On June 18, 2025, Tamil actor Arya remains a popular name in Indian cinema. His real name is Jamshad Cethirakath. He is loved for his acting and charming personality. This article tells the story of his life, career, and achievements. It uses simple words for easy reading.
Early Life and Family
Arya was born on December 11, 1980, in Trikaripur, Kerala, India. His family is Malayali Tamil. His father, Umar Cethirakath, was a footballer and owns a restaurant called Sea Shell in Chennai. His mother, Jameela Cethirakath, is a homemaker. Arya has two younger brothers, Sathya and Razi. Sathya is also an actor in Tamil films. Arya grew up in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He loved sports and dreamed of becoming a pilot in the Indian Air Force. His father wanted him to study first, so Arya focused on education.
Arya went to SBOA Matriculation and Higher Secondary School in Chennai. He was a good student. After school, he joined Crescent Engineering College in Vandalur, Chennai. He studied computer science engineering and earned a BTech degree. During college, his friend Srikanth, who became an actor, encouraged Arya to try acting. Arya was interested in films but worked as a software engineer after college.
Tamil actor Arya Age, Wikipedia, Biography, Real Name, Net Worth, Religion, Wife, Family
Field Details Real Name Jamshad Cethirakath Stage Name Arya Date of Birth 11 December 1980 Birthplace Trikaripur, Kerala, India Occupation Actor, Producer Education Engineering degree from Crescent Engineering College, Chennai Debut Film Arinthum Ariyamalum (2005) Notable Films Arinthum Ariyamalum, Naan Kadavul, Madrasapattinam, Boss Engira Bhaskaran, Vettai, Raja Rani, Sarpatta Parambarai Awards 2 Filmfare Awards South, 2 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Kalaimamani Award (2011) Production Houses The Show People (founded 2010), August Cinema (associated since 2010) Family Father: Umar Cethirakath; Mother: Jameela; Brothers: Sathya (actor), Razi Spouse Sayyeshaa (married 10 March 2019) Children 1 daughter (born July 2021) Previous Profession Software Engineer Other Facts Participated in Vätternrundan Motala cycle race; appeared on reality show Enga Veetu Mapillai Upcoming Projects Multilingual film directed by Jiyen Krishnakumar, written by Murali Gopy (2024)
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Jamshad Cethirakath |
| Stage Name | Arya |
| Date of Birth | 11 December 1980 |
| Birthplace | Trikaripur, Kerala, India |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer |
| Education | Engineering degree from Crescent Engineering College, Chennai |
| Debut Film | Arinthum Ariyamalum (2005) |
| Notable Films | Arinthum Ariyamalum, Naan Kadavul, Madrasapattinam, Boss Engira Bhaskaran, Vettai, Raja Rani, Sarpatta Parambarai |
| Awards | 2 Filmfare Awards South, 2 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, Kalaimamani Award (2011) |
| Production Houses | The Show People (founded 2010), August Cinema (associated since 2010) |
| Family | Father: Umar Cethirakath; Mother: Jameela; Brothers: Sathya (actor), Razi |
| Spouse | Sayyeshaa (married 10 March 2019) |
| Children | 1 daughter (born July 2021) |
| Previous Profession | Software Engineer |
| Other Facts | Participated in Vätternrundan Motala cycle race; appeared on reality show Enga Veetu Mapillai |
| Upcoming Projects | Multilingual film directed by Jiyen Krishnakumar, written by Murali Gopy (2024) |
Entry into Acting
Arya’s acting journey began by chance. In 2003, cinematographer Jeeva, who lived near Arya, asked him to audition for a film called *Ullam Ketkumae*. Jeeva gave him the stage name “Arya,” which became his identity. The film was delayed, so Arya’s first released movie was *Arinthum Ariyamalum* in 2005. He played a gangster’s adopted son in this film. Critics loved his performance. They said he could become a big star. Arya won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut – South for this role. The film’s song “Thee Pidika” became very popular. Arya said this song helped people know him.
In 2005, *Ullam Ketkumae* was released. Arya played a college cricketer. The film did well at the box office. People liked his acting. The same year, he acted in *Oru Kalluriyin Kathai*, a college love story. This film did not do well, but critics praised Arya. They called him the new “pin-up boy” of Tamil cinema. Arya became a rising star.
