‘To those asking who that ‘Motta’ is…’: Kalyani on photo featuring young Pranav and Jackie Shroff

Actor Pranav Mohanlal celebrated his birthday on Sunday, drawing warm wishes from across the film industry and beyond. Among the many greetings, it was actor Kalyani Priyadarshan’s post that particularly caught the attention of fans — sparking curiosity and speculation online.

Kalyani had shared a charming throwback photo featuring herself and Pranav as children, alongside Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff. Captioning the post, she wrote: “Happy birthday to my forever friend.” However, what stood out to followers was the shaved-head look sported by young Kalyani in the image — prompting many to ask whether it was truly her in the photo.

Addressing the widespread curiosity, Kalyani took to her Instagram Stories to clarify. Sharing a recent picture of herself, she wrote, “To everyone asking who that bald kid (motta) in the last post was – yes, it was me.” Her candid and good-humoured response delighted fans.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Kalyani is gearing up for multiple releases. She plays the female lead in Odum Kuthira Chadum Kuthira, directed by Althaf Salim and co-starring Fahadh Faasil. In Loka – Chapter 1, directed by Dominic Arun and produced by Wayfarer Films, she stars opposite Naslen. She will also be seen alongside Karthi in the upcoming Tamil film Marshal.