In conversation With the Young Talent Shebin Benson

19 Jul 2016
Fathima AbdulKader
Features

Remember the young Maniyanpilla in Idukki Gold passing on a love letter, or the charming Ameer in Varsham. Meet Shebin Benson, who has been winning hearts with his onscreen personas. This visual communications student and photography aficionado has almost six films in his pockets that had him playing the childhood days of heroes in Mollywood. We had a great time chatting with this modest youngster, who shared his stories and a sophisticated view of the world.

Your entry to the film industry was through Idukki Gold. Was it by luck?

I made my debut through Aashiq Abu’s Idukki Gold when I was in twelfth standard. It was my passion for photography and the earnest desire to meet Ajay Menon, the renowned photographer, and colleague of Aashiq Abu, that pulled me all the way from my home in Nilambur to the audition centre in Kochi. There were strong rejections from my family, but I set off for Kochi to meet Ajay in the name of the audition. But surprisingly, I became one among the shortlisted 30. I had no taste for acting and had never tried it. Somehow my awkward performance in the audition turned to be a path-breaker.

How did your family react to your decision to act?

My family is a bit conservative and strict. I wasn’t allowed to go out on my own and do things. I decided to travel alone to Kochi for the audition and landed in a totally unknown city. But since the centre was near the railway station, I didn’t have to travel around the city searching. At present my parents are very happy and comfortable with me. The only thing that troubled them then was my education. Even my teachers didn’t encourage my decision. But now, it’s only because of my parent’s support I am able to keep acting.

What was that emotion you had when you found yourself on the screen for the first time?

(giggles) I was wonderstruck and got lost for that moment. I was totally fascinated by the way of execution of the scenes. And moreover the whole crew of Idukki Gold was so simple and light and that helped us make each moment of the shoot stress-free. Friendship between the whole crew was the key element that made our on-screen chemistry so wonderful.

Apart from the roles who have done till the date, what kind of characters would you prefer more?

I would like to do some roles that are more emotional. I like all the roles handled by Fahadh and wishes to do something like that. According to me, the character needs to have some depth and must not be the usual commercial filmy ones.

How do your friends and classmates evaluate and comment on your acting and roles?

Well, actually a majority in the college doesn’t know me as an actor. A few Malayalis know, but not the faculty and other friends. I didn’t publicise myself as an actor as that would affect my space of enjoyment. I lovethe city, the crowd, the huzzle and buzzle, the local food joints and moreover the fun being one in my gang. But the moment they realise the presence of an actor in their group, a distance would develop where I would be given a special priority.

Did you have any fanboy moments while working in movies?

I am a hard core fan of Mohanlal, but unfortunately, I haven’t got a chance to share the screen with him. But, I was honored and privileged to work with Mammukka in Varsham. I was so tensed while working with him that I ended up shivering. But he himself came to me, gave me a hug saying “everything will be fine hereafter”. Rather than a fanboy, I relish to define myself as a student. I am still a student and all these experienced actors I get to work with, are my teachers.

Tell us something about your upcoming projects.

I have two movies to be released next month. In 10 Kalpanakal, I am the son of Anoop Menon’s character. The movie is the directorial venture of Don Max. The other is IDI, the directorial debut of Sajid Yahiya with Jayasurya in the lead role. I enact the childhood of Jayasurya. It has been a really exciting experience.

What would Shebin be, if not an actor?

I am doing my graduation in Visual Communication at SRM Chennai. I will definitely move into the field of painting or photography. I will be concentrating in acting but at the same time, I will try getting engaged with the artistic works and platforms like the Biennale.

How does it feel to act with your brother, do you give him tips?

My younger brother, Nebish is very talented. Actually I think he is more mature than me. We enjoy a lot of similar movies together. In the upcoming movie IDI, both of us are cast as the younger versions of Jayasurya’s character. This is the third movie we are doing together. In Iyobinte Pusthakam, we were the younger version of Fahadh Faasil. We also did a similar role in Varsham. I don’t give him any advice, but if he comes with a doubt, I will clarify. He already has a lot of his own projects. At times when he needs any clarifications, he approaches me. He reads a lot, writes poetry, and has even tried a hand in directing a short film. Both of us meet and talk to those people who are experienced than us and right at this young age, Nebish is able to grasp the things these people tell him. A divide on age difference thus doesn’t exist between us.

What do you like the most about Kochi?

I love everything in Kochi. Each and every element in her is beautiful except the “freaky style” and associated dress codes. I don’t agree with such mannerisms seen in Kochi. Keeping that aside, the city is just wonderful. I have all my friends and even my brother in Kochi. So most of the times, it’s my rendezvous place of choice.