Gopika is an Indianfilm actress, who has predominantly starred in Malayalam films. Starting her career as a model, she ventured into acting with the film Pranayamanithooval. She went on to appear in over 35 films, working in the Tamil, Telugu and Kannada film industries as well. She is well known for her role in Autograph, directed by Cheran.
Early life
Gopika was born Girly Anto into a Syrian Christian family, to Anto Francis and Tessy Anto of Ollur in Thrissur, Kerala. She has a younger sister, Glini. After completing her education to the 12th Standard at St. Raphael's Convent Girls High School, Ollur, she studied for a degree in Sociology at Calicut University. She also learnt classical dance from an acclaimed teacher, Kamalher, and she was crowned 'Miss College' during her farewell ceremony at the college. The beauty contest 'Miss Thrissur' was a turning point in her life. Though she did not win the title, she stood as the runner-up in the contest, which gained her a few modeling assignments. She claims that she never wanted to be an actress, and her ambition was actually to be an air-hostess.
Career
Her first film was Pranayamanithooval, in which she starred with Jayasurya and Vineeth under the direction of Thulasi Das, did not do well, but it got her recognition in the industry. Her second film, 4 the People, was a blockbuster and was dubbed in many Indian languages. It was directed by Jayaraj, and she acted opposite Tamil actorBharath. The song "Lejjavathiye Ninde Kalla Kadaikkannil" from the film was a big hit in Kerala. Renowned Tamil movie director Cheran signed her up for his film Autograph, which was another big hit in 2004. She also acted in Kana Kandaen. Among her other work, she has acted in Kannada film Kanasina Loka and the Telugu remake of Azhagi. Her Telugu filmLeta Manasulu, directed by Raju Upati, crashed at the box office. She starred in the Malayalam movie Kirtichakra opposite Jiiva. Directed by Major Ravi, the movie tells the story of a soldier against the backdrop of the Kargil war. Apart from Kirtichakra, she did another movie with Dileep: Pachakuthira. Her previous film with Dileep, Chanthupottu, was a big hit. Veruthe Oru Bharya was a phenomenal hit, and it gained her the Asianet Best Actress award of 2008. Dubbing artists such as Devi and Sreeja Ravi dubbed for her in Malayalam.
