Varada Sethu, a rising star of Malayali heritage, has taken the world of British television by storm as Belinda Chandra, the new companion in the BBC’s Doctor Who Season 15. Starring alongside Ncuti Gatwa’s Fifteenth Doctor, Varada’s portrayal of the quick-witted and compassionate nurse from Earth brings fresh energy and emotional depth to the long-running sci-fi series.
Belinda Chandra’s first encounter with the Doctor is anything but ordinary. Abducted by alien robots and thrust into a galactic crisis, she meets the enigmatic Time Lord and soon becomes part of his interstellar adventures.
Season 15 of the BBC’s Doctor Who officially came to an end on 31st May 2025, wrapping up a thrilling set of episodes that have been praised for their diversity, storytelling, and vibrant new cast. The season leaves fans eager to see where the Doctor and Belinda will journey next.
Varada’s Doctor Who debut has generated excitement not only among the show’s global fanbase but especially among the Malayali community in the UK and around the world. Her presence on one of Britain’s most iconic TV programmes is a proud moment for many, representing the growing diversity and inclusion in mainstream media.
Born in Kerala and raised in Newcastle upon Tyne, Varada Sethu’s journey to this high-profile role is as inspiring as her performance. A former student of veterinary medicine at the University of Bristol, she later switched to a degree in physiology before finally following her true passion—acting. She trained in London and has since appeared in acclaimed productions such as Andor, Jurassic World Dominion, and Strike Back: Revolution.
Off-screen, Varada’s story is rooted in a rich cultural and artistic tradition. Her parents, Dr. Sethu Wariyar (a paediatrician and singer) and Dr. Anitha (an ophthalmologist and a classical dancer-choreographer), encouraged the arts from an early age. Both Varada and her twin sister, Abhaya, trained in classical dance under their mother’s guidance and actively participated in performances organised by UK Malayalee associations such as KALA and Sruthi.
Varada’s early passion for the stage stood out, even as she pursued an academic career. She was crowned Miss Newcastle in 2011, a turning point that reaffirmed her love for the spotlight. That same year, she appeared in Shyamaprasad’s Malayalam film English, which marked one of her first steps into the film world.
Today, as she travels through time and space in Doctor Who, Varada Sethu continues to inspire young Malayalis with her determination, talent, and grace. Her portrayal of Belinda Chandra not only breaks barriers but also celebrates a cultural legacy that spans continents—from the villages of Kerala to the heart of British television.
Kerala Link papplauds Varada Sethu’s achievements and looks ahead with excitement as she continues to shine in the world of television and film.
Image credit: x.com/bbcdoctorwho
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