Popular Malayalam actor Aju Varghese, known for his comedic timing and versatile roles, recently shared a personal revelation about his battle with alcohol consumption. Aju, who debuted in 2010 with Malarvaadi Arts Club and gained immense popularity with films like Thattathin Marayathu, revealed how casual drinking spiraled into a habit he struggled to control.
Aju credits the movie Vellam, starring Jayasurya, for inspiring him to quit drinking entirely. “What started as a joke turned into something I couldn’t stop. When I watched Vellam on an OTT platform, it was a turning point. The story of Murali’s life struck a chord with me. I felt that if I didn’t change, I might face a similar situation someday,” Aju confessed.
He added that stress and pressure often led him to seek solace in alcohol, but it eventually crossed limits and began affecting those around him. Watching Vellam, which is based on the real-life story of its producer Murali, gave Aju the push he needed to stop. “I’ve spoken to Murali Chettan about this, but I’m sharing it with Jayettan (Jayasurya) only now. His performance deeply impacted me,” Aju said.
Directed by Prajesh Sen, Vellam earned Jayasurya a Kerala State Film Award for Best Actor. Aju praised the film for its authentic portrayal of struggles with alcoholism and its consequences.
Aju, who started his career with comedic and supporting roles, has since transitioned into more serious characters, including playing villains and leads. He received widespread acclaim for his role in the 2019 film Helen. His latest release, Swargam, showcases his continued evolution as an actor.
The actor’s candid revelation about overcoming alcohol addiction has resonated with fans and sparked conversations on social media. Many have lauded him for his honesty and courage in addressing such a personal struggle.
