'Mammootty came and started playing games with us...': Anikha Surendran

Actress Anikha Surendran, who entered the Malayalam film industry 15 years ago during a school vacation, has grown into one of the most beloved actors in South Indian cinema. Starting as a child artist, she carved her space in the industry by acting alongside some of the biggest stars, and today, she stands tall as a leading actress. Yet, for many fans, she will always be remembered fondly as ‘Baby Anikha’.

In a recent interview with Grihalakshmi, Anikha reflected on her journey, sharing heartwarming anecdotes and unforgettable memories from her childhood days on set.

“One of the most beautiful memories I have is from the set of 'Bhaskar the Rascal. During breaks, Sanoop and I used to play games. One day, Mammootty sir came to us and asked what we were doing. When we replied that we were playing games, he joined us. It was such a lovely moment,” she recalled. 

Anikha has had the rare opportunity to act with other legends like Mohanlal, Ajith Kumar, and Nayanthara during her childhood. She made her acting debut in Sathyan Anthikad’s 'Katha Thudarunnu' and went on to feature in critically acclaimed films such as '5 Sundarikal'—for which she won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist—'Bhaskar the Rascal', 'Naanum Rowdy Dhaan', 'Miruthan', and 'The Great Father'.

She shared how each of these experiences contributed to her growth as an actor. “I was lucky to work with names like Mammootty, Ajith Kumar, Nayanthara, and directors like Sathyan Anthikad and Dhanush. Every set was a learning experience. I learned so many new things from each of them.”

Recalling her time filming 'Viswasam', she spoke about shooting scenes inside a car with Ajith Kumar. “Since the shoot was inside the car, we had to remain seated even after the director called ‘cut’. During those moments, Ajith sir would tell me stories. He made the time fly.”

Anikha also spoke fondly of her experience with Nayanthara during the shooting of the song 'I Love You Mummy'. “It was my first song where I had to lip-sync, and Nayanthara chechi helped me a lot with it. Her support meant a lot.”

Anikha's transition from a child artist to a lead actress began with the Telugu film 'Butta Bomma', a remake of the Malayalam hit 'Kappela'. In Malayalam, she stepped into a lead role for the first time in 'Lovefully Yours Veda'. Her most recent Malayalam film was 'Cup', while her latest theatrical release was the Tamil movie 'Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam'.