Rise to Fame
In 2006, Arya worked with director Vishnuvardhan again in *Pattiyal*. He played a hitman with actor Bharath. The film was shot in Chennai’s slums. It was a big hit. Critics said Arya’s acting was perfect for the role. His expressions and body language were great. *Pattiyal* made Arya a leading actor in Tamil cinema. The same year, he acted in *Vattaram* as Burma. The film got good reviews but did not do well because bigger films released at the same time.
In 2007, Arya did a small role in *Maya Kannadi*. He also acted in *Oram Po*, a film about auto racing. The film was delayed but got mixed reviews. Arya’s career grew stronger with each film.
Big Success with Naan Kadavul
In 2009, Arya acted in *Naan Kadavul*, directed by Bala. This film was a big challenge. It was first offered to actor Ajith Kumar, but Arya took the role in 2006. He played an Aghori, a holy man, in Kasi. The film took three years to make. Arya grew a long beard and could not do other films. The role was tough, but Arya worked hard. Critics loved his performance. They said he was perfect as the Aghori. The film won awards and made Arya famous for serious roles.
Commercial Hits
In 2010, Arya starred in *Madrasapattinam*, a historical drama. He played a wrestler in love with a British girl. The film was a big hit. People loved his romantic role. The same year, he acted in *Boss Engira Bhaskaran*, a comedy film. Arya played a funny, jobless young man. The film was a super hit. His chemistry with actress Nayanthara was loved by fans. These films showed Arya could do both serious and fun roles.
In 2011, Arya acted in *Avan Ivan* and *Vettai* in 2012. In *Vettai*, he played a thug who protects his police officer brother. The film was a hit. Critics praised his acting. In 2013, Arya had four films: *Settai*, *Arrambam*, *Raja Rani*, and *Irandam Ulagam*. *Raja Rani* and *Arrambam* were big hits. *Raja Rani* was a romantic family drama. Arya’s role as a heartbroken man touched many hearts.
Recent Work
In 2021, Arya starred in *Sarpatta Parambarai*, a sports drama directed by Pa. Ranjith. He played a boxer in 1970s Chennai. The film got great reviews. Critics said Arya’s acting was powerful. The same year, he acted in *Teddy* and *Aranmanai 3*. In 2022, he did *Captain*, an action sci-fi film. In 2023, he acted in *Kathar Basha Endra Muthuramalingam*, but it got mixed reviews. Arya is now working on *Mr. X* and *Sarpatta Parambarai 2*. He is also preparing for *Sangamithra*, a historical drama.
Producer and Other Work
In 2010, Arya started a production company called The Show People. He produced films like *Boss Engira Bhaskaran* and others. He also ventured into film distribution in 2013. Arya owns the Sea Shell restaurant in Chennai’s Anna Nagar. He loves food and often talks about his favorite dish, biryani.
Personal Life
Arya was known as “Kollywood’s playboy” because of his charming looks. In 2018, he appeared on a TV show called *Enga Veetu Mapillai* to find a bride. He got 7,000 applications, many from doctors. In 2019, Arya fell in love with actress Sayyeshaa while working on *Ghajinikanth*. They got engaged on February 14, 2019, and married on March 10, 2019, in Hyderabad. Sayyeshaa is 16 years younger than Arya, but their love is strong. They have a daughter, Ariana, born on July 23, 2021.
Hobbies and Achievements
Arya loves cycling. On June 13, 2015, he won a medal in the Vätternrundan Motala cycle race in Sweden. He cycled 300 kilometers through mountains and lakes. Arya is also fit and works out for his roles. In 2011, he got the Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu government for his work in cinema. He was listed in the Forbes India Celebrity 100 in 2015 for being a top-earning star.
Fun Facts
Arya is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 75 kilograms. His eye color is amber, and his hair is black. He loves actors Kamal Haasan, Jackie Chan, Kajol, Trisha, and Nayanthara. His favorite director is Vishnuvardhan. Arya enjoys American TV shows like *House of Cards* and *Game of Thrones*. He wears perfumes like Creed and Jo Malone. Arya learned Aghori yoga in 18 days for *Naan Kadavul*. He is a kind person and loves spending time with family.
Conclusion
Arya is a talented actor, producer, and family man. He started as a software engineer but became a star in Tamil cinema. His hard work and versatility make him special. From playing a gangster to a boxer, Arya has done it all. His love story with Sayyeshaa and his bond with his daughter show his soft side. As he works on new films in 2025, fans are excited to see more of Arya. He is a true inspiration for young people who dream big.