Who is Divya Gopikumar aka Abhirami? Actress in viral kissing scene with Kamal Haasan in Thug Life

The trailer of Thug Life, released on May 17, has sparked a lot of buzz online. One of the biggest talking points is a romantic scene involving 70-year-old actor Kamal Haasan and actress Abhirami, also known as Divya Gopikumar. In the trailer, the two share a kiss, and the moment has quickly gone viral. This has led many people to ask: who is Abhirami?

Abhirami is an Indian actress who has worked in multiple South Indian film industries including Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. She first gained attention in the early 2000s and is known for her strong screen presence and acting skills. One of her most memorable performances was in the film Virumaandi (2004), where she starred opposite Kamal Haasan. Their chemistry in that film was highly appreciated.

In addition to Virumaandi, Abhirami has also worked behind the scenes with Kamal Haasan in his films Vishwaroopam and Vishwaroopam 2. Haasan directed both movies and was closely involved in all aspects of their production. Their collaboration over the years has made them a familiar on-screen and off-screen team.

Some of Abhirami’s other well-known films include Charlie Chaplin, Sradha, Maara, Jolly O Gymkhana, and Once Upon A Time in Madras. She took a long break from the film industry — nearly ten years — before making a comeback in 2014. Since then, she has been working in films as well as on television. In 2023, she appeared as a judge on the reality TV show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Li’l Champs, showcasing her versatility beyond acting.
In her personal life, Abhirami is married to Rahul Pavanan. The couple has adopted a daughter named Kalki, and they live a quiet and happy life away from the constant spotlight.