As Payal Kapadia’s ‘All We Imagine as Light‘ clinched the prestigious Grand Prix at Cannes, Malayalam cinema etched its name in the annals of history.
Kani portrays the seasoned nurse Prabha, while Divya embodies the younger nurse Anu in ‘All We Imagine as Light’—a delicate depiction of two Malayali nurses in Mumbai, capturing their bonds, sisterhood, ephemeral moments, and the fruition of aspirations. This film showcases the extraordinary odyssey of these two actresses, tracing their path from modest indie origins in Malayalam cinema to global recognition with profound admiration.
Kani Kusruti, an Indian actress and model, first garnered attention in 2009 with the film ‘Kerala Cafe,’ earning critical acclaim for her performance. She secured the Best Actress accolade at the Kerala State Film Awards in 2020 and the Best Actress Award at the Moscow International Film Festival for her portrayal of Khadeeja in ‘Biriyaani.’
The Recent Film “Girls Will Be Girls” released in 2024. “Girls Will Be Girls” follows the journey of 16-year-old Mira, a top student who is experiencing the excitement and challenges of her first romance. At home, tensions rise between Mira and her mother, Anila, acted by Kani Kusruti, who sees echoes of her own past in her daughter’s relationship. This gripping tale delves into the complexities of womanhood in Indian society, offering a fresh and insightful perspective.
Kani was born in Cheruvakkal, a diminutive village in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, to parents Jayasree A. K. and Maitreya Maitreyan, both social activists and rationalists. Her parents discarded their surnames to eliminate the markers of social hierarchy inherent in Indian society. At the age of 15, Kani crafted her surname “Kusruti” (“”mischievous” in Malayalam) to fulfill a requirement for her class 10th exam application. She was raised in Thiruvananthapuram, where she was introduced to the Abhinaya Theatre Research Centre, a nexus for theatre practitioners.
She subsequently relocated to Thrissur, enrolling in the theatre arts program at the Thrissur School of Drama from 2005 to 2007. Kani completed her theatre education at L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, where she immersed herself in the study of physical theatre for two years.
Kani Kusruti, a distinguished Indian actress and model, has made an indelible mark in the Malayalam film industry. Born on September 12, 1985, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Kani was nurtured in an environment brimming with artistic and social consciousness, thanks to her activist parents, who fostered her creative inclinations from an early age. Her formal education in the performing arts is noteworthy; she attended the School of Drama & Fine Arts in Thrissur, Kerala, and further refined her craft at L’École Internationale in Paris, specializing in physical theatre.
Kani Kusruti has made significant contributions to the film industry with her versatile performances. She has been recognized for her talent through various awards and nominations. Her education in theatre arts from the School of Drama & Fine Arts, Thrissur, and L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris has provided her with a strong foundation in acting. Kani’s family, including her social activist parents, has played a pivotal role in her life and career. Her achievements in cinema are numerous, with a notable win for Best Actress at the Kerala State Film Awards in 2020 and the Moscow International Film Festival for her performance in ‘Biriyaani‘. Her filmography includes a range of movies, from her debut in ‘Kerala Cafe‘ to recent works like ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ and ‘All We Imagine as Light’. Kani’s net worth, while not publicly disclosed, is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million, reflecting her success in the industry.
| Name | Kani Kusruti |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | Kani, Kusruti |
| Full Name | Kani Kusruti |
| Date of Birth | September 12, 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Cheruvakkal, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actress, Model |
| Net Worth | |
| As of 2024 | $1M-$5M estimated |
| Education | |
|---|---|
| School of Drama & Fine Arts, Thrissur | Theatre Arts Program |
| L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq, Paris | Physical Theatre |
| Family | |
|---|---|
| Father | Maitreya Maitreyan |
| Mother | Dr. Jayasree AK |
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Kerala State Film Awards 2020 | Best Actress for ‘Biriyaani‘ |
| Moscow International Film Festival | Best Actress for ‘Biriyaani’ |
| Achievements | |
|---|---|
| Recognition for ‘Kerala Cafe’ | 2009 |
| Best Actress at Kerala State Film Awards | 2020 |
| Best Actress at Moscow International Film Festival | For ‘Biriyaani’ |
| Grand Prix at Cannes | All We Imagine as Light |
| List of Movies Year Wise | |
|---|---|
| 2009 | ‘Kerala Cafe’ |
| 2019 | ‘Biriyaani’ |
| 2022 | ‘Vazhakku’, ‘Nishiddho’, ‘Vichitram’ |
| 2023 | ‘Kirkkan’ |
| 2024 | ‘Girls Will Be Girls’, ‘All We Imagine as Light’ |
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTHmvfqvOXE[/embed]
Kani’s career trajectory ascended following her critically lauded performance in the 2009 film “Kerala Cafe.” Her prowess has been acknowledged through numerous accolades, including the Best Actress award at the Kerala State Film Awards in 2020 and the same honor at the Moscow International Film Festival for her role in “Biriyaani.” As of 2022, her net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.
