Miss India UAE Nivetha Pethuraj is an Indian actress, model and entrepreneur, born on 30 November 1990 (35 years old) in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. She primarily appears in Tamil and Telugu films.
Over the years, she has appeared in notable films including Tik Tik Tik, Chitralahari, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, Das Ka Dhamki, and the exceptionally acclaimed ZEE5 web series Paruvu.
Pethuraj has built a strong reputation for her in-depth, authentic, versatile, nuanced and naturalistic acting style across different film industries.
Nivetha was crowned Miss India UAE in 2015 and was a finalist in the Miss India Worldwide 2015 pageant.
She is the recipient of the Zee Telugu Apsara Awards for the Fresh Face of the Year for Mental Madhilo.
Quick Facts of Nivetha Pethuraj
| Full Name | Nivetha Pethuraj |
| Profession | Actress, Model, Entrepreneur |
| Age | 35 years old |
| Date of Birth | 30 November 1990 |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Zodiac/Sun Sign | Sagittarius |
| Birthplace | Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Current Address | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Gender | Female |
Nivetha Pethuraj Early Life and Education
Nivetha Pethuraj was born into a Tamil family in Madurai, Tamil Nadu.
Shortly after her birth, her family relocated to Kovilpatti.
At the age of 11, she moved to Dubai with her parents and spent roughly a decade there.
Growing up between cultures, Nivetha developed fluency in Tamil despite her years abroad.
Education
Nivetha completed her early schooling in Kovilpatti.
Then, she completed her secondary schooling at Crescent English High School in Al Ghusais, Dubai.
She later moved to Edinburgh, Scotland, to pursue higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management from Heriot-Watt University.
| School | Crescent English High School, Al Ghusais, Dubai, UAE |
| Alma Mater | Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Highest Qualification | Bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management |
Nivetha Pethuraj Personal Life
Nivetha Pethuraj is currently single. However, she has some share of romantic linkups in her personal and professional life.
Her Relationship with Rajhith Ibran
In August 2025, she made a heartfelt public announcement of her relationship with Rajhith Ibran, a Dubai-based businessman and former model, sharing a photo on social media with the caption ‘to my now and forever.
They shared interests regarding cars, racing and Dubai lifestyle.
How They Met
In 2020, Pethuraj and Rajhith Ibran met at a race track in Dubai.
Her Engagement
The couple were planning an intimate wedding ceremony.
However, by the end of 2025, it was known that the engagement had been called off, with both parties choosing to keep the reasons private.
It is known that Nivetha had deleted her Instagram pictures with Rajhith Ibran, signalling a call off.
The reason was a rumoured love triangle.
The couple unfollowed each other on Instagram.
She allegedly tweeted the line regarding her breakup.
Following the split, Nivetha took time away from social media, travelled abroad, and focused on refocusing her professional life.
About Rajhith Ibran (Former Fiancé)
Rajhith Ibran is a Dubai-based businessman and former model.
Ibran and Nivetha are said to have shared a multicultural background, both having lived and worked in Dubai for extended periods.
His relationship with Nivetha was first announced publicly in August 2025 and garnered widespread support from fans and colleagues.
However, his engagement with Nivetha was called off, and he unfollowed Nivetha on Instagram.
There were rumours that Ibran and his ex Big Boss Tamil contestant Julie were engaged.
Rumoured Past Relationship with Udhayanidhi Stalin
Before her engagement announcement in 2025, Nivetha had been rumoured to be in a relationship with actor and politician Udhayanidhi Stalin.
Both actors worked together in the film Podhuvaga Em Manasu Thangam in 2017.
It is known that Udhayanidhi has been spending money lavishly on her. He had even bought her house in Dubai for 50 crores rupees.
Then, Nivetha clarified on social media that she comes from a dignified family and has been financially independent and stable since age 16.
Pethuraj also criticised netizens for spreading false information about her.
Family
Nivetha’s parents are of Tamil origin and supported her move to Dubai during her childhood and later to Scotland for university.
Father
Her father’s name is Pethuraj. He comes from a Tamil family that moved from Madurai to Dubai when Nivetha was a child.
Mother
Her mother’s name is also not publicly disclosed. Nivetha’s fans have been seen sharing warm moments with her mother on social media.
Siblings
Nivetha has a younger brother named Nisanth Pethuraj. He largely stays away from the public spotlight, though Nivetha has shared pictures with him on social media.
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Engagement | Ex-Fiancee: Rajhith Ibran |
| Rumored Boyfriends | Udhayanidhi Stalin |
| Parents | Father: Pethuraj Mother: Yet to be updated |
| Siblings | Younger Brother: Nisanth Pethuraj |
Nivetha Pethuraj Career
After completing her studies in Scotland, Nivetha Pethuraj returned to India and pursued modelling before finding her breakthrough in cinema.
