Pooja Mohanraj
Biography
Pooja Mohanraj is an Indian actress, theatre director, and theatre educator who works primarily in Malayalam cinema. She has built a career across theatre and films and is known for her performances in movies such as One, Cold Case, Romancham, Neelavelicham, Kaathal – The Core, Aavesham and Sookshmadarshini.
Early Life and Education
Pooja was born in Puducherry to Usha Mohanraj and K. Mohanraj. She spent part of her childhood in Puducherry and Muscat before her family moved to Kerala. Her interest in theatre began at the age of ten when she joined the children's theatre wing of Lokadharmi, a theatre group led by theatre practitioner Prof. Chandradasan.
She graduated in Economics from Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi and later earned a master's degree in Theatre Arts from the School of Drama and Fine Arts in Thrissur. She also completed a professional diploma in Intercultural Theatre from the Intercultural Theatre Institute in Singapore, where she trained in Eastern traditional performance forms and contemporary Western acting techniques.
Acting Career
Pooja made her Malayalam film debut with One (2021), followed by an appearance in Cold Case. She also acted in the anthology film Freedom Fight (2022), appearing in the segment Asangadithar.
She gained greater recognition through films including Romancham and Neelavelicham. Her performance in Kaathal – The Core (2023), directed by Jeo Baby, further brought her attention. In the film, she played the sister of Thankan, portrayed by Sudhi Kozhikode.
She subsequently appeared in the commercially successful Aavesham and later in Sookshmadarshini, expanding her presence in contemporary Malayalam cinema.
Theatre Career
Theatre has remained an important part of Pooja's artistic career. Her extensive training and experience in theatre have influenced her approach to screen acting. Alongside performing, she has also worked as a theatre director and educator, allowing her to remain involved in theatrical training and performance beyond cinema.
