Neethu Vanajakshi (Bigg Boss) Age, Wife, Family, Biography & More

Some Lesser Known Facts About Neethu Vanajakshi

• Neethu Vanajakshi is an Indian actress, model, entrepreneur, and tattoo artist. In 2023, she appeared as a contestant in the TV reality show ‘Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10,’ aired on Colors Kannada.

• Since childhood, he had a deep interest in art.

• He worked as a part-time tattoo artist and event organiser to help his family financially.

• He was born as a male in a conservative family. At the age of 11, he realised his gender identity as a third gender, but he kept it secret from his family. He was afraid that his family might not be supportive if he revealed his identity as a third gender. However, he later made a decision to fulfil his responsibilities towards his family before disclosing his gender identity to them so that it would be easier for him to convince them. In an interview, he talked about it and 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.”

  

  Neethu Vanajakshi before transition

• After completing his formal education, Neethu Vanajakshi established a successful career as a tattoo artist. He opened his own tattoo studio named ‘Tit for Tattoo’ in 2016.

• Later, he established a beauty parlour for his sister and a hotel named ‘Gama Gama’ for his mother.
  

  Neethu Vanajakshi’s hotel ‘Gama Gama’

• After establishing himself as a successful enterpreneur, he believed that he had fulfill all his familial responsibilities and decided to reveal his gender identity to his parents. First of all, he revealed this to his sister who found it hard  to believe at first but later accepted him as a transwomen. When he later revealed his third gender identity to his mother, she experienced a period of depression. However, over time, she also came to accept him and his gender identity. ^[4]The Indian Express

• When he went to Bengalore to pursue higher studies, he met some other people like him who belonged to the LGBTQ community and became friends with them. He later began taking hormonal treatment to transition, along with undergoing medical treatments and surgeries to fully embrace his identity as a transgender woman. In addition to this, he changed his name from Manjunath to Neethu Vanajakshi.

• After becoming a transwoman, Neethu Vanajakshi pursued a career in modeling. She started taking part in different fashion shows and beauty contests.
  

  Neethu Vanajakshi during a fashion show

• In 2017, she participated in the ‘Miss Trans Diamond’ beauty pageant, where she was declared winner.
  

  Neethu Vanajakshi at the ‘Miss Trans Diamond 2017’

• On 3 October 2019, she became the winner of ‘Miss Trans Queen India’ beauty pageant, which was hosted at Dilli Haat in Janakpuri, New Delhi.
  

  Neethu Vanajakshi crowned as ‘Miss Trans Queen India 2019’

• Neethu Vanajakshi has participated in the beauty pagent ‘Miss Internation Queen 2020,’ where she represented India at an international level.

• She has served as a judge for several beauty pageants such as ‘Mr & Miss Bangalore 2018,’ ‘Miss & Mrs Gracious Karnataka 2021,’ and ‘Miss Karnataka Icon 2021.’
  

  Poster of the Miss & Mrs Gracious Karnataka 2021

• Besides this, she has also appeared in several print advertisments for various brands.

• In 2020, she worked as an actor in the Kannada short film ‘Niguda Mouna.’
  

  Neethu Vanajakshi (centre) in a still from the short film ‘Niguda Mouna’

• In 2022, she appeared in season 1 of the Kannada web series ‘Jhansi’ in which she played he role of Ameesha. She also appeared in the season 2 of the series in 2023. The series was premiered on the OTT platform Disney+ Hotstar.
  

  Neethu Vanajakshi in a still from the web series ‘Jhansi Season 1’

• She has participated in the Kannada TV reality show ‘Super Queen’ (2023), which showcased the stories of women who achieved success and recognition despite facing difficulties in life.
  

  Neethu Vanajakshi in a still from the TV show ‘Super Queen’

• She appeared as a contestant in in the TV reality show ‘Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10,’ which aired on the channel Colors Kannada.
  

  Neethu Vanajakshi in a still from the TV show ‘Bigg Boss Kannada’

• She is a trained semi-classical, Kathak, and belly dancer.