I am not overambitious: Biju Menon

Biju Menon has completed two decades in the Malayalam film industry this year and he still remains one of its most bankable actors. Be it in his lead role in Vellimoonga or his supporting act in Kunjiramayanam, the star is effortless in his performance and impeccable with his comic timing.
The actor, who is all excited about his recent movie directed by Rajesh Nair, tells us about the secret of his career longevity, why playing the lead is tougher for him and why he likes to keep his family out of the limelight.
You have done only two movies this year. Any reason? I haven’t really cut down on the number of movies. I have always wanted to be part of good projects and this year I was busy with Anarkali, which had a really long schedule, and there was Salt Mango Tree in which I play lead – so that demanded extra time from me. I also have Anuraga Karikkin Vellam and Ranjith’s Leela coming up this year.
Vellimoonga, which had you playing lead, was a hit and did that make you selective? I did become choosy but that’s only because a lot of offers that came my way had the same flavour as Vellimoonga and I didn’t want to repeat it. I don’t want to be a comic relief just for the sake of it. If humour is relevant to the story, then I would be interested. Also, just because my previous film as a lead was a hit doesn’t mean I have to play the hero in my next ventures as well. I am willing to wait and be part of good movies.
You seem to be doing more supporting roles than lead ones. Is it because of your laidback personality? I do enjoy leading a simple, uncomplicated life. I come from a middle class family and I am not overambitious. The main reason why I don’t often take up lead roles is because it comes with its share of challenges and responsibilities. You have a huge responsibility towards the one who’s funding it when you take up such a film. So I ensure that whenever I do it, I am convinced that I can fully do justice to the faith put in me. Otherwise, I’d rather do films that I enjoy even if they are supporting roles. When you are doing such roles, it sort of becomes easier as there is less burden on your shoulders.
This is your 20th year in the film industry and you are still among the top names. What’s the secret? The secret is not to be typecast and to keep the audience guessing about my characters. I am not ready to test the viewers’ patience by playing one role far too many times. I have deliberately tried to do a variety of roles during my career so that people aren’t bored of me. I also believe I have never prompted my directors or my audience to say that I have let them down with my performance. Maybe that’s what has worked for me.
For a celebrity, you are someone who is very private about your family life I am. That’s because (wife) Samyukta was also part of the industry and both of us want to keep our family life private. It also stems from our middle class upbringing. We understand each other and I think that itself is a huge blessing.