# Preeti Nigam

Preeti Nigam is an Indian television actress, known for her performances in Telugu-language serials. She has had a career spanning over two decades, with notable roles in both positive and negative characters. Her acting career began in the 1990s, and she is recognized for her roles in several successful serials such as Ruthuragalu, Kasturi, and Chandramukhi.

## Early life and background

Preeti Nigam was born and raised in Hyderabad in a Kayastha family with roots in Uttar Pradesh. Her ancestors migrated from Uttar Pradesh to the Nizam's dominions and settled in Hyderabad several years ago. She spent her early years in the Sultan Bazar area and initially did not know Telugu. Coming from a family with a strong background in the arts, Preeti received training in classical dance forms such as Kathak and Kuchipudi. During her school years, she gave her first stage performance at the Birla Mandir.

## Career

Despite her interest in acting, Preeti's entry into the industry was met with resistance from her father, who questioned the necessity of acting for girls. However, her mother encouraged her passion. Preeti initially faced challenges due to her lack of proficiency in Telugu. Her acting debut came in 1989 in a dance-based documentary film, where she delivered a small dialogue. Her first notable role was in the Doordarshan serial Aaradhana, where she was initially hired as a choreographer but was later asked to act. Unable to speak Telugu at the time, she played a mute character, relying solely on her expressive eyes.

### Career Breakthrough

Preeti initially struggled with Telugu but learned the language to advance her career. She gained recognition for her performance in Ruthuragalu (1996–1999), a popular serial where she portrayed the character of Haritha. The serial’s title song became immensely popular, and Preeti's portrayal earned her widespread acclaim. She continued to rise to fame with other notable roles in serials like Kasturi, Adadhi, Endamavulu, Kavyanjali, and Santhi Nivasam. Her career further soared when she portrayed negative roles, particularly in Chandramukhi. She has also appeared in serials like Swati Chinukulu, America Ammayi, and Sravana Sameeralu, balancing both positive and negative shades of characters.

### Films

In addition to her extensive television career, Preeti has acted in several Telugu and Hindi films. She featured in films such as Student No: 1, Sai, Chakali Ailamma, Jai Telangana, and Tripura. She played supporting roles in several films including the Hindi films Welcome to Sajjanpur (2008) and Well Done Abba (2009) before portraying the lead role of the revolutionary Chakali Ilamma in the film of the same name in 2013.

## Personal life

Preeti is married to Nagesh Karra, whom she met during the shooting of Ruthuragalu. They have two children, Adithi Sri and Aryan. Their son Aryan was selected to represent India in the World Roller Games in Barcelona (Spain) in 2019.

## Filmography
### Films

* All films are in Telugu, unless otherwise noted.
| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
| 2001 | Student No: 1 | | |
| 2002 | Santosham | Rani | |
| 2002 | Avunu Valliddaru Ista Paddaru! | Nookaraju's wife | |
| 2003 | Ee Abbai Chala Manchodu | Vivekananda's step-mother | |
| 2003 | Kabaddi Kabaddi | Nagendra's wife | |
| 2003 | Back Pocket | | |
| 2004 | Sye | Prudhvi's mother | |
| 2004 | Kaani | Lakshmini | |
| 2006 | Asadhyudu | Ram's wife | |
| 2008 | Welcome to Sajjanpur | Jamuna Bai | Hindi film |
| 2008 | Ready | Pooja's mother | |
| 2009 | Well Done Abba | Sakina's mother | Hindi film |
| 2010 | Shoebite | | Hindi film; unreleased |
| 2013 | Chakali Ailamma | Chakali Ailamma | |
| 2015 | Tripura | Tripura's servant | |
| 2019 | Hulchul | Rudra's mother | |
| 2021 | Bolo Hau | Rukhsar's mother | Hindi film |

### Television

* All films are in Telugu, unless otherwise noted.
| Year | Title | Role | Channel | Notes |
| 1996 -1999 | Ruthuragalu | Haritha | DD-8 | |
| | Kasturi | Sunila | | |
| | Anubhandhalu | | | |
| | Devadasu | | | |
| 2003 - 2008 | Chakravakam | | Gemini TV | |
| 2007 - 2013 | Chandramukhi | Yashodhara | ETV Telugu | |
| 2011 | Sundarakanda | Bhanumathi Devi | Gemini TV | |
| 2012 - 2014 | Kanchana Ganga | | Star Maa | |
| 2013 - 2016 | Sravana Sameeralu | | Gemini TV | |
| 2013 - 2020 | Swathi Chinukulu | Sunanda | ETV Telugu | |
| 2015 - 2018 | America Ammayi | Jayanthi Vajrapati | Zee Telugu | |
| 2017 - 2018 | Ruthu Geetham | | ETV Telugu | |
| 2017 - 2018 | Uyyala Jampala | Neeraja | Star Maa | |
| 2018 - 2019 | Kante Kurtune Kanali | Bhramarambika Devi | Star Maa | |
| 2020 - 2021 | Deeparadhana | Muneeswari | Gemini TV | |
| 2020 - present | Intinti Gruhalakshmi | Anjali | Star Maa | Cameo |
| 2021 - present | Paape Maa Jeevanajyothi | Hymavathi | Star Maa | |
| 2021 | Swarna Palace | Rangamma | Zee Telugu | |
| 2021 | Ishmart Jodi 2 | Contestant | Star Maa | Participated with her husband Nagesh |
| 2023-present | Kalisundam Raa | Shakti | ETV Telugu | |
| 2024 | Harikatha | | Disney+ Hotstar | |