Malayalam film star Esther Anil, beloved for her role as Anu in the blockbuster Drishyam, has achieved a major personal milestone. The actor has successfully graduated with a degree in International Development from the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE). She marked the occasion on December 18, 2025, by sharing graduation photos and a deeply personal note on Instagram, recounting her family's financial struggles and her own battles with self-doubt.
From Drishyam Fame to Academic Dreams
Esther Anil shot to fame with her portrayal of Anu in the 2013 cultural phenomenon Drishyam, starring Mohanlal. Her performance was so acclaimed that she reprised the role in the Telugu and Tamil remakes, Drushyam and Papanasam. While continuing her acting career, including a lead role in the 2020 Telugu film Johaar and the upcoming Drishyam 3, she pursued her academic ambitions at one of the world's top universities.
A Journey Fueled by Sacrifice and Self-Doubt
In her heartfelt post, Esther revealed that her educational journey began with a suggestion from her father, who mentioned someone who had studied at LSE. At the time, she thought the idea was "unrealistic" and the goal was "way too big a fish to catch." The dream, however, took root.
The path was not easy. Upon receiving her acceptance letter, she hesitated to tell her parents, knowing the course was financially daunting, especially with her brothers already on student loans. When she finally did, their unwavering support moved her profoundly. "All they said was, 'We know how much you want this. Money will come. You are going,'" she recalled.
Her time at LSE was marked by a constant struggle with extreme impostor syndrome. She felt intimidated studying alongside some of the brightest minds. Yet, she credits this challenging environment for her transformation, pushing her to delve deeper into her passion for women and power.
Celebrations and Future Endeavours
The actor's achievement was celebrated by numerous colleagues from the Indian film industry. Celebrities like Nazriya Nazim Fahadh, Aparna Balamurali, Gouri G. Kishan, and Khatija Rahman flooded the comments with congratulations and warm wishes.
Esther concluded her note on a powerful and introspective note, writing, "Maybe I'm not the dumbest after all. Maybe there is some light in me. Maybe I'll join the powerful women someday." This graduation marks a significant chapter for the actor, balancing her cinematic success with hard-earned academic accomplishment, with fans eagerly awaiting her return in Drishyam 3.
