Quick Info→
Education: Graduate Religion: Hinduism Age: 47 Years
| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Other name | Kasturi |
| Profession(s) | • Actor • Model • Television Presenter • Activist |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters– 173 cm in meters– 1.73 m in feet & inches– 5’ 8” |
| Weight (approx.) | in kilograms– 60 kg in pounds– 132 lbs |
| Figure Measurements (approx.) | 34-30-34 |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Dark Brown |
| Career | |
| Beauty Pageants | 1992 • Miss Madras • Femina Miss Madras |
| Debut | Film
• Tamil: Aatha Un Koyilile (1991) as ‘Kasthuri’ |
| Awards | She received HMTV Nari Puraskar in Hyderabad in April 2023. |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 15 June 1976 (Tuesday) |
| Age (as of 2023) | 47 Years |
| Birthplace | Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India |
| Zodiac sign | Gemini |
| Nationality | Indian |
| College/University | Ethiraj College For Women, Chennai |
| Educational Qualification | Graduated |
| Religion | Hinduism |
| Caste | During a spirited debate concerning the language controversy in Tamil Nadu, Kasthuri Shankar unveiled her dual identity as both Brahmin and Shudra. She emphasized her affinity with the Shudra community, exclaiming, “I am a proud Shudra.” [1]NDTV |
| Food Habit | Vegetarian |
| Controversies | Fearless Voice in Social Debates: Kasthuri Shankar has a reputation for engaging in forthright conversations on a variety of topics, especially social matters, which often ignite disputes and stir up debates. In 2017, her doubts about Rajinikanth’s potential as a politician ruffled the feathers of his admirers. A year later, she questioned Rajinikanth’s comprehension of the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, resulting in further friction with his fanbase. As a vocal supporter of India’s Me Too movement, Kasthuri recounted her personal experiences of defying patriarchal norms in the film industry, which led to lost opportunities in various projects. She disclosed how a male co-star sought retribution after she rebuffed his advances, making it difficult for her to find work. In April 2019, Kasthuri took aim at Tamil cinema directors Bharathiraja and S. Shankar for favouring fair-skinned North Indian or foreign actresses in their films. In January 2020, she confronted a misogynistic remark from someone claiming to be a fan of actor Ajith Kumar. Kasthuri’s fierce response, accompanied by the hashtag #dirtyajithfans, quickly gained momentum in India. This incited some of Ajith’s supporters to retaliate with the hashtag #DirtyKasthuriAunty, intensifying the heated exchange and stirring up further controversy. In 2023, Kasthuri took to Twitter to criticize A.R. Rahman’s wife, Saira Banu, for her limited proficiency in Tamil after Rahman encouraged her to speak the language instead of Hindi during an event. Kasthuri’s translated tweet read, What AR Rahman’s wife does not speak Tamil? What is their mother tongue? What does she say to the family at home?” Rahman, though, replied to Kasthuri’s tweet with a witty and affectionate retort, supporting his wife’s uniqueness and personal preferences. His translated tweet read, Respect for love.” |
| Relationships & More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Marriage Date | Year, 2000 |
| Family | |
| Husband/Spouse | Ravikumar (doctor) |
| Children | Son– 1 • Sankalp Ravikumar Daughter– 1 • Shobini Ravikumar Note: Her daughter is a leukaemia survivor. |
| Parents | Father– P. S. Shankar (engineer) Mother– Sumathi Shankar (lawyer) |
Some Lesser Known Facts About Kasthuri Shankar
- Kasthuri Shankar, an accomplished Indian actress, model, television host, and activist, has made a name for herself in the South Indian film industry. Her notable performances include roles in films such as ‘Indian’ (1996), ‘Soggadi Pellam’ (1996), and ‘Tamilarasan’ (2023).
- From a young age, Kasthuri has displayed a passion for sports. Her athletic skills led her to achieve state-level recognition as a hockey champion.
Kasthuri Shankar’s childhood picture
- Kasthuri’s involvement in the National Cadet Corps (NCC) was a significant part of her school and college years. Her active participation in the NCC led her to attend the National Cadet Corps Republic Day Camp in Delhi.
- Kathuri developed a keen interest in fashion during her college years following which she enthusiastically took part in numerous fashion shows.
Kasthuri Shankar in her youth
- In the late 1990s, Kasthuri wrote a weekly column titled “K. I. S. S. – Keep It Simple Stupid” for Kumudham magazine.
- Kasthuri has not only made a mark in the South Indian film industry but also in television. Over the years, she played various roles in many television series such as Vani in ‘Kaiyalavu Manasu’ (1995) (Malayalam), Tulasi in ‘Intinti Gruhalakshmi’ (2020) (Telugu), and Kasthuri in ‘Aruvi’ (2022) (Tamil).
Kasthuri Shankar as ‘Tulasi’ in a still from the television series ‘Intinti Gruhalakshmi’ (2020)
- She worked as a television host for a period of time and hosted some shows including Sun Kudumbam Awards (also called Sun Kudumbam Viruthugal) (2010), Vina Vidai Vettai (2013), and Vina Vidai Vettai Juniors (2014).
Kasthuri Shankar hosting a quiz show titled ‘Vina Vidai Vettai’ (2013)
- In 2014, Kasthuri made a bold move by participating in a photoshoot for acclaimed photographer Jade Beall’s book, ‘The Bodies of Mothers: A Beautiful Body Project.’ In this striking shoot, she posed semi-nude, confidently embodying the project’s message of embracing motherhood and promoting body positivity. [2]DNA
- In 2019, she appeared in the reality show ‘Bigg Boss Tamil Season 3,’ which aired on the Star Vijay channel.
Kasthuri Shankar in the reality show ‘Bigg Boss Tamil Season 3’ (2019)
- Kasthuri Shankar has a fondness for quizzes. She has demonstrated her skills on various platforms including the Indian television quiz show Mastermind India (2002), which is based on the British quiz show ‘Mastermind.’ Her exceptional performance in the show earned her a spot in the finals.
- Kasthuri Shankar is dedicated to contributing to the betterment of society and often collaborates with non-profit organizations to support various causes.
- Kasthuri is a passionate animal lover. She often shares pictures of herself with animals on various social media platforms.
A picture of Kasthuri Shankar with puppies
- Her love for food and cooking is evident as she frequently exhibits her culinary skills on various social media platforms.
- Dance is an integral part of Kasthuri’s life, and she stays attuned to the latest dance trends. She showcases her dance moves through videos which she often uploads on her social media handle.
References/Sources:[+]
| ↑1 | NDTV |
|---|---|
| ↑2 | DNA |