Ivana

Aleena Shaji (born 25 February 2000) known by her stage name Ivana, is an Indian actress who works mainly in Tamil cinema and in addition to a few Malayalam and Telugu films. She began her career as a child actor in Malayalam films, and made her debut in a leading role in Naachiyaar. She later appeared in commercially successful films including Love Today (2022) and Single (2025).

Career Shaji began her career as a child actor in the Malayalam film industry through supporting role in Masters (2012), before working on Rani Padmini (2015), three years later. Shaji then played the daughter of the lead character in Anuraga Karikkin Vellam (2016). Director Bala had spotted an online news article about Anuraga Karikkun Vellam and subsequently cast Shaji in his Tamil film, Naachiyaar (2018), which also starred Jyothika and G. V. Prakash Kumar. Bala requested that she should use a stage name which would be easier to pronounce for Tamil audiences, and with the assistance of her cousin, she chose the name Ivana. In order to prepare for her role, she undertook Tamil classes, while her co-actors assisted and gave her tips when filming certain scenes. Portraying Arasi, a young, innocent girl, Ivana received praise for her performance. Sify.com noted "with and a pretty fresh face and large expressive eyes, Ivana makes a wholly believable Arasi". Likewise, critics from The Indian Express noted that Ivana makes "an impressive debut", while India Todays reviewer stated that Ivana gives a "splendid performance" and her "expressions are pleasing and pretty convincing".

Filmography

Awards and nominations + List of Ivana awards and nominations Year Award Category Work Result 2019 8th SIIMA Awards Best Debut Actress Naachiyaar Filmfare Awards South Best Supporting Actress