Varada Sethu Joins Doctor Who as Belinda Chandra

Varada Sethu’s debut as Belinda Chandra in the latest season of 'Doctor Who' marks a notable shift in the show's tradition, as her character is an older, reluctant companion who is uninterested in joining the Doctor’s adventures and simply wants to return to her normal life. This break from the usual wide-eyed enthusiasm of past companions introduces a more mature and grounded perspective to the series. Sethu, who felt intense pressure stepping into the iconic role, was supported by showrunner Russell T Davies, who championed her casting after seeing her performance in a previous episode. Davies and the creative team embraced Sethu’s unique take, drawing on precedents within the franchise for actors returning in new roles and crafting a narrative explanation for her reappearance. Critics and viewers have praised Sethu’s dynamic and no-nonsense portrayal, highlighting her equal footing with Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor and her willingness to hold him accountable. The casting and characterization of Belinda signal a fresh direction for the series while honoring its legacy of reinvention.