Ineya, also known as Shruti Sawant, is an Indian actress who was born on January 21, 1988 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. She belongs to a Malayali cultural background and holds Indian nationality. Growing up in Kerala, she was naturally exposed to the performing arts, which shaped her early interest in acting and dance. Malayalam is her native language, and she is fluent in Tamil and English, allowing her to work seamlessly across multiple regional industries. She was born to S. Salahuddin and Savithri, and she has siblings including Swathi Thara and Sravan. Ineya began her artistic journey at a young age through television and telefilms, gradually building a foundation before entering cinema. Her early years were marked by consistent exposure to stage performances, serials, and art films. She remains active on social media and connects with audiences through Instagram under the username iam_ineya, where she has over 660K+ followers.
Ineya’s professional career is extensive and spans films, television, and digital platforms, reflecting steady growth and artistic credibility. She started as a child artist in Malayalam telefilms and serials such as Koottilekku, Orma, Jalam, and Sree Guruvayoorappan. Her early film appearances included art-house Malayalam projects like Saira, Dalamarmarangal, Thrill, and Umma, where she was credited as Nirmisha. Her Tamil cinema journey began with Padagasalai in 2010, followed by a supporting role in Yutham Sei. Her breakthrough arrived in 2011 with Vaagai Sooda Vaa, where her portrayal of Madhi earned her the Edison Award for Best Debut Actress and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress, along with multiple nominations. The same year, she appeared in Mouna Guru, further establishing her credibility. Over the next few years, she featured in a wide range of films including Ammavin Kaipesi, Bhoopadathil Illatha Oridam, Kan Pesum Vaarthaigal, Chennaiyil Oru Naal, Masani, Ayaal, Nugam, Ninaithathu Yaaro, Pulivaal, Naan Sigappu Manithan, Kathai Thiraikathai Vasanam Iyakkam, Oru Oorla Rendu Raja, Vellivelichathil, Amar Akbar Anthony, Alone, Girls, Swarnakaduva, Koditta Idangalai Nirappuga, Vaigai Express, Sathura Adi 3500, Puthan Panam, Aakasha Mittayee, Parole, Pengalila, Pottu, Thakkol, Mamangam, Drona, Writer, Aadhaar, Coffee, Naan Kadavul Illai, DNA, Gangs of Sukumara Kurup, Seeran, Thookudurai, The Smile Man, and Chitha. Her performances in Parole and Pengalila earned her Kerala Film Critics Association Awards for Second Best Actress, while Mamangam brought her further critical appreciation.
Alongside films, Ineya has built a strong presence on television and digital platforms. She appeared in popular serials such as Orma, Jalam, Kannana Kanne, Kanalpoovu, and Annam, often in special or extended roles. She has also been part of numerous television shows including Super Kudumbam, Comedy Stars, Munch Stars, Let’s Dance Season 2, Smart Show, Genes, Kerala Dance League, Surya Jodi No.1, Star Singer, Star Magic, Dance Vs Dance 2, Red Carpet, and Naanga Ready Neenga Readya, serving as a performer, participant, mentor, or judge. In the digital space, she gained renewed popularity through web series such as Vilangu on ZEE5, where she played Revathi, and Sshhh on aha, portraying Meera. Her consistent presence across mediums highlights her adaptability and sustained relevance in the evolving entertainment landscape.
In her personal life, Ineya maintains a relatively private and grounded lifestyle. She is deeply connected to dance and frequently shares content related to rehearsals, stage performances, travel, and fitness. Her social media presence reflects a balance of professional updates and personal reflections, often centered on meaningful cinema and artistic growth. She avoids public discussion of her relationships and keeps that aspect of her life away from the spotlight. Known for her disciplined work ethic and calm demeanor, Ineya continues to focus on performance-oriented roles while maintaining a strong connection with her audience through authenticity and cultural rootedness.