Shabaash Shabareesh!

• 04 Jul 2015
• Maria John
• Features

From Pistah to Scene Contra, it’s all about the effervescent Shabareesh Varma.
Text: Maria John     Photos: Jinson Abraham     Location: French Toast

We are all talking about it, nay raving about it; the phenomenon called ‘Premam’ that still runs packed in theaters. An old tale about young love that has been retold with the same elements but an all new outlook. Didn’t you feel that you had gone through all the moments  in the movie, related to the antics between friends and remember yourself saying most of the dialogues growing up? How did they know it all? Shabareesh Varma smiles. Shabareesh or Shabari to his close friends (he claims that there are no other nicknames. We don’t believe you!) is comfortably settled with a cup of black coffee. Nothing cold he says, he is that dedicated to his craft, but there is no one cooler than Shabareesh at the moment.Shabareesh Varma proves an ace at tongue twisters. He is sitting under the lights, and there is no trouble breaking the ice. This is the first time we are meeting this multi-talented dude, but if you walked into the café we were shooting at, you would have never guessed. I am under the watchful eyes of the music gods, claims he, as he glances at the posters of the Beatles, Bob Marley, and others on the exposed brick wall. I sense a true music buff, quite obviously because his songs are on repeat in most places. Shabareesh Varma is a cool customer, no airs, no frills, just an ordinary dude with extraordinary talent. Pistah is proof enough.
What is your history with desks?
I was a backbencher, sitting behind the girls. There were a gang of us always singing and drumming on the desk. I  play the Mridangam. From that desk I have reached this one.
You guys have covered almost all the experiences of a youngster up to thirty years of age in your works!Oh, there are lots more. All this doesn’t feel like work. We have so many story ideas and concepts, inspired from our own experiences. So most of the scenes are honest. Shambu is a positive character, he is basically me just fine tuned for the screen.
Did you have to audition for the role?
I have been auditioning for the past ten years!  Jokes apart, the movie was written with most of the actors in mind. It was a lot of fun. The movie itself is 70% spontaneity. There was a lot of adlibbing and improv. renji panicker was incredible to watch. He made up all the dialogues on the spot. Chemistry was very important for us.
Just like on the banks of the Aluva river?
Friendship means a lot to me. I discovered things with them – art, movies, music… They gave me a lot of encouragement. There was a bunch of us who used to hang out all the time. The same team from Neram and Premam. Gopu’s tea stall  was a favorite among us including Nivin and Siju. Life was fun in Aluva. I wrote the song in Chennai, but my heart and mind were on the banks of the Aluva river (grins impishly).
Your are an actor, lyricist and singer. Your father was a writer and mother a violinist. Where did the acting gene come from?
My father used to act in school and college. My mother is a great violinist and a teacher as well. I was never discouraged by them. I used to take part in all the activities in school like Kathaprasangam, recitation etc. I was a decent student too.
What do you do when you are terribly angry?
Heavy metal. I go to my room and listen to the likes of Metallica and Iron Maiden. Music means a lot to me and every mood of mine, whether angry, happy or sad is accompanied by music.
What about love?
My first love’s name was Mary, then came Malar…(we can’t stop laughing). I have been in love and out of it. Don’t think I have been turned down (the impish grin again). Anyways I am dealing with my first wife now- movies.
So what is your agenda now?
This is the time for love. Premam.

QUICKIES
If you found yourself in Scene Contra, who would you call first?
Alphonse (Puthren) and Kichu (Krishna Shankar). Then we would RUN!
If you were making a dubsmash video?
Suma kiraya by Jagathy Sir.
Inspirations
Sachin Tendulkar and Michael Jackson ( I used to copy his dance moves in a closed room like everyone else).
Fitness Streak
Eat healthy. I recommend Kalari
If you could do anything right now?
Skydive and bungee jump in New Zealand.