Kausalya Shivasankaran, also credited as Nandini, is an Indian actor and model, working in Kannada, Tamil and Malayalam film industry. She was a model before she made her debut in the 1996 Malayalam film April 19. The same year, she also debuted in the Tamil industry with the film Kaalamellam Kadhal Vaazhga. The actress has starred in over thirty movies and has given various hit films in Malayalam and Tamil language.
Her work in Malayalam film industry includes Ayal Kadha Ezhuthukayanu, Thachiledathu Chundan, Karumadikuttan, Sundara Purushan and Sivam. She has also worked in many Tamil movies including Surya Kalyanam, Nerukku Ner, Priyamudan, Vanathai Pola and Pooveli, for which she secured a Filmfare Award for Best Actress - Tamil for her performance. Her other credited Tamil films include Vaanathaippola, Thai Porandhachu, James Pandu, Engalukkum Kaalam Varum, Thaali Kaatha Kaliamman, Kutty, and Devan. The actress turned character artiste, portraying supporting roles in films such as Thirumalai and Santosh Subramaniam.
The actress has acted in TV series like Manaivi, Chitta, Thaniye, Kanden Seethaiyai, Dharmayudham, Alaipayuthey, Akka, Spandhanam, and Amma. The actress turned character artiste, portraying supporting roles in films such as Thirumalai and Santosh Subramaniam. In 2004, Kausalya made a comeback in films such as Police, Manadhil, Vendumadi Nee Enakku and Rosappoo Chinna Rosappoo. Her other projects include Tamil film Brahma.com and Kannada film Jayamahal. Her 2019 release include Natpe Thunai, directed by Parthiban Desingu.