From ‘Halo Kuttichathan’ to ‘Drishyam 3’: Shraddha Gokul Balances Medicine and Cinema

Malayalam actor Shraddha Gokul, remembered by many for her childhood role in the fantasy television series Halo Kuttichathan, is once again drawing attention with her appearance in Jeethu Joseph’s Drishyam 3. Interestingly, while she plays a nurse in the film, she is a real-life doctor currently pursuing her house surgency in Thiruvananthapuram.

Shraddha, a native of Thiruvananthapuram, played the character Varsha in Halo Kuttichathan, a widely loved children’s series that ran for 85 episodes and introduced several young talents to Malayalam entertainment. Years later, she has now returned to the big screen through Jeethu Joseph’s films.

Before Drishyam 3, she appeared in Valathu Vashathe Kallan, where she played a brief but important role. However, audiences began recognising her once again after her appearance in Drishyam 3, where she portrayed the daughter of a significant character in the story.

Speaking about her comeback, Shraddha said she was grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with acting after years away from the industry.

“I’m extremely happy to have received this opportunity. Returning to the industry after such a long break and trying to do what I truly loved was not easy. Valathu Vashathe Kallan became a turning point for me,” she said.

A Doctor Off Screen, Actor On Screen

What makes Shraddha’s journey unique is her parallel career in medicine. She is currently completing her house surgency at the Government Woman and Child Hospital in Thycaud, Thiruvananthapuram.

Despite her passion for acting and dance from childhood, Shraddha said she had always been determined to become a doctor. As academic responsibilities increased, she gradually moved away from the entertainment industry.

“Though I got a good break with Halo Kuttichathan and later another serial, I had to pause those dreams to focus on medicine,” she shared.

She also admitted that adapting to the modern entertainment landscape dominated by social media and influencer culture was challenging after her long absence.

“At one stage, I felt like I had fallen behind. I was worried whether I would ever find my place in the industry again,” she said.

The Unexpected Return to Films

Shraddha revealed that her return happened unexpectedly after a neighbour’s son, who was working as an assistant director, informed her about an audition for Valathu Vashathe Kallan.

“He called me on the same day and asked if I could attend the audition. I performed two characters for a scene, but I honestly didn’t expect to get selected. Even attending an audition for a Jeethu Joseph project felt huge for me,” she recalled.

Within two days, she received confirmation that she had been chosen for the role.

Though her screen time was limited, the performance helped audiences notice her again and opened doors for future opportunities.

For Drishyam 3, Shraddha said she did not have to audition at all. She initially believed the message informing her selection was fake because she could not imagine being considered for such a major project.

“When I first got the message mentioning Drishyam 3 and my character name, I genuinely thought someone was joking,” she said with a laugh.

Childhood Memories of ‘Halo Kuttichathan’

Shraddha recalled that her artistic journey began with dance training at the age of three, eventually leading her to a television dance reality show. It was there that she met actors like Shane Nigam and Abhay Thampi before all of them became part of Halo Kuttichathan.

“At that age, we were simply enjoying every opportunity. Looking back now, I realise how special those moments truly were,” she said.

Working With Mohanlal

The actor also shared her experience of acting alongside Mohanlal in Drishyam 3. She described the superstar as warm and supportive on set.

“I had heard Esther Anil say that Lalettan is more childlike at heart than many of us, and it is absolutely true. Watching him perform is delightful,” she said.

Shraddha is currently balancing both medicine and cinema and hopes her recent performances will help her secure more substantial roles in the future.