Anikha Surendran is a name that has become synonymous with talent, grace, and versatility in the South Indian film industry. Going from a cute child artist to a demanding actress in Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu cinema, Anikha has inspired many generations of young film-goers and budding artists alike. She is a rising star with accolades, a viral social media presence and a diverse filmography that is building up. Her story should be told in detail.
Early Life and Family Background
Anikha was born on September 27, 2004, in Manjeri, Kerala, to a family that encouraged her to pursue her artistry. Her father, Surender Trichur Muthuvara, has been a familiar face in the modelling and entertainment world, and her mother, Rajitha Surendran, is always there for her. Anikha enjoys a close relationship with her elder brother, Ankith Surendran, who works in the field of technology.
Anikha’s childhood was enriched with traditional values, festivals and performing arts as she grew up in the cultural heartland of Kerala. Since her younger years, she was always directed towards acting due to which led her to get involved since her childhood.
Academic Journey: Balancing Studies and Stardom
Although doing films from a very young age, Anikha has always focused on her studies. She went to Nazareth School, Manjeri, and then was shifted to Devagiri CMI Public School, Kozhikode. Currently, she is studying engineering while shooting frequently and making public appearances.
Fans and educational mentors often commend her for learning despite her busy schedule, which also serves as motivation for many other young actors to help them strike a balance between their academic and creative journeys.
Stepping into the Limelight: Anikha’s Entry into Cinema
Anikha started her film journey at a very young age. She made her silver screen debut as a toddler in the 2007 Malayalam film Chotta Mumbai, alongside Mohanlal and other top actors of the industry. She did a cameo for just Rs 500, and that started her career, with filmmakers and audiences realising that she has a knack for acting.
Her natural gift for conveying complex feelings won the hearts of both audiences and filmmakers. She was known as “Baby Anikha.” She was one of the most famous child artists.
Breakthrough Roles and Critical Acclaim
Malayalam Film Industry
Anikha’s career in Malayalam cinema is studded with memorable performances:
- Kadha Thudarunnu (2010): As Laya, she delivered a poignant portrayal of a young girl faced with hardship, drawing critical acclaim.
- 5 Sundarikal (2013): Her performance was so compelling that she won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist.
- The Great Father (2017): Acting alongside Mammootty, she won another Best Child Artist Award and cemented her place as an emerging prodigy.
Tamil Film Industry
Expanding her repertoire, Anikha debuted in Tamil films and found instant popularity:
- Yennai Arindhaal (2015): Playing Isha, daughter to Ajith Kumar’s character, she showcased a maturity beyond her years.
- Naanum Rowdydhaan (2015): Her portrayal of the younger version of Nayanthara’s character charmed both critics and fans, earning her the nickname “Kutty Nayan”.
Telugu Cinema and Web Series
- Butta Bomma (2023): Her emergence as Satya marked her Telugu debut and was received positively, opening more opportunities in Tollywood.
- Queen (2019): In the Tamil web series, she played a young Shakthi Seshadri, again displaying her ability to carry nuanced roles across mediums.
Notable Achievements and Awards
Anikha’s trophy cabinet is already impressive:
- 2013: Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist (5 Sundarikal)
- 2017, 2018: Best Child Artist, Asianet Film Awards (The Great Father)
- 2020: JFW Movie Awards, Black Sheep Digital Award (Viswasam)
Her consistent performance in both lead and supporting roles, across languages and genres, has won her critical and audience acclaim, making her a versatile and reliable artist in the film industry.
Transition from Child Artist to Lead Actor
The true test of any child artist is the ease with which they can transition into the mature space; Anikha passed with flying colours. Movies like Oh My Darling (2023) allowed her to take the lead and win over hearts again.
By taking on the duties of a leading lady, having sizzling chemistry with fresh co-stars, and dealing with complex scripts, she established her potential to be a full-fledged star. Everybody has said the same thing about her. She adapts to the screen and acquires the skill for every project.
Personal Life and Interests
Family always comes first for Anikha, who credits her disciplined upbringing and close-knit relationships for keeping her grounded despite fame. Known to be humble and down-to-earth, she often takes breaks to spend quality time with loved ones.
