Manuraj, one of the new generation actors of Malayalam Cinema, hasn't got any awards or recognition to boast of. But he has something to his credit something that is of more importance than awards or recognition. As an actor, he has the luck of being known by the names of certain characters he had done. And this is an indication to the fact that his characters continue to be remembered by the audience.

At his rented house in Kaloor, Ernakulam, Manuraj stays with his brother, sans all the glamour of a film star, visited occasionally by his parents. Among them, he forgets all about films and acting and like a loving son and loving brother, he enjoys life with a free mind. But he seems to enjoy every moment of his life as an actor. He is indeed happy that he had got the chance to become an actor. And he waxes eloquent on his acting career in an informal chat.

Could you describe the circumstances that brought you into filmdom?
In my schooldays itself I had an interest in mimicry and all. When, after high school I got a job in the Navy, I decided not to go for it. Of course many relatives and friends were against my decision. But I held my stand since I felt that I was born for something else. While doing my pre-degree course, I took part in mimicry competition at the university level and I was somewhat popular in the college.

My mimicry-related activities brought me to Ernakulam and I got the chance to do a role in a film-Snehapoorvam Swantham Makalkku, directed by Paulson. But this film wasn't released. It was then that I was selected to do a good role in Siddique Shameer's Mazhavil Koodaaram.

But again luck didn't favour me. I was away on a trip to Ooty with my friends and consequently I lost the role. And when I returned, I had to be contented with another role in the very same film. Thus Mazhavil Koodaram was my first released film. After that there was a gap during which I became active in mimicry, performing with leading troupes including Cochin Harisri.

It was then that I was asked to meet Mani Shornur who was doing the script for the serial Sthree. And it was thus that the character of Suku in Sthree happened. By the time the serial completed around 40 to 50 episodes, I had gained much popularity as Suku. I got many roles out of which I rejected many.

Anyhow my performance caught the attention of noted director Vinayan who cast me in the role of Rajappan in his Vaasanthiyum Lekshmiyum Pinne Njaanum. This character made me popular among filmgoers and I began to be identified with the character. Then came many films like Varavaayi, War and Love, Summer Palace etc.

In Varavaayi I did the role of Hareendran, the main character, LansNaik Prakash in War and Love too was a good character, but the film is yet to be released. The character of Shankarlal in Summer Palace was a well etched out character. I have done some notable roles in the yet to be released C. I. Mahadevan Anchadi Naalinchu, Mimics 2000 etc.

I have also got notable roles in Shashishankar's new film, I.V.Sasi's new film, K. K. Haridas' film etc. In the meantime I did some serials like Manjupole, Sangamam, Swararaagam etc. I have got some new projects in the mini-screen too, like V. R. Gopalakrishnan's serial, Rajan Shankaradi's new serial, telefilms by Mani Shornur and Biju Vattapaara etc.

How do you feel now when you look back, especially about the job in the Navy that you didn't take up?
Regarding that, I am sure I made the right decision. I can shape an acting career of my own.

What have you learnt from your acting career of 4-5 years?
I have learnt that acting is indeed something that has got much to do with out life and our experiences in life. And so I feel that much can be learnt about acting from life itself than from any acting class or institute.

Of the character which you have done till date, both the big screen and the mini- screen, which one has impressed you the most?
As for the big screen, it is definitely the character of Rajappan in Vaasanthiyum, Lekshmiyum Pinne Njaanum which I like the best. Many people still call me by that name. And as for the mini-screen, it is the character of Suku in Sthree. I still get phone calls asking me if it is not Suku's house. Of the other characters of mine, I like the character of Shankarlal in Summer Palace and LansNaik Prakash in War and Love.

Could you name any person who has influenced you the most in the course of your acting career?
There are many persons and hence it would be wrong to name just one or two.

What difference do you feel between acting for the big screen and acting for the mini-screen?
Acting is acting, whether for the big screen or the small. Since I have taken acting sincerely, I put in the same amount of effort and sincerity in both the medium. Anyhow I feel that acting in a film involves a bit more of tension.

Do you wish to try your hand at any other aspect of films and filmmaking?
As far now, I have no such plan. But I can't say for sure that I will do such and such things or not. I am a human being and my tastes and all are subject change. Moreover it is something that is beyond us. I never ever imagined that I would be what I am today.

And far this, I am indebted to many people. I am indebted to the teacher who had inspired me during my schooldays to overcome my stage-fear and sing song on the stage. I am indebted to my friends who have done a lot for me.