Esther Anil, well-known for her role in the Malayalam film “Drishyam,” has recently graduated from the prestigious London School of Economics (LSE) with a degree in International Development. In an emotional Instagram post, she reflected on her family’s challenges in funding her education while sharing her graduation milestone.
In her note, Esther recounted how her father’s suggestion to apply to LSE felt far-fetched to her initially. She remembers dismissing it as an unrealistic dream, thinking, “Cut to today, here I am, his daughter, standing in front of the London School of Economics, graduated in International Development.” This journey has been a testament to the unexpected twists of life and the power of determination.
Upon gaining admission to LSE, Esther faced the dilemma of keeping it a secret from her parents due to financial constraints, especially since her brothers were already relying on student loans. Despite these challenges, her parents encouraged her to pursue her studies at LSE, which she credits for instilling the value of dreaming big in her life.
Once at LSE, Esther experienced a sense of inadequacy, expressing her struggles with “imposter syndrome.” She articulated that competing with brilliant peers made her feel like a failure at times. “Getting in was not the hardest part after all,” she noted, highlighting the significant challenges she faced during her academic journey.
In her graduation reflections, Esther proudly shared that she completed a thesis focused on women and power, earning a distinction from LSE. Her candidness shines through in her words, “Maybe I’m not the dumbest after all. Maybe there is some light in me.” This optimistic outlook resonates in her aspirations to impact the world positively.
The post received a wave of congratulatory notes from fellow actors such as Nazriya Nazim and Aparna Balamurali, among others, celebrating her achievement and offering their support.
Esther’s acting career began at the young age of nine with her debut in the film “Nallavan,” but she rose to fame as Anumol George in “Drishyam.” She has also reprised this role in the film’s Telugu and Tamil adaptations. Expanding her filmography, she took on her first lead role in the 2020 Telugu film “Johaar” and was last seen in “Shanthamee Rathriyil.” Looking ahead, Esther is set to return in “Drishyam 3,” continuing her journey in the film industry.