He was recognized again in 2001, in Thaha’s comedy super-hit movie Ee Parakkum Thalika, where he portrayed a traffic police officer. In the 1999 film My Dear Karadi, he played a carbon copy of actor Kalabhavan Mani. He gained his stage name ‘Kalabhavan Shajohn’ as a result of his name being called out so frequently that Shaji John eventually became ‘Shajohn.’ He shot to fame after he was cast in minor comedic roles in Malayalam movies. His brother, Shibu John is also a mimicry artist. He started out as a mimicry artist at Kalabhavan and went on to star in stage presentations and the prestigious ‘Mimics Parade’ by the Institute. He subsequently moved to Kochi, where he began his career as a mimicry artist with ‘Kalabhavan,’ the renowned art institution that has produced numerous artists and celebrities in the Malayalam film industry, such as Dileep, Lal, Kalabhavan Mani, and others. After completing high school, he graduated from St. Shaji’s birth occurred in Kottayam, Kerala. John, who was a retired police officer (ASI), and Rejina John, who was a retired nurse. He is known for his role as a villain in the 2013 Malayalam suspense thriller film Drishyam, for which he won an award. He wanted a dark, tall mimicry artist to perform the character and he was very sure about his selection.Kalabhavan Shajon is a well-known commentator, actor, and mimicry artist in the Malayalam film industry.
Even when I myself lost confidence in acting, when I became nervous and the shot slipped out of my hands, Vinayan sir offered me enough confidence and reminded me of my performances during the audition.
The best thing I liked about him is the confidence he has in the artistes he chose. He has introduced several talents into Malayalam cinema, and they succeeded later. During the initial days of shooting, I used to wonder whether I was lost in a dream as I had never expected a break into movies as a lead actor and that too in a movie helmed by a leading director. Be it 'Akashaganga', 'Independence', 'Vasanthiyum Lakshmiyum' or 'Kalyanasougandhikam', Vinayan movies have always entertained all types of audience in Kerala. Named 'Chalakudykaran Changathi,' the movie will reach theatres on September 28.
Rajamani opens up to Onmanorama about his experiences of playing Mani, his own mimicry career and his dreams about future.Īce director Vinayan (left) has done a commercial movie based on the life and death of Kalabhavan Mani. Popular by his real name Senthil Krishna, director Vinayan christened him as Rajamani in view of his break to the movies. Named 'Chalakudykaran Changathi,' the movie will reach theatres on September 28.Īmong the many actors shortlisted to play the protagonist character in the movie, Thiruvananthapuram native and famed mimicry artist Rajamani was fortunate enough to play Mani's character. In an attempt to bring Mani's strenuous life on silver screen, ace director Vinayan has done a commercial movie based on his life and death. His sudden death apparently due to health issues is viewed with suspicion by many in Kerala. His humble beginning as a driver, rise as a mimicry artist and finally stardom as a movie actor are indeed sources of great inspiration for budding actors. Late actor Kalabhavan Mani is still one of the most beloved faces on screen.