Interests and Hobbies:
- Dancing: Anikha is an accomplished dancer and often posts dance reels online.
- Singing: She showcases her vocal talent through casual jams on social media.
- Travelling: Whether it’s work commitments or leisure, Anikha enjoys discovering new places.
- Pets: She’s an animal lover, particularly fond of her pet cat, Shoto Todoroki.
Favorites:
- Actors: Vijay Deverakonda, Mohanlal, Tovino Thomas, Nani
- Actress: Rashmika Mandanna, Samantha Akkineni
- Cuisine: Italian (especially pasta), South Indian dishes like pongal
- Sports: Badminton
- Music: Fond of soulful and melodious numbers like “Kabira”.
Social Media: A Modern Star’s Outreach
Anikha is among the new generation of stars who blend on-screen charisma with digital influence. She connects with millions through:
- Instagram: Regular updates, dance videos, candid shoots
- Facebook: Engaging fan communities
- YouTube: Behind-the-scenes footage, travel vlogs, and personal stories
Her approachable persona, witty banter, and stylish updates have turned her social profiles into thriving communities.
Follower Stats (as of 2025):
- Instagram: 2M+
- Facebook: 3M+
- YouTube: 1.7M+
Physical Appearance & Charisma
Recognised for her girl-next-door allure, Anikha sticks with a fresh, natural look:
- Height: 5’3″ (161 cm)
- Weight: ~50 kg
- Hair: Natural Dark Brown
- Eyes: Deep Brown
Her expressive face, radiant smile, and relatable style add to her appeal, making her a favourite for both traditional and modern roles.
Brand Endorsements and Public Image
Anikha is a popular choice as a brand ambassador for various products, from fashion apparel to tech gadgets. The post Anikha: Trusted ambassador of a wide range of brands appeared first on StarBiz.com.
She featured on the regional cover page of Grihalakshmi and Manorama Weekly as well as for various advertising campaigns for health, youth, and lifestyle products.
She has a professional approach and disciplined behaviour on set. Thus, her reputation allows directors and production houses to rely on her.
Net Worth and Financial Success
Despite her youth, Anikha’s net worth is estimated at $5 million, sourced from acting, brand endorsements, and digital content. The valuation is a testament to years of work, smart career choices, and a growing body of successful films and endorsements.
Challenges and Lesser-Known Facts
- Early Start: Began acting at 1.5 years old.
- Nicknames: “Baby Anikha” and “Kutty Nayan” (fans say she resembles Nayanthara).
- Multiple Languages: Fluent in Malayalam, Tamil, and English.
- Magazine Covers: Appeared on leading Malayalam periodicals.
- Grounded Personality: Cites family and academics as her secret to staying humble.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Anikha Surendran
1. Who is Anikha Surendran?
Anikha Surendran is a South Indian film actress, widely celebrated for her roles as both a child artist and lead in Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu movies.
2. What is Anikha Surendran’s age and place of birth?
She was born on September 27, 2004, in Manjeri, Kerala, India, and is 21 years old as of 2025.
3. What are her most notable films?
Her best-known works include Chotta Mumbai, Kadha Thudarunnu, 5 Sundarikal, The Great Father, Yennai Arindhaal, Naanum Rowdydhaan, Queen, Butta Bomma, and Oh My Darling.
4. Has Anikha won any major awards?
Yes, Anikha has multiple accolades, including the Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist, Asianet Film Awards, and more.
5. Is Anikha Surendran married?
No, she is unmarried and continues to focus on her career and education.
6. What are her hobbies and personal interests?
She loves dancing, singing, travelling, is a sports enthusiast, and enjoys spending time with her pet cat.
7. What about her education?
She studied at Nazareth School, Manjeri, and Devagiri CMI Public School, and is currently pursuing higher studies.
8. How tall is Anikha Surendran?
She stands at a height of 5 feet 3 inches (161 cm).
9. What is Anikha Surendran’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is approximately $5 million from films, endorsements, and digital content.
10. What are her social media handles?
She is active on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, engaging fans with regular updates.