Mumbai: Aamir Khan’s upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par is making waves for more than just its compelling storyline. The trailer, which dropped recently, has received widespread attention for featuring a cast led by teenagers with Down syndrome, a rare happening in mainstream Indian cinema. At the centre of this spotlight is Gopikrishnan K. Varma, an actor from Kozhikode, Kerala, who plays the role of Guddu in the film.

Produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Sitaare Zameen Par follows the journey of a coach, played by Aamir Khan, who trains a group of differently-abled teenagers in basketball and helps them compete. The film is being seen as a spiritual successor to Khan’s 2007 critically acclaimed Taare Zameen Par, and aims to challenge perceptions around disability and inclusion.

In a video titled “Best way to describe Guddu? Kamal Haasan + Mohanlal,” Gopikrishnan is introduced with warmth and charisma. Seated next to his mother, Ranjini Varma, Gopikrishnan begins by introducing her, only to be gently reminded to introduce himself first, a moment that brings both humour and heart to the video. He speaks in Malayalam, proudly saying, “My name is Gopikrishnan K. Varma. I am coming from Kozhikode now. I am an actor. I am playing Guddu in Sitaare Zameen Par. I have changed; Guddu is a part of me now. I want to be a star. I want to be stylish.”

In a video titled “Best way to describe Guddu? Kamal Haasan + Mohanlal,” Gopikrishnan is introduced with warmth and charisma. Seated next to his mother, Ranjini Varma, Gopikrishnan begins by introducing her, only to be gently reminded to introduce himself first, a moment that brings both humour and heart to the video. He speaks in Malayalam, proudly saying, “My name is Gopikrishnan K. Varma. I am coming from Kozhikode now. I am an actor. I am playing Guddu in Sitaare Zameen Par. I have changed; Guddu is a part of me now. I want to be a star. I want to be stylish.”

The video also features director R.S. Prasanna, who describes Gopikrishnan as a mix of Kamal Haasan and Mohanlal, praising his on-screen presence and performance. Gopikrishnan even showcases his flair for mimicry by imitating iconic scenes from Rajinikanth’s Baashha and Mohanlal.

Aamir Khan is also seen in the video, interacting with Gopikrishnan and other actors.

Ranjini Varma, Gopikrishnan’s mother, shared that acting has always been her son's dream. “Since childhood, his desire was to become an actor,” she said.

Gopikrishnan is no stranger to the screen, he played the lead in the 2021 Malayalam film Thirike and is listed in the India Book of Records for his achievements as an actor with Down syndrome.