21 years before Drishyam, Asha Sharath was offered female lead role in iconic Mohanlal movie

Ashakal Aayiram actress Asha Sharath recently revealed that she received an offer to play a female lead in a Mohanlal movie in the early 1990s, but turned it down as her family was not keen on it.

Mohanlal, Asha Sharath in Drama movie

Noted Malayalam actress Asha Sharath got instant fame after her performance as a top cop in Mohanlal’s thriller movie Drishyam in 2013. But did you know that Asha Sharath, also a talented dancer, was offered the female lead role in a Mohanlal movie 21 years ago? The iconic movie is Kamaladalam, starring Monisha and Mohanlal.

Which Mohanlal movie was offered to Asha Sharath

Kamaladalam is a 1992 Malayalam film which featured late actress Monisha as the talented dancer Malavika while Mohanlal played the role of her rogue teacher Nandagopan. In a recent interview with The Cue Studio, Asha Sharath revealed that she was offered the role of Malavika, but turned it down as her family were not keen on her acting in films.

“Jayaram had called, saying that there is a role in a Mohanlal movie. That was the time when there were apprehensions that acting in movies could spell trouble for marriages. So, my family was not very keen on it,” recounted the Drishyam actress, who is an acclaimed dancer.

Notably, Jayaram plays the lead role in Asha Sharath’s latest film Ashakal Aayiram. On the other hand, Kamaladalam featured Jayaram’s wife Parvathy in the role of Sumangala, paired opposite Mohanlal’s Nandagopan.

Where to watch Kamaladalam

You can watch Kamaladalam on JioHotstar via OTTplay Premium right now.

The film revolves around the young Malavika, one of the most talented students at a famous dance school in Kerala. Mohanlal plays Nandagopan, who has become an alcoholic after his wife Sumangala’s death. Though Malavika initially detests Nandagopan, she realises his talent and takes him as her guru. Vineeth, who was last seen in the thriller Eko, plays her jealous boyfriend, in the film, directed by Sibi Malayil.

The song, Aananda Nadanam, featured on Mohanlal and Monisha is still popular among fans of 90s Malayalam cinema. Kamaladalam, which has a classic status over the years, is one of the most memorable performances of Monisha, who passed away in a car accident.

Not just Drishyam, Mohanlal and Asha Sharath have acted together in other movies such as Drama and 1971: Beyond Borders.

Also read: Ashakal Aayiram actress Asha Sharath was to play Shobana's role in Mohanlal’s Thudarum?

On the other hand, Drishyam 3, helmed by Jeethu Joseph will release in theatres on April 2, 2026.

Asha Sharath FAQs

Q. Who is Asha Sharath?

A. Asha Sharath is a Malayalam actress, best known for her performance in Mohanlal's Drishyam movies.

Q. What is the new movie of Asha Sharath?

A. Asha Sharath's new movie is Ashakal Aayiram, starring Jayaram and Kalidas.

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