A brief biography of Malayalam actor Aju Varghese best known for his comic roles
Aju Varghese is a very popular actor associated with Mollywood since 2010. He is best known for his comic timing and comedy roles, yet has also handled serious roles with ease. He mostly plays supporting roles on screen. He started his career with 2010 comedy-drama film Malarvaadi Arts Club, alongside a bunch of newcomers including the director, and went on to establish as one of the leading entertainers with the industry. In 2025, Aju Varghese completes 15 years in Malayalam cinema.
His work in association with director-actor Vineeth Sreenivasan and co-star Nivin Pauly made a great impact in the heart of the audience. Aju Varghese also owns a film production company, Funtastic Films, alongside actor Dhyan Sreenivasan and producer Visakh Subramaniam. As of now he has acted in more than 150 Malayalam films and a few web series of which his serious role as SI Manoj in Kerala Crime Files (2023) won him praises.
Aju Varghese started his film journey with Malarvaadi Arts Club in 2010
Aju was born in Thiruvalla on 11 January 1985. He is married to Augustina and the couple has 4 children, born as 2 set of twins. His schooling was done from different schools of Ernakulam and later he took Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communication Engineering from KCG College of Technology, Chennai. He also completed his MBA in HR & Marketing from MG University. He started working in HSBC in Human Resources, Chennai when he got the first call for movies.
When a group of college friends decided to make one Malayalam film, Aju Varghese was a part of the team. The movie was directed by debutante Vineeth Sreenivasan and starred a bunch of youngsters including Aju Varghese and Nivin Pauly. Harikrishnan, Bhagath Manuel and Malavika Wales also marked their screen debut with the film, Malarvaadi Arts Club. The movie was produced by actor Dileep. This ‘small’ film became a box office hit and the careers of many of its artists kicked off.
Aju’s association with Nivin Pauly
They became friends during their college days at FISAT (Federal Institute of Science and Technology), Angamaly and their friendship continued even before both entered films. Aju Varghese – Nivin Pauly combo is one of the best combos in the decade of 2010s. Right from their debut film, they worked in many movies together and their screen chemistry and funny scenes entertained audience a lot.
Oru Vadakkan Selfie, Neram, Thattathin Marayathu etc some of their early works together. Ohm Shanthi Oshaana (2014) is one such film which played a magnificent role in the acting career of Aju Varghese. His combination scenes with Nivin worked well with audience, and it marked the successful beginning of their movies together. They were later seen together in Action Hero Biju, Jacobinte Swargarajyam, Love Action Drama, Hey Jude, Saturday Night and Varshangalkku Shesham, which includes a few cameo roles and Aju turned producer too.
In 2025 December, the deadly combo gave one of the biggest blockbusters of the year through Sarvam Maya. The movie also marked the comeback of Nivin Pauly after a series of flops, and the biggest hit of their career. It’s their first full-fledged role together after a long time. They came together before in Love Action Drama, and in brief combo scenes in Saturday Night. They are thick friends in real life, and the duo bought their first car together. Likewise, they regard it as a sweet memory of their friendship. Their deep bond reflects in their screen chemistry too. Aju has acted (at least in cameo roles) in the majority of films starring Nivin.
Ohm Shanthi Oshaana in 2014 gave him the break through
Since 2010, though Aju worked in many films in supporting roles, it was his comic role as Nazriya’s cousin in Ohm Shanthi Oshaana which established as a comedian in Bollywood. After that he worked with many young actors of his generation throughout 2010s, mostly handling comedy roles. Even if the movie flopped, his comic scenes always received appreciation. His body language, dialogue delivery skills, energy level and facial expressions – everything helped him to become the most popular comedian of the times. But after pandemic, audience witnessed a sudden switch in the role selections, and he is mostly seen playing serious roles nowadays. Needless to say, Nivin’s setbacks in his career affected Aju’s career too.
Aju’s career best performances
Starting with his debut film, Malarvaadi Arts Club, he made an impact through his roles in Oru Vadakkan Selfie, Ohm Shanthi Oshaana, Thattathin Marayathu, Punyalan Agarbattis, Vellimoonga, ARM, Two Countries, Kili Poyi, Zachariyayude Garbhinikal, Godha, Aadu 2, Adventures of Omanakuttan, Love Action Drama, Rakshadhikari Baiju Oppu, Kunjiramayanam, Jacobinte Swargarajyam, Su.. Su… Sudhi Vathmeekam, Sevenes, Aanandam Paramanandam, Gaganachari, Madhura Raja, Varshangalkku Shesham, Doctor Love, Hello Mummy, Identity, Oru Murai Vanthu Parthaya, Ore Mukham, Adi Kapyare Kootamani, Minnal Murali, Hridayam, Sarvam Maya, 2018 etc.
In 2024, his negative shaded character as a teacher in Sthanarthi Sreekuttan was well received. In 2025, he acted in Tamil film, Paranthu Po. The movie marked his debut in Tamil cinema. It was his dream to work with the director, Ram. Though the movie was not a commercial success, it received positive reviews from critics. He has also won a few awards for his performances, and has been nominated multiple times.
Apart from Nivin Pauly, he has also worked in a few movies starring Dileep such as Welcome to Central Jail, Ring Master, Two Countries etc. His association with Jaya Surya also worked well – Aadu 2, Mayamohini, Punyalan Agarbattis, Su.. Su… Sudhi Vathmeekam etc to mention. He has worked with all young heroes of present generation including Asif Ali, Tovino Thomas, Dulquer Salman, Kunchakko Boban, Vineeth Sreenivasan, Dhyan Sreenivasan etc.
His frequent outings in web series nowadays
Among his web series, his lead role as an investigation officer in Kerala Crime Files earned him appreciation. The series received viewers outside Kerala too. He made a cameo appearance in its sequel in 2025. Perilloor Premier League and Love Under Construction are other noted appearances.
Aju Varghese – Some interesting and less-known facts
1. He has 4 children – all born as twins. He has a twin sister too.
2. He rendered his voice for the hit song, “K For Krishna” in Guruvayoor Ambalanadayil, which came as a surprise. He was also featured in the song at the movie climax, as a performing artist.
3. Aju never planned to become an actor. His college senior Vineeth Sreenivasan insisted and Aji attended audition for Malarvaadi Arts Club. That movie changed his life, along with many of his college friends including Nivin Pauly.
4. After a few films, he really wanted to quit his film career and take some corporate job, as he was not sure he will be successful in the industry. But hits came his way and he stayed here.
5. At his peak, Aju appeared in more than 30 films in one calendar year.
6. He is known for remembering names perfectly, which include crew members, light boys and makeup artists.
7. He belongs to a family of doctors.
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