Neethu Vanajakshi is an Indian actress, model, entrepreneur, and tattoo artist. She was crowned as ‘Miss Trans Queen India’ in 2019. In 2023, she participated in season 10 of the TV reality show ‘Bigg Boss Kannada,’ which aired on Colors Kannada.
Contents
Wiki/Biography
Neethu Vanajakshi was born as Manjunath on Friday, 26 February 1993 (age 30 years; as of 2023) in Gadag, Karnataka. His zodiac sign is Pisces. He did her schooling at Model High School, Gadag-Betigeri, Karnataka. Later, he pursued a BBA at a college in Bangalore and an animation diploma at the KEN School of Art in Bangalore. [1]Facebook – Neethu Vanajakshi
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
Hair Colour: Black
Eye Colour: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
There is not much information about her parents. She has a sister.
Neethu Vanajakshi with her mother
Husband/Partner
She is unmarried.
Sexual Orientation
Neethu Vanajakshi was born as a boy and grew up in a conservative family. He came to know about his gender identity when he was 11 years old. However, he kept it hidden for several years. Later, when he moved to Bangalore to study, he met some transgender people there and became friends with them. Later, he started taking hormonal treatment to transition and also underwent medical treatment and surgeries to complete his transition into a transwoman. He also changed his name from Manjunath to Neethu Vanajakshi.
Neethu Vanajakshi before the transition
Revelation of Gender Identity
After realising his gender identity as a third gender, Neethu kept it hidden for several years as he was the only son in her family and had the responsibilities of her family. He had the fear that his family would not accept him as a third gender. Later, he decided to complete his duties towards his family before revealing his gender identity to them. While talking about it in an interview, he said,
When I came to Bengaluru in 2007, I saw many people, especially transpersons, begging. I was convinced that if I did my duty towards my family, completed my education and showed my talent, they would accept me. Then gender wouldn’t matter.”
After completing his studies, he became a successful tattoo artist. Later, he opened a beauty parlour for his sister and a restaurant for his mother. Then he felt that he had completed his duties towards his family and decided to open up about his identity as a third gender in front of his family. At first, he disclosed his gender identity to his sister in 2016 by taking he to an LGBTQ party. Initially, his sister found it difficult to believe but later accepted him with his third gender identity. Later, when he told his mother about this, she went into depression for a long time. However, she also accepted him later. [2]The Indian Express
Career
Entrepreneur
Neethu Vanajakshi set up his tattoo studio named ‘Tit for Tattoo’ in 2016. Later, she opened a beauty parlour. She also owns a hotel named ‘Gama Gama,’ located in Basavanagudi, Bangalore.
Neethu Vanajakshi’s hotel ‘Gama Gama’
Model
Neethu Vanajakshi started working as a model after turning into a transwoman. She has participated in various fashion shows and beauty pageants. In 2017, she won the title of ‘Miss Trans Diamond.’
Neethu Vanajakshi at the ‘Miss Trans Diamond 2017’
She won the title of ‘Miss Trans Queen India’ beauty pageant, held at Dilli Haat in Janakpuri, New Delhi on 3 October 2019.
Neethu Vanajakshi crowned as ‘Miss Trans Queen India 2019’
In 2020, she represented India at ‘Miss International Queen.’ She has also been a part of the jury for various beauty pageants including ‘Mr & Miss Bangalore 2018,’ ‘Miss & Mrs Gracious Karnataka 2021,’ and ‘Miss Karnataka Icon 2021.’
Poster of the Miss & Mrs Gracious Karnataka 2021
In addition to this, she has also been featured in various print advertisements for various brands.
Actor
In 2020, she appeared in the Kannada short film ‘Niguda Mouna.’
Neethu Vanajakshi in a still from the short film ‘Niguda Mouna’
She played the role of Ameesha in seasons 1 and 2 of the Kannada web series ‘Jhansi’ in 2022 and 2023 respectively. The series was premiered on Disney+ Hotstar.
Neethu Vanajakshi in a still from the web series ‘Jhansi Season 2’
In 2023, she appeared as a contestant in the TV reality show ‘Super Queen,’ which aired on Zee Kannada. The TV show showcased the life stories of woman who faced hardships in their lives and got recognition for their achievements.
Neethu Vanajakshi in a still from the TV show ‘Super Queen’
In the same year, she participated in season 10 of the TV reality show ‘Bigg Boss Kannada,’ which aired on Colors Kannada.
Neethu Vanajakshi in a still from the TV show ‘Bigg Boss Kannada’
Tattoos
She has several tattoos inked on her body.
Neethu Vanajakshi’s tattoos
Car Collection
She owns a NEXA car.
Nethu Vanajakshi with her car
Facts/Trivia
- She is also known as Neethu RS. [3]The Indian Express
- She had a deep passion for art since childhood. She used to participate in drawing competitions in her school and college days.
- She is India’s first trans tattoo artist.
- While studying in college, he worked as a part-time tattoo artist and event organiser.
- She is a self-trained semi-classical, Kathak, and belly dancer.
Neethu Vanajakshi performing Kathak
References
| ↑1 | Facebook – Neethu Vanajakshi |
|---|---|
| ↑2, ↑3 | The Indian Express |
