Biography:
Manoj K. Jayan is a Malayalam actor in the Malayalam, Tamil and Telugu film industries. He was born in Kottayam District, Kerala to the Carnatic musician Jayan and Mrs V. K. Sarojini, a teacher. He won the Kerala State Film Award twice: Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Hariharan's Sargam and Second Best Actor for Hariharan's PazhashiRaja.
Career:
Even though Manoj's father is one of the renowned Carnatic musicians of South India, he was not so keen to learn Carnatic music. Manoj repented on not learning music when he entered the world of Indian cinema. Being an introvert he didn't participate in competitions during his school/college days. But from childhood he was crazy about acting, Nevertheless Manoj used to imitate movie actors in his friend's circle and the appreciation he had from his friends boosted his confidence to try his luck in acting.
While he was studying in Nattakam (near Kottayam) Government College he enjoyed watching movies more than attending classes. One day he revealed his interest in acting to his parents and they sent him to Southern Film Institute, Trivandrum. Hostel life, theory classes and video practical in the institute helped Manoj to overcome his inhibitions and shyness. Training and direction he received from the institute transformed Manoj to a more professional and polished actor.
Immediately after leaving his institute Manoj got a call from his professor Adam Ayub for a role in a serial to be telecasted in Doordarshan. There come the TV serial "Kumilakal" with two characterizations by him, one an abnormal person and second one a smart fellow. This role in itself was a challenging one and the serial went on to become all time super hits in the history of Dooradarshan. The character Rajasekaran portrayed by Manoj in "Kumilakal" became an unforgettable character for Malayalees and also a stepping stone for his entry to cinema.
His first film was made by Ali Akbar, a person from his film institute. Unfortunately his first movie Mammalkalappurathu never released. Perunthachan, a wonderful script by M T Vasudevan Nair, was a milestone in his career; this role gave him numerous opening s for him such as Kuttan Thampuran in Sargam and his role in Thalapathi along with Mammooty and Rajanikanth. |
