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Kani Kusruti

Kani Kusruti: Award-winning Indian actress ("Biriyaani," "All We Imagine as Light"). Known for diverse roles and social activism. Cannes Grand Prix winner.

Anjali Rawat (Avi)

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Basic Information:

  • Name: Kani Kusruti

  • Date of Birth: September 12, 1985

  • Nationality: Indian

  • Profession: Actress and Model

  • Social Media Links:

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Biography:

Kani Kusruti is an acclaimed Indian actress and model, primarily known for her work in Malayalam cinema. She was born in Cheruvakkal, a small village in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to social activists and rationalist parents, Jayasree A. K. and Maitreya Maitreyan. Her parents chose to drop their last names to challenge the social hierarchy associated with surnames in India. At the age of 15, Kani created her own last name, "Kusruti," which means "mischievous" in Malayalam, to fulfill a requirement on her class 10th exam application. She grew up in Thiruvananthapuram and was introduced to the Abhinaya Theatre Research Centre, a platform for theatre practitioners.

Her passion for acting began in 11th grade when she joined the drama troupe Abhinaya. After briefly attending Government Sanskrit College, she pursued her passion by relocating to Bangalore to study dance. She then enrolled in the School of Drama in Thrissur to focus on acting. Driven by a commitment to her craft, she continued her education at L'École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, where she studied physical theatre for two years.

Kani's career took off when she returned to India and appeared in the anthology film Kerala Cafe (2009). Her role in the segment "Island Express" gained her recognition. Her nuanced portrayal of complex characters in films like Cocktail (2010), and her award-winning performance in Biriyaani (2020) solidified her status as a versatile actress. She has also appeared in Tamil, Telugu, and Hindi films and series. In 2024 she starred in two independent films All We Imagine as Light and Girls Will Be Girls.

Career Timeline:

  • 2000-2006: Theatre debut with Abhinaya, playing the lead role of Vasantsena in Baudhayana's Bhagavadajjukam, which toured various theatre festivals.

  • 2003: Made her film debut with a supporting role in Anyar. She also appeared in Manushyaputhri in the same year.

  • 2005-2007: Enrolled in the theatre arts program at Thrissur School of Drama.

  • 2007: Appeared in the stage adaptation of Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha, which was invited to the Villeneuve en Scene Festival d'Avignon.

  • 2009: Film debut in Kerala Cafe segment "Island Express."

  • 2010: Starred in Cocktail and Shikkar.

  • 2011: Joined the touring theatre company Footsbarn, playing Miranda in "The Indian Tempest."

  • 2013: Featured in films like Oru Indian Pranayakadha, North 24 Kaatham, Hotel California, and Natholi Oru Cheriya Meenalla.

  • 2014: Made her Tamil debut with Pisaasu, and also appeared in Burma.

  • 2015: Gained popularity with the soap opera Eswaran Sakshiyayi.

  • 2017: Appeared in the Tamil language film Spyder.

  • 2020: Won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Biriyaani.

  • 2021: Made her OTT debut with OK Computer on Disney+ Hotstar and had a leading role in Maharani on SonyLiv (2021-2024).

  • 2022: Appeared in Nishiddho and Vichitram.

  • 2024: Featured in acclaimed films All We Imagine as Light and Girls Will Be Girls, and series such as Killer Soup and Poacher.

  • 2025: Set to appear in Ouseppinte Osiyathu

Achievements:

Kani Kusruti has received significant acclaim for her acting skills and her ability to portray a diverse array of characters across different languages and platforms. Kusruti won the Best Actress award at the Kerala State Film Awards and the Best Actress Award at the Moscow International Film Festival for her performance in Biriyaani (2020). She was also awarded the BRICS Best Actress Award for the same role. She has also received the Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Critics (Malayalam) for her role in Biriyaani in 2022. In 2021, she won the Critics' Choice Award for Best Actress in a Comedy for her performance in OK Computer at the Filmfare OTT Awards. Kani was nominated for the Film Independent Spirit Awards. Additionally, she has received a nomination for Best Actress at the Critics Choice Film Awards for her work in All We Imagine as Light in 2025 and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Girls Will Be Girls in the same year at the Critics' Choice Film Awards. Her films All We Imagine as Light and Girls Will Be Girls have also earned accolades such as the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival and the Audience Award at Sundance Film Festival, respectively.

Key Quotes / Catchphrases:

  • "You don't have to win awards to get your basic right as an artist."

  • “A film is ultimately the director's baby and the director deserves to be the main star."

  • "I am still mischievous. If I am alive at 90, it will be very funny."

  • "I don't see roles as big and small. All roles are equally important."

  • "It has helped me be grounded and adaptable to any challenge or situation. As theatre actors, we don't allow any challenge or situation to pull us down.”

Multimedia:

Gallery:

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Videos/Interviews:

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Fun Facts/Trivia:

  • Kani invented her last name "Kusruti" at the age of 15, which means "mischievous" in Malayalam.

  • Her parents are social activists and rationalists who dropped their surnames.

  • She is an atheist and a rationalist.

  • Kani was part of a drama troupe that toured the world.

  • She revealed that she had quit acting in 2019 due to sexual demands from filmmakers, but later continued her career.

  • She carried a watermelon clutch on the Cannes red carpet as a symbol of solidarity with Palestine.

  • She would have been a doctor if she had not become an actress.

  • Her favorite actress is Urvashi.

  • She enjoys crying and eating chocolate when she is sad.

Impact/Legacy:

Kani Kusruti has emerged as a significant figure in Indian cinema, known for her bold choices and her ability to bring depth and nuance to complex characters. She is recognized for her versatility, and she is equally capable in independent films and mainstream cinema and across different language industries. Her performances in critically acclaimed films like Biriyaani and All We Imagine as Light have not only earned her awards but have also made her a compelling voice in contemporary Indian cinema. Kani's active engagement with social and political issues, including gender equality and human rights, has made her a role model for many, and her dedication to the art of performance, combined with her unique background, has allowed her to challenge societal norms and inspire a new generation of actors. Her work in both theatre and film showcases her dedication to her craft. Her legacy extends beyond acting, to her impact as a socially conscious individual who fearlessly speaks her mind and stands up for her beliefs. All We Imagine as Light received the prestigious Grand Prix at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, further highlighting Kani Kusruti라이브 바카라 impact on international cinema. The film's success has also brought international attention to Indian cinema and the stories it has to tell, particularly those of marginalized communities. Kani's role in All We Imagine as Light as Prabha, a nurse grappling with her identity and personal life, adds to the film's exploration of the everyday lives and struggles of women in India and how they navigate their aspirations and relationships in a complex society.

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