This child artiste is making waves in a grown up world

Esther Anil’s life has been like that of a butterfly since Drishyam bagged massive success.
Her performance in the movie as a little girl who holds on tight to a major secret, won her wide recognition and also took her to bigger industries like Telugu. In Tollywood, she rubbed shoulders with superstars like Venkitesh. With the film meeting with appreciation, Esther’s horizon as an actress has expanded.The little actress shares her experiences and dreams.
Tollywood, Venkitesh Uncle, Telugu
The shoot of the Telugu film, Drushyam, was during my vacation and so, I was chilled out and happy about not missing classes. Moreover, it was a wonderful experience working in a different language film for the first time. Despite being a superstar, Venkitesh Uncle was quite friendly to me and spoke to me in English.
I was lucky to have come across many encouraging and helpful people on the set. As I don’t speak Telugu, the film’s associate director, Manu, a Malayali, used to write down the dialogues and their meanings for me, which was quite helpful. Venkitesh uncle was quite supportive and willing to go for any number of re-takes if I goofed up with mouthing the Telugu words. The movie’s director Sreepriya aunty’s support also cannot be forgotten.
Acting-wise, I felt that we are expected to bring in a lot more expressions in other industries as compared to the subtle acting in Mollywood.
Equation with Mohanlal
Drishyam was my second film with Lal Uncle and I am quite comfortable working with him now. I still remember meeting him first on the set of Oru Naal Varum. Maniyanpilla Raju Uncle took me to meet him. After introducing me, he asked Lal uncle, ‘Should we change her name?’ Lal Uncle said, ‘Why? She has a beautiful name!’ I am glad that he said so. I too love my name.
Studies, hobbies…
My mom used to host a cookery show on Amrita TV and I used to be on the set with her often. It is one of the cameramen on the show who suggested I should try acting in movies, post which the first film happened.
My parents are extremely supportive of my acting career. I wish to be an actress once I grow up, though I don’t plan to sideline my studies. I am in Class VIII now and am just done with my exams. As of now, I have not taken up any other projects. I don’t have many hobbies, but I love watching TV and painting.
My brother Eric is also an actor, and has starred in around seven films, including Daivathinte Swantham Cleetus and Vegam.