Her career took off rapidly after winning Miss India UAE in 2015 and transitioning into Tamil and Telugu films from 2016 onwards.
Modelling and Miss India UAE (2015)
In April 2015, Nivetha Pethuraj won the Miss India UAE beauty pageant held at the Al Raha Beach Resort in Abu Dhabi, beating 15 contestants to claim the title.
Later that year, she participated in the international Miss India Worldwide 2015 pageant in Mumbai, where she became a finalist and finished in the top 5.
Her success in the pageant circuit opened the door to film opportunities.
Tamil Film Debut (2016)
In 2016, Nivetha made her acting debut with the Tamil film Oru Naal Koothu, directed by first-time filmmaker Nelson Venkatesan.
She portrayed Kavya, an IT professional, opposite Attakathi Dinesh. Director Nelson was drawn to her impeccable spoken Tamil despite her being raised in Dubai.
Two Films in 2017
In 2017, Nivetha appeared in the Tamil filmPodhuvaga En Manasu Thangam opposite Udhayanidhi Stalin, playing the character Leelavathi.
In the same year, she made her Telugu film debut with Mental Madhilo opposite Sree Vishnu.
Her Role in Tik Tik Tik and Thimiru Pudichavan (2018)
In 2018, Nivetha delivered two Tamil film performances.
Pethuraj played Lieutenant M. Swathi, an army official, alongside Jayam Ravi in the commercially successful space thriller Tik Tik Tik.
The film was India’s first space-based adventure film.
In the same year, she appeared as a sub-inspector opposite Vijay Antony in Thimiru Pudichavan.
3 Commercial Success in Telugu (2019)
Nivetha appeared in three films.
She played K. Swecha, a corporate executive, alongside Sai Dharam Tej in the Telugu commercial hit Chitralahari in 2019.
In the same year, Pethuraj was part of Brochevarevarura alongside Sree Vishnu and Nivetha Thomas.
She also paired with Vijay Sethupathi and Raashii Khanna in the Tamil film Sangathamizhan.
A Blockbuster Appearance in Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020)
Nivetha was part of the massive Telugu blockbuster Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo alongside Allu Arjun, portraying Nandini (‘Nandu’) in 2020.
Nivetha’s Busy 2021: Three Films and Formula Racing Training
Nivetha appeared in three films in 2021 with famous co-stars.
In Red, directed by Kishore Tirumala, she co-starred Ram Pothineni, Malvika Sharma, and Amritha Aiyer.
In the same year, she joined Vishwak Sen as the lead in Paagal.
She also appeared in the Tamil film Pon Manickavel alongside Prabhu Deva. She was playing the role of Anbarasi Manickavel in the film.
Pethuraj completed Level 1 of the Formula Race Car Training Programme at the Momentum School of Advanced Racing in Tamil Nadu.
It showcases her adventurous spirit off-screen in the same year.
Lead Role and Cameo (2022)
In 2022, Nivetha was cast in the Telugu film Bloody Mary in a leading role as Mary with Rajkumar Kasireddy.
In the same year, she made a special appearance as Dr Sarala in the Telugu film Virata Parvam with Sai Pallavi and a famous Telugu actor, producer, and entrepreneur, Rana Daggubati.
Das Ka Dhamki, Boo, and Hindi OTT Debut (2023)
Nivetha appeared alongside Vishwak Sen for the second time in Das Ka Dhamki, playing the character Keerthi in 2023.
In the same year, Pethuraj appeared in the bilingual Tamil-Telugu horror-thriller Boo with Rakul Preet Singh, Vishwak Sen, Reba Monica John, Manjima Mohan and Megha Akash.
She also made her Hindi OTT debut in the crime-thriller web series Kaala on Disney+ Hotstar with Avinash Tiwary, Jitin Gulati, and Sreelekha Mitra.
Her Casting in Paruvu (2024)
In 2024, Nivetha appeared in the critically praised crime thriller web series Paruvu with Namrata Tipirneni, Praneeta Patnaik and Nagababu.
The series explored themes of honour killings and social and political issues.
Beginning of BackHome Company
Nivetha is the founder of BackHome Company, a body care brand.
Her Current Film Releases (2026)
Pethuraj was cast in Singeetham Srinivasa Rao’s directed Sing Geetham with Vijay Deverakonda.
Nivetha Pethuraj Upcoming Projects
Nivetha is set to appear in the film Party along with Sathyaraj, Jai, Regina Cassandra, Sanchita Shetty, and Ramya Krishnan.
The film is set to release on 23 October, 2026.
Pethuraj will be appearing in Jagajaala Killadi with Vishnu Vishal and Yogi Babu. The release date is yet to be updated.
