Meet Neha Jimmy: 18-year-old actor embracing her Indian roots on international stages

At 18, Malayali actor Neha Jimmy has already made her mark in the Australian film and television industry. A finalist in the 2025 Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Young Star competition, she has appeared in the award-winning TV show 'Colin From Accounts', fronted campaigns like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and performed on stage in Harry’s House at Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Sydney. Born in Belfast and now based in Sydney, Neha stays connected to her cultural roots in Pala, Kerala’s Kottayam district. Her Indian heritage, she says, is not just part of her identity but a source of strength that fuels her passion to amplify South Asian voices on screen.

Rooted in Kerala, shaped by the world
Neha relocated from Northern Ireland with her parents, both nurses, to Sydney in 2013. Growing up in the UK and Australia, Neha’s cultural identity has been shaped by both her global experiences and her ancestral roots.

“Attending Malayali community events in Sydney kept me connected to my heritage,” she says. “The food, the traditions, the language, it all reminded me where I came from. That perspective influences every role I take on. It’s part of my identity as an actress.”
This grounding has also sparked her desire to tell stories that are often left untold, from the experiences of NRIs to layered cultural identities and the unsung heroes of Kerala.

Training that built a versatile performer
Behind Neha’s early success lies rigorous training. She completed screen acting classes at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) while still in school and has been performing since childhood through vocal singing, speech, and drama lessons. Her dedication has earned her accolades, including the Australian Speech Communication Association (Drama) and Australian Music Examinations Board (Music) certificates, as well as awards from singing eisteddfods.

Her versatility shows in her ability to perform in multiple accents, including Northern Irish, American, British and Australian, which adds authenticity and depth to her performances. Combined with her natural stage presence, this makes her equally confident in commercials, theatre, television and radio.

Breaking through on screen
Neha’s TV debut came with 'Colin From Accounts', one of Australia’s most successful comedy series. Though she had a guest role in Season 2, the experience of working with Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall left a lasting impression. “They were so welcoming and encouraging. Seeing them create and star in their own show inspired me. It reminded me that if you don’t see the stories you want on screen, you can write and make them yourself.”

This belief has since fueled her ambition to become not just an actor, but a creator. She dreams of starting her own production company to bring more South Asian and Malayali stories to life, particularly those of women scientists, reformers, and freedom fighters from Kerala whose legacies have yet to be immortalised on screen.

AACTA finalist: pressure and pride
Becoming the only Indian finalist at the AACTA Young Stars competition was a defining milestone. “It was impossible not to feel daunted, but it also gave me determination. I knew I was representing more than just myself,” she says. Meeting casting directors, learning from peers, and receiving valuable feedback reaffirmed that she was on the right path. The recognition also highlighted the gradual but significant changes in how diversity is being embraced in film and television.

Fighting stereotypes, embracing representation
Like many South Asian actors, Neha is acutely aware of how often characters are reduced to cliches—the 'nerd' or the comic relief with an exaggerated accent. Thankfully, she hasn’t yet been boxed into such roles.
For her, shows like 'Never Have I Ever', 'Bridgerton', and films like 'Bend It Like Beckham' represent progress toward authentic representation. “Growing up, I didn’t see anyone who looked like me on prime-time TV. Now, seeing South Asian actors like Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Simone Ashley, and Avantika gives me hope. I want to be part of that list one day.”

Looking ahead
With her blend of rigorous training, cultural pride, and fearless ambition, Neha Jimmy is more than just a promising actor—she is a young artist shaping her own path. Her vision extends beyond her personal career; she wants to use her platform to empower young girls, amplify South Asian voices, and put Malayali stories on the global map.
In an industry where rejection is common and success is hard-earned, Neha’s resilience stands out. “The wins make the struggle worth it,” she says. For this Malayali talent making her mark in Australia, every role is not just a performance—it is a step towards rewriting the narrative of representation on screen.