Exclusive - Shanavas Shanu: While I've found success through television, encountering rejections in the movie industry for the same reasons is disheartening

'The villain who became the favorite hero of Malayalam TV', this single phrase explains the journey of Shanavas Shanu in the industry. From Rudran in 'Kumkumapoovu' to Indran in 'Seetha', now the family man Rajeevan in 'Swayamvaram', the actor has captivated the hearts of Kerala audiences with his acting prowess. Recently, in an exclusive interview with ETimes TV, Shanavas spoke about his decade-long career, his iconic characters, and the one unfulfilled dream.

Reflecting on his debut and iconic role as Rudran, Shanavas reveals that even after 13 years, people continue to address him by that character's name. He excitedly says that youngsters start conversations saying they are still fans of Rudran.

"When I went for the audition of Kumkumapoovu, the team was impressed with my acting, but they rejected me saying that I don't fit the looks of the character. Jaykumar sir, the producer, took me to the makeup room and gave me a little makeover. It is sad to remember that it was makeup man Shabiraj, who passed away months before had done the makeover for me. Rest was history. The cameo role, Rudran, which was initially planned only for 50 episodes became an inevitable part of the serial and my journey had the best start anyone could ever ask for," Shanavas said.

Following the success of Kumkumapoovu, Shanavas sustained his triumphs with the character Indran in Seetha. Interestingly, in this series as well, he was initially cast as a villain but transformed to become a romantic hero later on.

"Seetha was yet another milestone. Indran was initially the villain in the triangle love story. We were on the verge of getting chucked out because of the low rates. That is when writer Rajesh Puthapura came up with the idea to make Indran a positive character. The rating shot up and Serial was one of the top-rated shows in non-prime time. Still, I check the old videos of the show to see whether there are new comments, the fans never disappoint me," he added.

Currently, Shanavas plays the family man Rajeevan in 'Swayamvaram' and the actor says he is enjoying every bit of the character.

"Rajeevan is the ideal husband every woman wishes to have. I was thrilled to do such a character as it had so many emotions to portray. It was unique from my routine characters which always had a villianism in it. It's exciting to play the father on-screen, I will just be the way I am with my kids," he shared.

Grateful for a remarkable 15-year journey in the industry filled with impactful characters, Shanavas acknowledges his fortune. Yet, within this illustrious career, there lingers one unfulfilled dream. "The TV industry has blessed me with everything - money, fame, and recognition, for which I will forever be grateful. I am happy and content with my journey. However, as an actor, there remains one unfulfilled desire in my career, and that is to do a movie. Despite attempts even three years ago, meeting directors for opportunities, it was disheartening to face rejections solely because I was a serial actor. Nevertheless, I won't give up. Whether at 50, 60, or even 70, I will keep working towards this dream," he concluded.