influence on the industry's artistic or technical evolution. Her presence remains a footnote in the careers of more prominent figures from that period, and she is remembered by some audiences for her association with a specific film and star. Without a substantial body of work or public career milestones, her impact is confined to a brief period in the late 1990s.