Starting his career as a model, Rahul Ravi went on to act in a few movies. But it was television that got him noticed. He made a mark with his debut itself, playing the lovable Hari Padmanabhan in Ponnambili , aired on Mazhavil Manorama. That fetched him a prominent role in Nandini , currently being aired in four South Indian languages. At present, Rahul hosts a dance reality show D 4 Junior vs Senior on Mazhavil Manorama. Excerpts from an interview:
How comfortable are you in the role of an anchor?
I was surprised when I got the chance to anchor the programme because I am not loquacious. People who know me well find it hard to believe that I am hosting a television show. I was a celebrity guest in the previous seasons of the show and so it is exciting to be part of it as an anchor.
Also I had to match up to the impressive job done by GP (Govind Padmasoorya), Pearle (Pearle Maaney) and Adil (Adil Ibrahim) — previous hosts of the show. Hakha Jafar, my co-host, is also a newcomer, and so we had to work together to make each episode interesting. In the current season, young dancers are pitted against seniors. We have over 20 contestants in the fray now.
Tell us about your entry into the industry
I was the winner of a talent show organised by a popular hair care brand. That gave me a few modelling assignments and my first movie, Dolls , in which I played the anti-hero. Then I did small roles in in Kaattumaakkan and Oru Indian Pranayakatha . My last release was Jomonte Suvisheshangal . But Ponnambili changed my career and gave me the confidence to act.
And then came Nandini ?
Yes. Made on a big budget, like a movie, by Sundar C and Khusbhoo, it is a supernatural drama aired in Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam and Telugu, all channels under the Sun Network. It is originally shot in Tamil and Kannada, and then dubbed into Malayalam and Telugu. It is a challenge to shoot in two different languages with two different units. Malavika Wales, my pair in Ponnambili, is also acting in Nandini . The experience is incredible because I get to work with reputed actors and crew members. For example, veteran Vijayakumar sir is playing my father.
What is response from the audience like?
Ponnambili gave me a lot of love and appreciation from Malayali viewers. Nandini has a wider reach. While I do get positive feedback from Malayali viewers, the response from non-Malayali viewers is of a different kind. They are more expressive and vocal when they meet me!
So have you decided to stick to the miniscreen?
Not really. Films are where I would like to find a space. In fact, I am getting good offers from the Telugu film industry and I hope to work in Tamil also. Meanwhile, I have finished by MBA as well so that there is always an alternative to fall back on for bread and butter. The entertainment industry is unpredictable.
D4 Junior vs Senior airs on Mazhavil Manorama, Mondays to Wednesdays, 9 pm. Watch Nandini on Surya TV, Monday to Friday, 9 pm
