Looking back at his career
Mimicry has been a part of my life since my school and college days. For a while I was a professional mimicry artiste in the troupe of the late actor Krishnankutty Nair. Then, along with a few friends, I formed a troupe, Narmakala. Joby, the late Monilal, Pradeep Prabhakar and Suraj Venjaramoodu were some of the artistes in the troupe. My entry into television was through a social satire on Surya TV, ‘Nurungukal’. After that I acted in serials such as ‘Mahatma Gandhi Colony’, ‘Indumukhi Chandramathi’, ‘Bharyamar Sookshikuka’, and ‘Naadum Nattarum’. I’ve done over a dozen films, including Ivar Vivahitharaayal, Happy Husbands, Sakudumbam Shyamala, Janapriyan, Beautiful, Mumbai Police and Thank You , to name a few.
What binds you to comedy?
I have always kept away from mega serials. As an artiste and a viewer, I find the characters and situations far-fetched and over the top. Comedy, I find, is closer to real-life situations than many of our serials. Life is full of tension and problems, so my idea is to approach social issues in a lighter way, instead of adding to the unhappiness.
On his talk show
It was planned as an Onam programme and our first episode was with politician P.C. George. Though we take up current topics for discussion, the way we go about it is different. Serious questions are put in a simple way to the guests, which, sometimes, take them by surprise. Our audience comprises popular comedy artistes on television. We have had spiritual leaders, politicians, serial artistes and singers as our guests.
As an anchor
I have had some memorable moments doing the show. I had a great time interviewing veteran actor Madhu. He has a positive energy, which is infectious, and has a great sense of humour. When I asked him with which of his three heroines – Sheela, Sarada and Jayabharathi – did he fall in love with, he took us by surprise when he said: ‘All three’!
The best part of hosting the show is that viewers get to see another side of my personality. The guests and the audience might have had certain pre-conceived notions about a comedy artiste anchoring a show. I believe I have been able to prove them wrong.
Career plans
I don’t nurture huge ambitions and like to move along with the tide. Right now I am writing a few stories and have plans to bring out a short story collection soon.
‘Karyam Nissaram’ airs on Kairali TV on weekdays at 9 p.m. and ‘Talk Show’ is on Asianet Plus on Saturdays at 8 p.m.
