When Alphonse Puthren’s Premam released in 2015, it became a landmark hit and a launchpad for new talent. More than a decade on, two of its breakout leads — Anupama Parameswaran and Sai Pallavi — have reminded fans of the friendship that began on that film, with Anupama sharing how Pallavi helped her through a difficult time.
On June 9, 2026, Anupama posted a photo from her studio, standing in front of a wall covered with framed watercolour paintings. The Tillu Square actress explained that the collection came out of one of the hardest phases of her life, in 2021, when she was feeling overwhelmed under public attention.
A simple, timely gift
Anupama said that although she had always loved colours as a child, she had never felt confident enough to take up painting. The turning point came when she opened up to Sai Pallavi during a low period. Pallavi handed over her own set of watercolours and encouraged her to put what she was feeling onto the canvas.
Anupama credited that small gesture with introducing her to something that genuinely helped her cope. The story gained an extra warmth last year, when her parents quietly collected her scattered watercolour attempts, had them framed, and surprised her by hanging them across her studio walls. Responding to the post, Sai Pallavi called Anupama “my baby,” praised the paintings and said she was happy to see her friend’s creativity continue to grow.
Mary and Malar Teacher
The exchange sent fans back to Premam, the debut lead role for both actresses. Anupama played Mary George, the schoolgirl who is the object of George David’s (Nivin Pauly) early infatuation, set in the rain-soaked landscapes of Aluva. Sai Pallavi played Malar Teacher, the college lecturer whose romance with George marked a memorable turn in the film.
Because of the film’s episodic structure, the two never actually shared a frame across its 156-minute runtime — but the promotional tours and shared early days in the industry built a lasting bond. In 2026, with Anupama working across several languages and Sai Pallavi part of major films like Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana, their friendship is a reminder that close ties can form even amid the competition of the industry.
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