Manju Vijeesh became a star in the ‘Baahubali spoof’ skit as Amaravila Babu Meshiri’s heroine Kaiyal Shantha. The all-time popular skit on Comedy Stars gave Manju a huge hit with the miniscreen audience. But long before that, this Punalur native has been active in the acting field for more than two decades. Manju, who has made her mark as a dancer and actress on stage and mini-big screens, is now popular among family audiences as Mallika in the popular serial ‘Kumumbavilak’. Manjuvil Bhadram plays the role of this maid who is the conscience keeper of the heroine. At the same time, Manju is also playing the role of Sulu, an anti-hero in the serial ‘Kaiyethum Doorath’.
“It has been more than 20 years since I entered the art field. Being a big supporter at home, he entered the acting scene from his childhood. Along with cinematic and folk dances, he also studied Bharatanatyam. He first came in front of the camera when he was studying in the 8th standard.
Initially, he acted in music albums and short films. A great opportunity was first given in the series ‘Peace for the good-hearted’. – How Manju started talking to ‘Vanitha Online’ about her artistic career.
“The turning point was acting in an album by singer Kollam Shan. After that, Manoj got an opportunity as a dancer in Guinness’ troupe called Mega Makers. When the boy who was there left, I was directed by Shanika, who was singing in the troupe. In the beginning it was just dance. Before long, Manojetan started including me in skits as well. That’s how comedy comes in.
Rasikaraja is the first program. I was the only female artist in it. Then got several TV programs. In the early days of Mazhavil Manorama, he worked as a supporting artist at comedy festivals. He also won the Best Supporting Artist award. Then the series ‘Marimayam’ and ‘Indira’. Before that he acted in serials but all were small roles.
I have been a part of Comedy Stars since season two. That’s the break. The Babubali spoof garnered a lot of attention. People still talk about it everywhere.
My first film was ‘Kunjanantante Kada’ directed by Salim Ahmadika. Later he did about twenty films.
The role in ‘Kumumbavilakki’ was a big achievement. Producer Sasikumarettan directed me to it. – says Manju.
The strength of being a father
The biggest loss in my life is the death of my father. It was when I was studying in 6th standard.
My father committed suicide. It was a brain tumor. It was not told at home. Dad always had a headache. He used to massage his head from time to time. I didn’t tell the truth because I thought it would be difficult for us.
After death and post-mortem, friends came to know. When he can’t take it anymore, he will…
I did not understand the loss of that separation at that time. Aren’t you a child…I have often experienced the pain of not having a father. I have cried for my father in many venues.
It was my father who encouraged me a lot in the field of art and took me everywhere to events and studies. My father’s great wish was that I should become a well-known person in the field of art.
Father’s name is Subrahmanyadas. He was an attendant in a local co-operative bank. When his father died, his mother got the job. Mother’s name is Krishnakumari. Mother used to dance too. My mother also wanted me to be active in this field. But with the responsibility of the family on my shoulders, there was no time to take me to art shows. We were also very young. But I did not stay away from the art scene.
The marriage was in 2088. Vijishetan is our distant relation. Acquaintance led to love and love led to marriage. After seeing all my programs, the party started talking on the phone. He works in Info Park. Vijayshetan is my biggest support now. He was the one who encouraged me to come back after I left the art scene after marriage. A mole is for us – wonder. Studying in 7th class.