Shraddha Gokul's Mollywood Debut Sparks Nostalgia
The trailer for Jeethu Joseph's crime thriller 'Valathu Vashathe Kallan' dropped recently. It is already generating significant buzz among movie fans. While audiences admire the transformations of actors Biju Menon and Joju George, another familiar face has captured the attention of 90s kids.
From Child Star to Leading Lady
Yes, it is Kuttichathan's Varsha. Actress Shraddha Gokul remains beloved for her role as the lively Varsha in the classic serial 'Halo Kuttichathan'. She is now poised for her major entry into Mollywood. We connected with her promptly, not to discuss the new film, but to revisit cherished memories from the show that defined many childhoods.
Shraddha was just ten years old when she joined the Baiju Devaraj serial. She entered the project alongside her fellow Super Dancer contestants Shane Nigam and Navneeth Madhav.
"When Baiju sir explained the serial to my mother, her initial reaction was doubt," Shraddha recalled. "She said, 'She dances well, but I am unsure if she can act!' She was correct. I knew nothing about acting. I felt extremely camera-shy too. The filming occurred during our vacation. Each day felt like an exciting tour. The crew pampered us so much that we often ended up picking fights daily."
Playing the Possessed Varsha
In the series, Shraddha portrayed Varsha, a character frequently possessed by the evil spirit Mayachathan.
"Even recently, someone told me they used to dislike me back then because I was Mayachathan," she shared with a laugh. "I simply followed the director's instructions. The set was incredibly fun. Shane, Navneet, Abhay, and Abhirami—we played, we fought, and we enjoyed ourselves immensely. I never learned to ride a bicycle, yet Varsha had one in every scene. I cannot count how many times I fell off that cycle."
Shraddha expressed her gratitude that people still recognize her, even though the serial ended over twenty years ago.
"Everyone still calls me Varsha. They often do not know my real name. People remark that I look the same even now. Being remembered after two decades makes me feel incredibly lucky. Kuttichathan fans still treat us like family. I feel truly blessed," she added warmly.
A Journey Back to Acting
After 'Kuttichathan', Shraddha appeared in both films and serials. She then took a break from the industry to pursue studies in the Philippines. Now, she returns to Mollywood as a doctor-actress, hinting at upcoming surprises.
"I missed being part of this excitement during my studies," she confessed. "I always knew I had to return and pursue my passions—dance and acting. I do not believe in taking back-to-back roles just to stay busy. I want to portray characters that linger in viewers' minds, just like Varsha does."
Her return marks a significant moment for fans who grew up watching her. The anticipation for her performance in 'Valathu Vashathe Kallan' continues to build.
