Shruthy Menon has no regrets about not becoming a pilot. “I love what I'm doing now,” says the anchor of ‘Comedy Stars,' Asianet's comedy reality show, who has also acted in Malayalam movies, such as Mulla, T.D. Dasan Std VI B (“my favourite role”), Katha Thudarunnu, Electra and Apoorvaragam. Shruthy has learnt Bharatanatyam and jazz and was an instructor in Shiamak Daver's dance school, and is also trained in karate. More from the Mumbai-based youngster, who has her roots in Palakkad…
Her background
I was born and brought up in Mumbai, where I studied Mass Communication from the Mumbai University, with advertising as the main subject. I always wanted to become a pilot, a dream which probably every child has. Destiny had something else in store for me. It was my uncle in Kerala who suggested I should try my luck before the camera. It worked and I acted in Sancharam (which dealt with lesbian relationship).
Foray into television
My first stint was with Asianet Plus, as anchor of ‘Star of Stars' (a show for singing talents who were part of many reality shows). Then came ‘Super Star,' a music-based reality show on Amrita TV. After a few episodes, I moved to Asianet, as anchor of ‘Comedy Stars'. The association is now over two years old and is still going strong.
Speaking Malayalam
Being a Mumbai girl, I did have problems with my Malayalam. But, now I can confidently say that I have improved a lot. There is no spoon-feeding when it comes to the script of the show and I work on my own. Also, I speak in Malayalam on the sets of the show.
As anchor of a comedy show
It isn't easy. I am the odd one out, because the artistes and judges are masters when it comes to comedy. You never know when they would crack a joke or pull your leg! They all play pranks on me, verbal pranks, be it Jagadeesh, Manianpillai Raju or Suraj Venjaramoodu.
Balancing act
There are no hard and fast rules about doing shows or movies only. I don't mind doing both, provided I enjoy my work. I've always had the freedom of choice at home and at the moment I am having all the fun anchoring ‘Comedy Stars'. Meanwhile, a couple of film projects are in the offing.
Keywords: Shruthy Menon, Comedy Stars
