South Indian actress Nayantara Converted to Hinduism?

Top southern actress Nayanthara has converted from Christianity to Hinduism, say sources close to the Arya Samaj, even as she herself maintains a studied silence on the issue.

Nayanthara, born and brought up as Diana Mariam Kurian, was a born Christian. She changed her name because of her foray into films.

She reportedly converted to Hinduism Sunday morning at the Arya Samaj Temple in Chennai, the sources said, adding she has retained her name Nayanthara.

Some see it as a step towards her impending marriage to actor-director Prabhu Deva who divorced his earlier wife, a Muslim and did not change her religion at the time of marriage.

Nayanthara is tightlipped. Asked about her marriage, she says: 'No comments.'

On Sunday morning, the actress reportedly headed straight to the Arya Samaj Temple on Waltax Road.

She went through all the religious processes as per the scriptures. All the procedures of 'Shuddhi Karma', a procedure involving Vedic purification, were meticulously followed, say the sources close to Arya Samaj.

They also added that a 'homan' or fire ritual was held where Nayantara chanted hymns and the Sankeerthan Mantra.

Incidentally, the members of Prabhu Deva's family are devotees of the Suttur Mutt in Mysore. His parents are devotees of Male Mahadeshwara Swamy.

The sources said Nayanthara left soon after the purification ceremony. A certificate of conversion to Hinduism was issued to her. The actress flew back to Kochi by an evening flight.

It is reported that her parents have expressed their opposition to Nayanthara's desire to convert to Hinduism.

Nayanthara's last film 'Ramayana', directed by veteran director Bapu, was completed only a few days ago.

Nayanthara who plays Sita's role in the film became emotional on the last day of her shoot and even lay prostrate before all the elders in the unit, including the octogenarian director Bapu.

Nayanthara says her decision to convert to Hinduism is purely personal.

'Yes, I have become a Hindu and it's my own personal decision. I went through the entire ceremony with passion and conviction,' she is believed to have told a friend.

She sports a tattoo of Prabhu Deva on her body. The couple were also seen in some film related functions together.

Prabhu Deva to be Granted Divorce on July 7

Finally, it was D-day for Prabhu Deva, as he was sanctioned divorce with his wife of 15 years Latha aka Ramlath today (July 2) at the family court in Chennai.

Remember that a joint affidavit, signed by the couple, was submitted in the family court on Dec 29, 2010.

The final settlement, was fixed for hearing after six months (on June 30) but both the parties failed to appear on the said date and the Magistrate has posted the case to July 10th, 2011.

But like a filmi-twist, Prabhu and Latha suddenly appeared before the magistrate today and was sanctioned divorce.

This high drama at the Family court grounds has brought to an end a rather complicated court battle.

Sources close to Prabhu say that it was to avoid media glare and publicity that he failed to appear on June 30 and instead opt for today.

But contrary to what Prabhu thought, the news of Prabhu and Latha appearing in court was out by noon and a huge contingent of reporters from newspapers and channels were waiting outside to hear the verdict. Prabhu was seen calm and composed but refused to speak to the media.

The magistrate posted the case to July 7 and said that the judgment on the divorce will be pronounced then.

Now the question on everybody’s lips is- "When is Prabhu Deva getting married to Nayanthara?"

Prabhu Deva to convert to Christianity?

No sooner had the affair between Prabhu Deva and Nayanthara blossomed, than it became the focus of public attention. Even the minutest details of their problems were relentlessly published in many newspapers. Naturally it turned out to be the hottest topic of Kodambakkam. First it was the problem caused by Prabhu Deva’s wife Ramlath and then their divorce. Later it was revealed by some of the closer sources that Prabhu Deva and Nayanthara will be entering wedlock by August.

The latest news is that the parents of Nayanthara have insisted that Prabhu Deva get baptized and convert to Christianity. It is worth mentioning that Nayanthara belongs to a staunch Roman Catholic family. However Nayan is advocating for her fiance and wants to settle the issue in a favorable way.