Punarnavi Bhupalam is an Indian actress born on 28 May 1996 in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, to Nagesh Bhupalam and Bhagya Lakshmi (a fashion designer who designed Punarnavi's costumes for her debut film). Her great-grandfather Bhupalam Subbarayudu Setty was a freedom fighter from Jammalamadugu. She grew up in Vijayawada and completed her schooling at Kennedy International Residential School. She earned a BA in Psychology and Journalism from Villa Marie Degree College for Women, Hyderabad. She trained in acting at Samahaara and Nishumbita theatre groups in Hyderabad, crediting her uncle Madhu (who spotted her talent), theatre mentor Ratnashekar, and her parents for her success. She made her film debut at age 17 as Sunitha in Virinchi Varma's Uyyala Jampala (2013, produced by Nagarjuna) - earning a Filmfare South Best Supporting Actress nomination. She followed this with roles in Malli Malli Idhi Rani Roju (2015, as Parvathi, Sharwanand's daughter), Ee Cinema Superhit Guarantee (2015), Pittagoda (2016), Ammaku Prematho Nee Sadhika (2016), Manasuku Nachindi (2018, with another Filmfare nomination), Enduko Emo (2018), and Oka Chinna Virama Tharvatha (2019). In 2012, she won the 'Fresh Face of Vijayawada' title at the Vijayawada beauty pageant. She entered Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3 in July 2019. Her witty personality and frank views endeared her to audiences, and she was evicted in Week 11, finishing 9th overall.

Film debut at age 17 as Sunitha in the hit Telugu film Uyyala Jampala (2013, prod. Nagarjuna) - nominated for Filmfare South Best Supporting Actress; role as Parvathi in Malli Malli Idhi Rani Roju (2015, as Sharwanand's daughter); Filmfare South Best Supporting Actress nomination for Manasuku Nachindi (2018); winning 'Fresh Face of Vijayawada' at the 2012 Vijayawada beauty pageant; Bigg Boss Telugu Season 3 contestant (9th place).

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