Prema, born Neravanda Chetticha Prema on January 6, 1977, in Bangalore, India, hails from the Kodava community. She was born to Chetticha and Kavery in a military hospital. Prema completed her high school education at Mahila Seva Samaja High School and pursued her pre-university course at Murnad Junior College in Kodagu. During her school and college years, she was actively involved in sports, representing her institutions in high jump and volleyball at the national level.

Prema’s entry into the film industry was marked by her debut in the 1995 Kannada film “Savyasachi,” where she starred opposite Shivarajkumar. Although her initial films did not perform well at the box office, her breakthrough came with the film “Om,” directed by Upendra. This film not only became a blockbuster but also earned her the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress.

Following the success of “Om,” Prema’s career soared. She starred in several successful films, including “Nammoora Mandara Hoove” (1996), “Chandramuki Pranasakhi” (1999), and “Yajamana” (2000), which were major hits in Kannada cinema. Her performances in these films showcased her versatility and established her as one of the leading actresses of her time.

Prema was married to Jeevan Appacchu, but the couple filed for divorce in 2016. She has a younger brother, Neravanda Aiyappa, who was a cricket player representing Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy, and a younger sister, Indu NC, who resides in Dubai.

After taking an eight-year hiatus from the film industry, Prema made a comeback with the film “Upendra Matte Baa” in 2017. Her return was well-received by fans and critics alike, marking a new chapter in her illustrious career. Prema’s contributions to Indian cinema, particularly Kannada cinema, have left an indelible mark. Her performances in some of the highest-grossing films of their time have cemented her status as a legendary actress. With a career spanning over two decades, Prema continues to be celebrated for her talent, dedication, and impact on the film industry