She will also appear in Bobby Kolli’s directed Mega158. She will be cast with Mohanlal and Priyamani.
Pethuraj has joined the highly anticipated Telugu family entertainer Aadarsha Kutumbam (also referred to as AK 47 or House No: 47)
Nivetha Pethuraj Awards and Achievements
Nivetha Pethuraj has delivered award-winning performances, which have garnered a lot of accolades and nominations.
Her Key Wins
- Miss India UAE Title (2015): Won the title at Al Raha Beach Resort in Abu Dhabi, beating 15 contestants, and went on to finish in the top 5 at Miss India Worldwide 2015.
- Behindwoods Best Debut Actress Award (2016): Won for her Tamil debut in Oru Naal Koothu, in which she played IT professional Kavya.
- Zee Telugu Apsara Awards – Fresh Face of the Year (2018): Won for her performance as Swetcha in the Telugu film Mental Madhilo.
Her Key Nominations
- SIIMA Award Nomination – Best Female Debut, Telugu (2018): Nominated for Mental Madhilo.
- SIIMA Award Nomination – Best Supporting Actress, Telugu (2021): Nominated for her role in Chitralahari.
- SIIMA Award Nomination – Best Supporting Actress, Telugu (2022): Nominated for her role in Red.
- International Iconic Awards- Best Actress in a Series, Telugu (2025): Nominated for her role in Paruvu.
Nivetha Pethuraj Controversies
Nivetha Pethuraj has largely maintained a clean public image, though she has faced a few notable issues during her career.
Fake Photos Controversy (2018): In May 2018, Nivetha’s photos were morphed, and unauthorised images and videos allegedly featuring her were circulated on social media. She expressed outrage publicly over the incident and filed a police complaint against those responsible.
Childhood Sexual Harassment Disclosure (2018): During a media interaction in 2018, Nivetha bravely disclosed that she had experienced sexual harassment as a child. She spoke about the challenges of not understanding or being able to articulate such an experience at a very young age.
Viral Traffic Incident (2024): A viral video surfaced showing the actress arguing with police in Hyderabad when they asked to search her car’s trunk. Fans suspected it was a promotional stunt for her black-comedy film Soppana Sundari.
Stray Dog Rally Backlash (2025): During a rally for stray dogs, her comments suggesting the media exaggerated the dangers of dog bites and asking people not to create a “big deal” out of them caused social media outrage. Netizens accused her of being “privileged” and ignoring public safety.
Nivetha Pethuraj Net Worth
Nivetha Pethuraj’s net worth is yet to be updated, and she charges around ₹30 lakhs–40 lakhs per film.
| Net Worth (Approx.) | Yet to be Updated |
| Salary (Approx.) | ₹30 lakhs–40 lakhs per film |
Nivetha Pethuraj Height, Weight, and Physical Stats
The following are Nivetha’s physical appearances:
| Height | In centimetres: 170 cm In meters: 1.70 m In feet & inches: 5 feet 7 inches |
| Weight | In kg: 55 kg In lbs: 121 lbs |
| Body Measurements | 34-28-34 |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Black |
Nivetha Pethuraj Instagram, X, Facebook, LinkedIn
 @nivethapethuraj | |
| X |  @Nivetha_Tweets |
 @ActressNivethaPethuraj | |
 @nivetha pethuraj |
Interesting Facts about Nivetha Pethuraj
- Nivetha has received professional training in both boxing and wrestling.
- She owns a Dodge Challenger sports car and is passionate about car racing.
- Nivetha is a pet lover and has a pet cat named Tigy.
- Apart from acting, she has worked as a professional fitness instructor.
- Pethuraj has a ‘Moon’ tattoo on the left side of her chest and another tattoo on the right side of her back.
- She enjoys reading books, gardening, painting, listening to music, and travelling in her free time.
- Nivetha and Pethuraj Enterprises LLP is a Food and Beverage Service, alongside broader lifestyle ventures, started by her and her father in 2023.
FAQs
Who is Nivetha Pethuraj?
Nivetha Pethuraj is an Indian actress and model who works primarily in Tamil and Telugu films.
How old is Nivetha Pethuraj?
Nivetha Pethuraj is 35 years old. She was born on 30 November 1990 in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India.
What is Nivetha Pethuraj famous for?
Nivetha Pethuraj is particularly well known for Tik Tik Tik, Chitralahari, and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.
What was Nivetha Pethuraj’s first film?
Nivetha Pethuraj made her acting debut with the Tamil film Oru Naal Koothu in 2016.
Is Nivetha Pethuraj married?
No, Nivetha Pethuraj is currently single.
What awards has Nivetha Pethuraj received?
Nivetha Pethuraj has won the Miss India UAE title (2015), the Behindwoods Best Debut Actress Award (2016) for Oru Naal Koothu.
