Bhama, whose real name is Rekhitha R. Kurup, is an Indian actress best known for her work in Malayalam and Kannada cinema. She was born and raised in Kottayam, Kerala, and became one of the familiar Malayalam heroines of the late 2000s and 2010s. Before entering films, she appeared as a presenter on the television programme Thaali, where filmmaker A. K. Lohithadas noticed her and selected her for his film Nivedyam.
Film Debut and Rise to Fame
Bhama made her acting debut in 2007 with Nivedyam, directed by Lohithadas, opposite fellow debutant Vinu Mohan. Her portrayal of Sathya Bhama brought her considerable attention and earned her recognition as a promising newcomer. She received honours including the Kerala Film Critics Association Award for Best Debutant Actress, while she and Vinu Mohan won the Asianet Film Award for Best Star Pair.
Following Nivedyam, she appeared in Hareendran Oru Nishkalankan and later starred in the successful 2008 film Cycle, alongside Vineeth Sreenivasan, Vinu Mohan and Sandhya. These early films helped establish her as a leading young actress in Malayalam cinema.
Malayalam and South Indian Cinema
Bhama subsequently appeared in numerous Malayalam films, including One Way Ticket, Colours, Ivar Vivahitharaayaal, Oru Black and White Kudumbam, Sakudumbam Shyamala, College Days, Sevenes, Husbands in Goa, Malgudi Days and Marupadi.
Her career was not limited to Malayalam cinema. She expanded into other South Indian industries, particularly Kannada cinema, and also appeared in Tamil films. One of her notable later Kannada projects was the romantic drama Raaga (2017). Overall, she has acted in more than 40 films across different languages.
Marriage and Personal Life
Bhama married businessman Arun Jagadish in January 2020. The couple later welcomed their daughter Gauri in 2021. Bhama stepped away from acting around this period and concentrated largely on her personal life.
After considerable speculation surrounding her marriage, Bhama publicly confirmed in May 2024 that she was a single mother, sharing photographs with her daughter.
Return to the Public Eye and Music
In recent years, Bhama has gradually returned to public life. Music has become an important part of this phase of her career. In a 2025 interview, she spoke about performing alongside Ramya Nambeesan and Stephen Devassy in Mohanlal’s US stage show Kilukkam 2025. She also reopened her YouTube channel and expressed an interest in developing her own music productions.
Bhama has indicated that she isn’t determined to return only as a conventional film heroine and is open to different kinds of creative opportunities. Nearly two decades after Nivedyam, she remains recognised for the simple, girl-next-door characters that defined much of her early Malayalam film career, while her newer interests extend into music and digital content.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bhama
Bhama is an Indian actress primarily known for Malayalam and Kannada films. Her real name is Rekhitha R. Kurup, and she entered Malayalam cinema with Nivedyam in 2007.
Bhama’s real name is Rekhitha R. Kurup. She adopted Bhama as her professional screen name.
Bhama made her film debut with Nivedyam (2007), written and directed by A. K. Lohithadas. She played Sathya Bhama opposite Vinu Mohan.
Her notable Malayalam movies include Nivedyam, Cycle, One Way Ticket, Ivar Vivahitharaayaal, College Days, Husbands in Goa, Malgudi Days and Marupadi.
Yes. Bhama has a daughter named Gauri, born after her 2020 marriage to Arun Jagadish. In 2024, Bhama publicly confirmed that she was living as a single mother with her daughter.