‘She was replaced after 3 days...’: Neena Kurup reveals Mohini wasn’t the original heroine of Punjabi House

Veteran Malayalam actress Neena Kurup has shared a little-known behind-the-scenes story about the making of the 1998 cult classic Punjabi House. Speaking in an interview with Milestone Makers, Neena revealed that actress Mohini was not the original choice to play the female lead, Pooja.

“Actually, Mohini was not the first heroine. Someone else played that role. They did it for about three days. That girl was replaced, saying she didn’t have a Punjabi look, and after a day’s break, Mohini joined us. The decision was changed at the last minute,” Neena said.

This revelation sheds new light on the casting process of the film, which went on to become one of the most beloved comedies in Malayalam cinema history.

Neena, who portrayed Karishma in the film, also opened up about the performance pressure she faced during the movie’s climax.

“I was told from the beginning that the final part of the movie was very important. When Mohini tries to convey it emotionally, I have to explain it with words. I was very tense then. I was scared if I could do it. I don’t know how it came out in the movie. But I haven’t heard anyone complain,” she said.

Her honest admission provides a rare glimpse into the emotional investment required from actors, especially in scenes that carry narrative weight.

Interestingly, Neena also confessed that she had initial doubts about accepting the role in Punjabi House due to past disappointments where her screen time had been cut.

“I was reluctant to take the role. I had experienced situations where my parts were edited out, and I thought this would be the same. That could have been the most regretful thing in myself,” she said.

Today, she feels grateful she accepted the role, as it remains one of her most recognisable performances. “Even now, small kids recognise me from that role,” she added with a smile.

The actress also reflected on the emotional toll of online trolling and the lack of basic decency in public discourse.

Neena recalled a painful incident involving her daughter, who was just 15 years old at the time. She pointed out that while trolls may believe their words are harmless, they can deeply wound the person on the receiving end. “Some comments are delivered without societal manners or empathy. They hurt. Especially when they involve family or children.”

Directed by Rafi-Mecartin, Punjabi House starred Dileep, Harisree Ashokan, Mohini, Jomol, Lal, Cochin Haneefa, Thilakan, Janardhanan, and Neena Kurup. It follows the story of Unni, a debt-ridden man who fakes a suicide attempt to help his family claim insurance money. However, he is rescued by fishermen and taken to work as a servant for a Punjabi family, leading to a series of comedic and emotional twists.

The film's script, which took nearly a year to develop, was inspired by a real-life train journey experienced by the filmmakers. With music by Suresh Peters (his Malayalam debut) and score by SP Venkatesh, the film went on to be a blockbuster hit, running for over 150 days in theatres. Over the years, it has gained cult status, particularly for Dileep’s breakthrough role and Harisree Ashokan’s iconic portrayal of Ramanan.

The film was later remade in several languages—Telugu (Maa Balaji), Kannada (Punjabi House), and Hindi (Chup Chup Ke).