RJs tune into Mollywood

There are quite a few formulae to get a ticket to tinselville – be a photographer or a short filmmaker to turn a film director, or walk the ramp to be an actor. And now, the latest means to filmi stardom seem to be the radio. After the success of Bollywood’s Ayushman Khurana, Tollywood’s Nani and Kollywood’s Shiva, Mollywood too is now witnessing an influx of radio jockeys, who are fast-tracking their way to fame.Kochi Times lists out a few radio stars, who, after entertaining the audience with their wits through their voices, are now ready to entertain them with their acting chops.
Nyla Usha
She debuted opposite Mammootty in Salim Ahamed’s Kunjananthante Kada, followed by Punyalan Agarbathis with Jayasurya, all the while juggling an active career as a radio jockey in Dubai. Today, with a slew of projects coming her way, she is one of the most sought-after actresses in M-Town. Nyla is awaiting the release of her next, Aashiq Abu’s upcoming movie with Mammootty. Nyla will also be seen opposite Fahadh Faasil in Remya Raj’s Vambathi.
Sreenath Bhasi
This youth icon is said to be the trendsetter of radio jockeys flaunting their entertainment skills in acting. After a one-year stint in radio, Sreenath debuted with a cameo role in Blessy’s Pranayam, followed by Aashiq Abu’s 22 Female Kottayam. In 2012, he catapulted to fame with Da Thadiya and Honey Bee. Today, he is as busy as bee with his kitty full of movies.
Anjana Haridas
RJ-turned-actress Anjana debuted with Kalavoor Ravikumar’s Father’s Day, as Vineeth’s wife. She later turned to the mini screen wherein she carved a niche for herself as an actress in soaps like Kumkuma-poovu and Ival Yamuna. She recently returned to the silver screen with Shambu Purushoth-aman’s Vedivazhipadu, as Murali Gopy’s wife.
Shaan
He has been dubbed one of Kochi’s favourite RJs. Post his 12-year bout in radio, Shaan is making his filmi debut with Balaji Mohan’s science fiction bilingual, starring Dulquer Salmaan and Nazriya Nazim. He will appear as an RJ in the movie. Bijith Bala’s Nellikka will be his next project. Meanwhile, Shaan is also busy assisting director Rosshan Andrews in How Old Are You?
Jinu Ben
Think of Jinu and the first image that flashes across every mind is of the kullan in Amal Neerad’s anthology movie Anchu Sundarikal where the RJ-turned-actor made his debut. He was paired opposite Reenu Mathews in the segment Kullante Bharya.
Parvathi Menon
She had interviewed innumerable celebrities for her shows on radio. But little did she know she would one day be part of their world. Parvathi Menon is making her debut with Aashiq Abu’s upcoming movie, where she plays a housewife. Parvathi will also do cameo appearances in How Old Are You? and Nellikka.