Varada was born in Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne to parents of Malayalee origin (Coastal South West India). She attended the Dame Allan’s Schools in Newcastle upon Tyne, and at 18-years of age, became a member of the National Youth Theatre, also securing a place at the University of Bristol to study Veterinary Medicine. Varada is adept in dancing both Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. In 2010 Varada won the Miss Newcastle title following an invitation form the Tyne Tees Modelling agency.