Preeti Nigam


Preeti Nigam is an Indian television actress, known for her performances in Telugu-language serials. She has had a career spanning over two decades, with notable roles in both positive and negative characters. Her acting career began in the 1990s, and she is recognized for her roles in several successful serials such as Ruthuragalu, Kasturi, and Chandramukhi.

Early life and background

Preeti Nigam was born and raised in Hyderabad in a Kayastha family with roots in Uttar Pradesh. Her ancestors migrated from Uttar Pradesh to the Nizam's dominions and settled in Hyderabad several years ago. She spent her early years in the Sultan Bazar area and initially did not know Telugu. Coming from a family with a strong background in the arts, Preeti received training in classical dance forms such as Kathak and Kuchipudi. During her school years, she gave her first stage performance at the Birla Mandir.

Career

Despite her interest in acting, Preeti's entry into the industry was met with resistance from her father, who questioned the necessity of acting for girls. However, her mother encouraged her passion. Preeti initially faced challenges due to her lack of proficiency in Telugu. Her acting debut came in 1989 in a dance-based documentary film, where she delivered a small dialogue. Her first notable role was in the Doordarshan serial Aaradhana, where she was initially hired as a choreographer but was later asked to act. Unable to speak Telugu at the time, she played a mute character, relying solely on her expressive eyes.

Career Breakthrough

Preeti initially struggled with Telugu but learned the language to advance her career. She gained recognition for her performance in Ruthuragalu, a popular serial where she portrayed the character of Haritha. The serial’s title song became immensely popular, and Preeti's portrayal earned her widespread acclaim. She continued to rise to fame with other notable roles in serials like Kasturi, Adadhi, Endamavulu, Kavyanjali, and Santhi Nivasam. Her career further soared when she portrayed negative roles, particularly in Chandramukhi. She has also appeared in serials like Swati Chinukulu, America Ammayi, and Sravana Sameeralu, balancing both positive and negative shades of characters.

Films

In addition to her extensive television career, Preeti has acted in several Telugu and Hindi films. She featured in films such as Student No: 1, Sai, Chakali Ailamma, Jai Telangana, and Tripura. She played supporting roles in several films including the Hindi films Welcome to Sajjanpur and Well Done Abba before portraying the lead role of the revolutionary Chakali Ilamma in the film of the same name in 2013.

Personal life

Preeti is married to Nagesh Karra, whom she met during the shooting of Ruthuragalu. They have two children, Adithi Sri and Aryan. Their son Aryan was selected to represent India in the World Roller Games in Barcelona in 2019.

Filmography

Television

All television shows are in Telugu, unless otherwise noted.
YearTitleRoleChannelNotes
1996 -1999RuthuragaluHarithaDD-8
KasturiSunila
Anubhandhalu
Devadasu
2003 - 2008ChakravakamGemini TV
2007 - 2013ChandramukhiYashodharaETV Telugu
2011SundarakandaBhanumathi DeviGemini TV
2012 - 2014Kanchana GangaStar Maa
2013 - 2016Sravana SameeraluGemini TV
2013 - 2020Swathi ChinukuluSunandaETV Telugu
2015 - 2018America AmmayiJayanthi VajrapatiZee Telugu
2017 - 2018Ruthu GeethamETV Telugu
2017 - 2018Uyyala JampalaNeerajaStar Maa
2018 - 2019Kante Kurtune KanaliBhramarambika DeviStar Maa
2020 - 2021DeeparadhanaMuneeswariGemini TV
2020-2021Intinti GruhalakshmiAnjaliStar MaaExtended Cameo
2021-presentPaape Maa JeevanajyothiHymavathiStar Maa
2021Swarna PalaceRangammaZee Telugu
2021Ishmart Jodi 2ContestantStar MaaParticipated with her husband Nagesh
2023-presentKalisundam RaaShaktiETV Telugu
2024HarikathaDisney+ Hotstar