April 08, 2025
The newest addition to the Whoniverse discusses joining the TARDIS for Season 2…
Joining Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor in Season 2 is new companion Belinda Chandra, played by Varada Sethu. We spoke to Varada about returning to Doctor Who in a new role, the different dynamic between Doctor and companion, and what else to expect from the newest season…
How did you react when you found out you got the role of Belinda, the Doctor's new companion?
I literally couldn't believe it, especially as I'd already been in Boom in the previous season. I just thought it was a closed door. I didn't think there was any chance that they’d call me back, so it was a total surprise! I was so happy to be back on set and to have the opportunity to work with Millie, Ncuti and the team again. I love them so much, there’s such a beautiful family atmosphere.
You previously played Mundy Flynn in Boom. Did you know that you were going to go on to play Belinda? If not, how did you find out?
I had no idea! I didn't know that Doctor Who had a history of actors that are companions who have played another role in a previous episode, so in my mind I just thought it was completely off the table. I had filmed Boom in early 2023 and then did my own thing for a good seven, eight months and then around October I got a call to ask to possibly meet for a conversation about maybe being the companion. It was all so vague. So, I went into the meeting with Russell and Jane Tranter and pretty quickly realised it's not an audition. They were pitching it to me, I didn't have to sell myself in any way!
Have you spoken to any past companions about the role and did they give you any advice?
I spoke to Millie, of course. And Mandip Gill reached out as well. I think the general consensus is that it's an intense, mad job, but to just lean into it and have as much fun as possible. And I think honestly that's the best advice. It is fast-paced and demanding and at times overwhelming, but you're going to have a lot of fun if you lean into it.
How would you describe Belinda, and is there any connection to Mundy?
Belinda is quick-witted, brave and independent, and is very rooted in her own values and beliefs. In that sense, she is kind of similar to Mundy – she isn’t afraid to stand up to the Doctor. They’re genetically linked thousands of years apart, and it adds another layer to why Belinda is so special to the Doctor, but you'll have to watch to find out more.
What has it been like working with Ncuti?
It has been one of my best parts of the job. It is a privilege to be working with someone so talented, so dynamic, so caring and supportive, AND funny! Can’t forget funny. There's no end of compliments I could give him. I absolutely love working with him and I think he brings an energy to the Doctor that is so vibrant. As an actor opposite that, you simply have to match it, you have to level up your own game, and so I feel like it brought out the best in me. I’m so grateful for that.
How would you describe the relationship between the Doctor and Belinda this season?
I would describe it as a deeply loving and healthy relationship. I love that they're two very strong and individual people. They really care about each other, they're protective of each other, they care about others, they're both very selfless, and I feel like their value systems align with each other. They’re truly equals. I think that's what makes their friendship so beautiful, and why they make such a great team.
Why do you think audiences love the series so much?
I think people love it because, what’s there not to love? There's a character who is shape-shifting and evolving constantly. I love that there's a common thread that weaves through all the Doctors, but at the same time, you're in a different time, on a different planet, dealing with different monsters and all sorts of adversities each time. I love that there's a core message of leading with love and compassion, and that there's an epic lore that stretches on for years and years, but at the same time, it can never get old because there's something new and refreshed every single episode.
Without giving it too much away what can we expect from this upcoming season? And also, is there a favourite location that the Doctor and Belinda visit as well?
Oh, there’s so much going on! So many fantastic locations and guest artists. The Doctor and Belinda go to 1950s Miami - that is probably one of my favourite episodes, facing off a cartoon monster voiced by the inimitable Alan Cumming. And then there’s the spectacular Interstellar Song Contest, with the hilarious Rylan Clark hosting. I’m so excited to see what fans make of it.
If you could travel in the TARDIS to any time or place in the universe, where would you go and why?
I think I would go to some beautiful abandoned place, like an untouched Galapagos Island, maybe in the 1400s.
If you could describe season two in one word or a phrase what would it be?
I think I'd say it’s unpredictable. There's twists and turns constantly, and you really don't know where they're going to land or who they’re going to run into on their journey home!
Audiences can watch Season 1 and 2 of Doctor Who on BBC and BBC iPlayer and stream it on Disney + across the globe (where available). How excited are you for global audiences to meet Belinda and watch her adventures with the Doctor?
I am so excited! One of the things that surprised me since joining the Whoniverse was how much of a following it has outside of the UK. I had always assumed it was just a quintessentially British show that was celebrated among us mainly. But it's been so beautiful to see how people all around the world have connected over Doctor Who, it truly is universal.
Doctor Who returns on Saturday 12th April on BBC iPlayer in the UK and Disney+ where available. Find out more here.
