Suraj Venjaramoodu one of Malayalam cinema’s most beloved actors, began his career on mimicry stages. Initially known for his comedic roles, Suraj soon established himself as a versatile actor, seamlessly transitioning into serious characters that redefined his career. His journey earned him both state and national awards for Best Actor, solidifying his place as one of the industry’s finest.In an interview, Suraj shared the unique story of how he discovered his talent, which, surprisingly, began at a mourning house.
“It happened when I was in the 8th grade, after the passing of my grandmother. The ceremonies were held at her house, close to ours, and relatives stayed there for over two weeks. While grief dominated the first two days, the atmosphere gradually lightened as relatives started chatting and reminiscing.”Suraj recalls how, after school, he would run to the house and entertain the gathered family members. His impromptu comic acts brought laughter to a setting usually filled with sorrow.
“There were no pre-written scripts. I would mimic family members, create funny scenarios, and make everyone laugh. That’s when I realized I had a knack for entertaining others,” he said.The evenings became his stage, and relatives began requesting performances: “Can you imitate your uncle? Or mimic the way grandpa laughs?” Though young, Suraj’s comedic timing and ability to make people laugh left a lasting impression on everyone.
“Even after the ceremonies ended and people went back to their homes, they remembered my jokes and mimicry. Their feedback gave me a sense of pride and confidence,” he added.This early encouragement paved the way for his debut on mimicry stages, starting with a temple festival performance arranged by a relative. From these humble beginnings, Suraj’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Now, Suraj Venjaramoodu is not just a name but a legacy in Malayalam cinema. His recent films, including “Extra Decent,” have won praise, and he is set to make his Tamil debut alongside Vikram in an eagerly awaited project.
