Shambhu Menon received the perfect birthday gift when he was announced the winner of a reality show. It was his birthday and as he puts it, he couldn’t have asked for anything more. It is probably the most memorable birthday of his life. However, this young theatre artiste’s entry into the reality show that aimed at introducing fresh and talented faces to the Malayalam film industry was
unexpected. He had accompanied his friends for the audition, but was the only one to get selected. Shambhu, however, has become far more serious about his career.
Elaborating about his thoughts on winning the show and his entry into movies, the actor says, “It was literally unbelievable for me to be winning the show as every contestant was equally talented. But I would say that I have come a long way after I have won the title as I completely understand its worth. I am indeed very lucky that my entry into the film industry will be through a Lal Jose film. I don’t think that an aspiring actor can get a better launch.”
Shambhu’s relation with acting started with theatre as he needed a get away from the engineering studies. He soon realised that he has developed an unconditional liking towards the profession and that acting gave him an immense sense of satisfaction. He shifted to Kochi when he got an offer to do a Malayalam drama and worked to improve his pronunciation and dialect. Meanwhile, the reality show happened and, “my life changed in a jiffy”, he says.
Shambhu is working hard to achieve the physique required for his character in the Lal Jose movie, which, he says, will start rolling in May. The story, according to the actor, is one that will be equally entertaining for the people of all ages and will have everything that a Lal Jose film is known for. Asked if taking part in a reality show exclusively meant for acting has given him an edge in comparison to other aspiring actors who have to prove their talent to each and every director they meet, Shambhu says, “All the 16 contestants of the show, including me, have received movie offers and if my knowledge is right, many of them have multiple projects as well. I think this itself is the testimony to the fact that we have already done things that can be analysed by directors and producers who are looking for young talented faces. This is definitely a privilege that only we have received. We have actually got a chance to understand straight from the horse’s mouth the pros and cons of approaching the film industry.”
The actor admires the kind of movies made in Mollywood. He feels that it is a phase when Malayalam cinema is undergoing many changes as directors like Dileesh Pothan and Lijo Jose Pellissery are coming up with brilliant and out-of-the-world concepts that are taking the standard of Malayalam cinema sky high. “I feel very lucky that I could be part of the movies during this time when a lot of experimenting is being done. I feel that it is probably the best time to learn and establish oneself as an actor,” he concludes.
