In the ever-evolving world of Indian cinema, few actors have managed to win hearts across languages with the same warmth and authenticity as Anupama Parameswaran. The girl who stole millions of hearts as the innocent, wide-eyed “Mary” in the 2015 Malayalam blockbuster Premam has grown into a versatile performer who now comfortably straddles Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil industries. Ten years after her dream debut, Anupama remains one of the most relatable and sought-after young actresses in South Indian cinema.
The Magical Debut That Changed Everything
Born on 18 February 1996 in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur district of Kerala, Anupama Parameswaran was pursuing her B.Com degree at CMS College, Kottayam when destiny came calling. Director Alphonse Puthren was looking for a fresh face to play Mary, the teenage crush of George (played by Nivin Pauly) in Premam. Anupama, then just 18, auditioned on a whim and was selected from over 300 applicants.
Released on 29 May 2015, Premam became a cultural phenomenon across Kerala and later the entire country. Anupama’s natural charm, expressive eyes, and the now-iconic “Mary’s smile” made her an overnight sensation. The film ran for over 300 days in theatres and remains one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time. For Anupama, it was the perfect launchpad — she didn’t just enter cinema; she entered the hearts of an entire generation.
Crossing Borders: A Seamless Transition to Telugu and Tamil Cinema
Unlike many debutantes who struggle to move beyond their first hit, Anupama quickly proved her versatility. Within a year of Premam, she made her Telugu debut opposite Sundeep Kish popular film A Aa (2016), directed by Trivikram Srinivas. Playing the bubbly Nagavalli opposite Nithiin, she held her own alongside seasoned stars like Samantha and won the Zee Telugu Apsara Award for Best Debut Actress.
2016 also saw her share screen space with Nagarjuna and Karthi in the bilingual horror-comedy Oopiri / Thozha, further cementing her pan-South appeal. That same year, she starred in the Telugu remake of Premam, reprising her own role of Mary (this time named Sindhu), a rare feat for any actress.
Notable Films That Showcased Her Range
Over the years, Anupama has consciously chosen roles that balance commercial entertainment with emotional depth:
- Kodi (2016) – Her Tamil debut opposite Dhanush, where she played a fiery village girl with strong political convictions.
- Shatamanam Bhavati (2017) – A wholesome family drama that earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu.
- Hello Guru Prema Kosame (2018) – A breezy romantic entertainer with Ram Pothineni that reinforced her “girl-next-door” image.
- Rakshasudu (2019) – A gripping thriller alongside Bellamkonda Srinivas, showing her ability to handle intense genres.
- Karthikeya 2 (2022) – As Mugdha, she was part of one of the biggest Telugu blockbusters of recent years, which crossed ₹100 crore worldwide.
- Tillu Square (2024) – Playing Radhika opposite Siddu Jonnalagadda, she delivered a lively, comedic performance in the year’s biggest Telugu hit.
- Butterfly (2025) – Her latest Malayalam comeback, directed by G. S. Pradeep, where she essays a challenging role of a woman seeking justice.
Beyond the Big Screen
Anupama is also a familiar face in brand endorsements. She has been the face of several popular South Indian brands including Bhima Jewellery, Manappuram Finance, Kurti’s by Mantra, and several apparel and beauty labels. Her simple yet elegant fashion sense — often seen in cotton sarees and anarkalis — has made her a style icon for young women across Kerala and Andhra Pradesh.
Staying Grounded Amid Stardom
Despite a decade in the industry, Anupama remains refreshingly down-to-earth. In interviews, she often credits her family — especially her father Parameswaran Erekkath Appukuttan and mother Sunitha — for keeping her rooted. She completed her B.Com degree through correspondence while shooting films, proving that education remains a priority.
Known for staying away from controversies, Anupama is active on Instagram (@anupamaparameswaran96) where she shares glimpses of her life — be it festival celebrations, travel, or behind-the-scenes moments — earning her over 12 million followers.
What Makes Anupama Parameswaran Special?
In an industry that sometimes typecasts actresses, Anupama has managed to be both the quintessential “sweet girl” and a performer willing to experiment. Whether it’s the innocence of Mary, the spunk of Anasuya in A Aa, or the maturity in Butterfly, she brings an effortless authenticity to every role.
As she once said in an interview, “I want to do characters that people can relate to in real life. I don’t want to be a larger-than-life heroine — I want to be the girl audiences feel is their friend or sister.”
Looking Ahead
With multiple projects lined up in Malayalam, Telugu, and Tamil, including highly anticipated films in 2025–26, Anupama Parameswaran is clearly here to stay. From the college girl who accidentally became a star to a confident actress choosing meaningful roles, her journey is an inspiration for every young dreamer in India.
For millions of fans across the country, Anupama is not just an actress — she’s the girl who taught an entire generation that sometimes, all it takes is one genuine smile to light up the big screen forever.
Last Updated on: Friday, November 21, 2025 1:48 pm by Sakethyadav | Published by: Sakethyadav on Friday, November 21, 2025 1:48 pm | News Categories: News