Ananya was born as Ayilya to Malayali parents Gopalakrishnan Nair, a noted film producer, and Praseetha in Perumbavoor, Kerala.

[4] While representing her college in a television reality show, Star Wars,[2] she was spotted by various directors and received acting offers.

She did some thrilling scenes in the climax of the movie that impressed Mohanlal, which made him call her the "Vijayashanti" of Malayalam.

[7] She also played a supporting role in Kandahar, which saw her sharing screen space with Mohanlal and Amitabh Bachchan.

[8] In 2011, Ananya played one of the female lead roles in Engaeyum Eppothum, which received rave reviews and became a sleeper hit.