Born on July 16, 1967, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Bhanupriya began her career as a child artist in the 1979 film "Neengalum Vellalam Oru Kodi." She gained recognition for her performances in films like "Umbhu" (1983) and "Sridevi" (1984). Her breakthrough role came with the 1985 film "Pallu Padama Paathuka," which marked the beginning of her successful acting career.