From medical school to the silver screen: the unexpected rise of Aishwarya Lekshmi
In short: Aishwarya Lekshmi never intended to become a professional actress. Instead, she was training to be a doctor. However, a single audition in 2017 transformed her life, leading from medical studies in Ernakulam to becoming one of the most prominent faces in Malayalam and Tamil cinema.
Born on 6 September 1991 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Lekshmi followed a rigorous academic path, completing her MBBS degree from the Sree Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences in 2017. While she had been modeling since 2014 for various brands and magazines, her transition to acting was unplanned. After appearing alongside Nivin Pauly in the 2017 Malayalam movie Njandukalude Nattil Oridavela, she won the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South. Before her acting breakthrough, she was an established model for various publications like Vanitha and FWD Life. She also worked with several jewellery brands, including Chemmanur Jewellers and Akshaya Jewels.
Lekshmi's career saw a significant expansion between 2022 and 2023. She appeared in nine films during 2022; among these was the Tamil epic Ponniyin Selvan: I, her most successful release and the fifth highest-grossing Tamil film ever. That same year, Forbes India recognized her in its inaugural 'Showstoppers – India's Top 50 Outperformers' list. During this period, she also co-produced the film Gargi. Her work in the Tamil epic Ponniyin Selvan: I saw her portray the character Poonguzhali.
Her versatility is reflected in her diverse roles, ranging from the titular teacher in Archana 31 Not Out to a wrestler in Gatta Kusthi. Reviewers have praised her capacity for portraying intricate emotions, exemplified by Film Companion naming her Mayaanadhi role one of the '100 Greatest Performances of the Decade.' As she pursues multifaceted characters like in the 2025 film Maaman, she stays a vital presence in South Indian cinema. Her filmography includes various successful projects such as the romantic thriller Mayaanadhi and the box office hit Hello Mummy. She has also appeared in the multi-starrer Thug Life.
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