Nilanthi Dias grew up in Battaramulla. She studied at All Saints Convent, Borella, where she also studied traditional dancing. At School she took part in dancing and acting competitions and also won prizes. Though, when small, she did not have plans to be an actress, she also studied Kandyan and Bharata Natyam privately.

Ten years ago she joined the dancing group of Gypsies Music Band and performed with the group in Popular “Piti Kotapan None” song. She also took part in tours around the world and she has visited many countries including, Japan, Canada, Dubai, Malaysia, Doha, Quatar, Bahrain and Singapore.

She started her acting career in 2000 and she has acted in many films including Jolly Hello, One Shot One, Adara Meena, Clean Out and Sonduru Wasanthaya. The film "Sir Last Chance" in which she acted is due to be released soon. She has acted in many teledramas as well. Hima Warusa, Athma Senehasa, Samanala Wasanthaya, Mal Pipenne Hetai, Amara Puraya and Thusharaye Chaya are a few to name. She has worked with many renowned directors such as Bertrum Nihal and Dayarathna Ratagedara. She also acted in the stage drama Dummala Warama.

She is a very gifted and talented dancer and recently she won the Runner Up title in Sirasa Dancing Stars, a very popular dancing competition in Sri Lanka. She also won the Talent Award in Sarsaviya Film Awards 2006 for her role in "One Shot One". She also engages in doing dancing shows around the world.

Nilanthi says that her best friend is her Mum and she loves her mother country and Sri Lankan Traditions very much.