Vidya Pradeep


Vidya Pradeep is an Indian actress and scientist. She is currently working as a stem cell researcher in the United States. Her films include Saivam, Pasanga 2, Thadam, and Kannagi. As a scientist, her most recent paper is titled 'Aster-B Modulates Oxidative Stress Responses and Carotenoid Distribution in ARPE-19 Cells' published in the reputed scientific journal "Antioxidants".

Career

After completing her Master of Science in Biotechnology degree, Vidya Pradeep completed her PhD in Stem Cell Biology at an eye hospital in Chennai. She worked on ocular stem cells, and her work has been published in the "International Journal of Cell & Gene Therapy".
She practiced Bharatanatyam during her childhood. While pursuing her PhD, Vidya worked as a model and appeared in several print and television advertisements. Vidya says that her break in to the world of Ads and movies were accidental. She also appeared in the music video for A. R. Rahman's "Aa Bhi Jaa" from his studio album Raunaq alongside Yami Gautam and several other models. Vidya was signed to play a role in a film by Lohithadas, but the film didn't materialise. She was subsequently signed to play a supporting role in Aval Peyar Thamizharasi and debuted under the name Dhyana. Her next film was Virunthali, where she played the heroine. She was spotted by director A. L. Vijay, who cast her in his successful family drama film, Saivam to portray Sara Arjun's mother. For the film, she reverted to her original name and put on weight to portray a middle-aged woman. The film and the ensemble cast won positive reviews for its portrayal of a family. She then featured in the action drama, Adhibar as the lead actress opposite Jeevan. Pradeep then worked on Pandiraj's Pasanga 2. She worked on the psychological thriller Onnume Puriyala, which made the headlines for becoming the first Tamil film to be remade in German, and played a cameo in Achamindri.
Pradeep made her debut in Kannada with Bangara s/o Bangarada Manushya opposite Shivarajkumar, and the film opened to very positive reviews. Vidya was highly appreciated by the critics for her acting skills and screen presence. The New Indian Express noted that "Vidya Pradeep doesn’t stay a glam doll instead proves her talent in acting when called for", while the Deccan Herald says that it is a "fortuitous debut for Vidya Pradeep". In March 2019, she appeared in Thadam with Arun Vijay. Times of India said "Vidya's performance stands out" and The Indian Express stated that "Vidya Pradeep needs a special mention and manages to hold your attention undivided right through as Malar".

Filmography

YearFilmRoleNotes
2010Aval Peyar ThamizharasiDancerDebut film; Credited as Dhyana
2010VirunthaliArchanaCredited as Dhyana
2013Proprietors: Kammath & KammathRadhikaMalayalam film; Cameo Appearance
2014SaivamThenmozhi
2015AdhibarSuganthi
2015Pasanga 2Divya Kathir
2016AchamindriShruthi
2017Bangara s/o Bangarada ManushyaNayanaKannada film
2018Iravukku Aayiram KangalAnitha
2018KalariMallika
2018Maari 2Kalai's Wife
2019ThadamMalarvizhi
2020Ponmagal VandhalShakthi Jothi Cameo Appearance
2021Kasada ThaparaVaanathiAnthology Film; Segment: Thappattam
2021ThalaiviiActressCameo Appearance
2021Chithirai SevvanamLakshmi
2022SelfieMona
2022Ward 126Yamini
2022Yenni ThunigaTeja
2022PowderVidya
2022Second ShowMeera
2023D3Maya
2023Yaadhum Oore Yaavarum KelirMaya
2023InfinityNandini
2023EchoNila
2023StrikerPriya
2023KannagiNethra
2024Light House
2024Sattam En KaiyilBalu's wife
2024ThirumbipaarJanani
2025Vattakhanal

Web series

YearSeriesRoleNotes
2021I Hate You I Love You - "Chapter 2 - Searching"ShruthiMadboys Original YouTube Channel

Television series

YearSeriesRoleChannellanguageNotes
2018-2020NayagiAnandhi Kathiresan ThirumuruganSun TVTamilReplacement of Vijayalakshmi