Shanavas Shanu
Biography
Shanavas Shanu is a distinguished Indian actor predominantly known for his impactful presence in the Malayalam television industry. Born in Manjeri, Malappuram, Kerala, his early life was marked by personal challenges, including the loss of his father at a young age. He was raised by his mother, Mymoona, alongside his two younger sisters, Shanna and Jimsha Sheri. For his education, he attended NSS College Manjeri, where his interest in performance began to take shape before he made his transition into professional acting.
His entry into the entertainment world began in 2007 with a supporting appearance in the film Speed Track, but his career truly gained momentum when he moved to the small screen. He made his official television debut in 2010 as the lead in the serial Indraneelam on Surya TV, starring opposite actress Nithya Das. However, his significant professional breakthrough came shortly after with his portrayal of Rudhran in the iconic Asianet serial Kumkumapoovu (2011–2014). His performance as a villainous character who eventually sought redemption resonated deeply with audiences, establishing him as one of the most versatile and popular actors in Kerala.
Building on this success, Shanavas solidified his status as a leading man with his role as Indran in the long-running serial Seetha on Flowers TV. His chemistry with co-star Swasika became a major talking point and earned the duo a massive dedicated fanbase. Over the years, he has continued to lead high-profile projects, including Mrs. Hitler on Zee Keralam, where he played the character Dev Krishna (DK), and more recently, Swayamvaram and Mangalyam. While primarily celebrated for his television work, he has also ventured into Malayalam cinema with roles in films like Queen, Rhythm, and his debut as a lead hero in the 2018 film Police Junior.
Beyond scripted dramas, Shanavas has become a familiar face on reality and game shows, most notably appearing on Star Magic and Thakarppan Comedy. In 2025, he reached a new peak of popularity as a contestant on Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7. His journey on the show was marked by his strategic gameplay and calm demeanor, which led him to finish the competition as the second runner-up. Throughout his career, his acting excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Asianet Television Awards for Best Popular Actor and the Adoor Bhasi Award for Best New Face in 2019. Today, he maintains a significant digital presence, using social media to engage with his millions of followers and share updates about his professional projects and personal life with his wife, Sona, and their two children.