Kani Kusruti’s odyssey from a modest village in Kerala to the illustrious red carpets of global cinema underscores her unwavering dedication to her craft and her inspirational journey. Her biography encapsulates not only cinematic triumphs but also the narrative of a woman steadfast in her convictions, utilizing her platform to spotlight critical issues.
Kani’s artistic journey encompasses both theatre and cinema. She laid a strong foundation with her studies at the School of Drama, Thrissur, and further honed her craft at L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in Paris. Notable works in her repertoire include “Cocktail” and “Shikkar,” along with her standout role in the web series “OK Computer.” Despite encountering obstacles like casting couch experiences, Kani’s resilience and dedication have propelled her to notable achievements within the industry.
Kani Kusruti continues to be a luminary in Malayalam cinema, with a filmography that highlights her versatility and depth as an actress. Her story in the film industry is a testament to her talent and unyielding spirit in overcoming adversity. As she continues to captivate audiences with her performances, Kani Kusruti remains an inspirational and celebrated icon in Indian cinema. For those seeking more comprehensive details on her life and career, her biography can be explored on platforms like Wikipedia.
At Abhinaya, Kusruti graced the stage for the first time in Baudhayana’s timeless satire, Bhagavadajjukam. From 2000 to 2006, she embodied the protagonist, Vasantsena, in a performance that traversed various theatre festivals, including Bharat Rang Mahotsav and the International Theatre Festival of Kerala. Her portrayal of Kamala in M. G. Jyotish’s dramatization of Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha garnered significant acclaim, with the production being showcased at the Villeneuve en Scene Festival d’Avignon in 2007.
Following her return from L’École Internationale de Théâtre Jacques Lecoq in 2009, Kusruti participated in the anthology film Kerala Cafe, specifically in the “Island Express” segment helmed by Shankar Ramakrishnan. In 2010, she assumed the role of a Naxalite in Shikkar, a Mohanlal-led film, but it was her intricate portrayal of a sex worker in the 2010 movie Cocktail that captured the attention of mainstream audiences.
In December 2010, Kani co-created ‘Las Indias,’ a “mega performance event” directed by the distinguished thespian and theatre educator Elias Cohen. This unique performance unfolded within a specially designed bus, setting the stage for the Indo-Latin American theatre company, the Singing Sticks Theatre Ensemble. The bus, initially crafted for Las Indias, was later repurposed for an interactive theatre roadshow titled ‘Tsunami Express: Highway of Hopes,’ another project Kusruti helped bring to life.
By 2011, Kani had joined the illustrious touring theatre troupe Footsbarn to contribute to a fresh rendition of Shakespeare’s Tempest. She portrayed Miranda in the ensuing performance, “The Indian Tempest.” This production toured Ireland, Spain, France, Portugal, and India, culminating in a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe in 2013.
Kusruti engaged in extensive research, co-developed, and performed in the Indo-Polish production ‘Burning Flowers: 7 Dreams of a Woman,’ under the direction of Pawel Szkotak and produced by Teatr Biuro Podróży.
In 2015, Kani’s presence became a familiar fixture in households with the soap opera Eswaran Sakshiyayi, directed by K. K. Rajeev. She took on the role of Advocate Tresa, a lawyer embroiled in the investigation of her brother’s murder.
Nevertheless, her appearances at international film festivals, marked by bold fashion choices—such as the watermelon clutch at Cannes 2024—underscore her penchant for making impactful political statements.
In addition to her film career, Kani is also a vocal advocate for women’s rights and social justice. Her involvement in various social causes reflects her commitment to using her platform for positive change. Whether on screen or off, Kani Kusruti continues to inspire audiences with her unwavering dedication to her art and her passion for making a difference in the world.