Girly Anto, credited by her stage name Gopika (born 1 February 1984),[1] is an Indian former actress, who has predominantly starred in Malayalam films. Starting her career as a model, she ventured into acting with the Malayalam film, Pranayamanithooval (2002), directed by Thulasidas, opposite Jayasurya and Vineeth Kumar. She acted in the Tamil, Telugu and Kannada film industries as well.
Gopika was born Girly Anto into a Syro Malabar Catholic family,[2] to Anto Francis and Tessy Anto of Ollur in Thrissur, Kerala. She has a younger sister, Glini. After completing her education to the 12th Standard (Year 12) at St. Raphael's Convent Girls High School, Ollur, she studied for a degree in sociology at Calicut University. She also learnt classical dance from an acclaimed teacher, Kamalher, and she was crowned 'Miss College' during her farewell ceremony at the college. The beauty contest 'Miss Thrissur' was a turning point in her life. Though she did not win the title, she stood as the runner-up in the contest, which gained her a few modeling assignments. She claims that she never wanted to be an actress, and her ambition was actually to be an air-hostess.[3]
Career
Her first film was Pranayamanithooval, in which she starred with Jayasurya and Vineeth under the direction of Thulasi Das, did not do well, but it got her recognition in the industry. Her second film, 4 the People, was a blockbuster and was dubbed in many Indian languages. It was directed by Jayaraj, and she acted opposite Tamil actor Bharath. The song "Lejjavathiye Ninde Kalla Kadaikkannil" from the film was a big hit in Kerala. Renowned Tamil movie director Cheran signed her up for his film Autograph, which was another big hit in 2004. She also acted in Kana Kandaen (2005).
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