Mollywood Rookies Niranjana Anoop and Shalu Rahim Talk About Their Movies, Dreams, and Onam Memories

20 Sep 2016
Sunaya
Features

When I stepped into the location for the cover shoot, I was met with a tumult of actions- Shalu Rahim making mayhem and making friends with everyone and Niranjana Anoop taking expert selfies while having the final touches put on her long locks. As soon as the cameras were set, the two were ready and kept breaking into (often very audible) laughter. With her classical dancer refinement and his obviously wild “vibes”, I was convinced that they were polar opposites except for their shared love for the Malayalam movie industry and their infectious liveliness.

The more I think about it, the more evident it becomes that Niranjana Anoop might as well be Hannah Montana- she is a regular school student by day, who cannot wait to finish off her stint as a twelfth grader. During her downtime, she acts in movies, dances and models. Niranjana has been dancing for as long as she could remember. Her mother Narayani Anoop is her first teacher and best supporter who tags along on shoots and gives her expert feedback on everything. Niranjana made her Mollywood debut in Mohanlal starrer “Loham” as Muthumani’s daughter and got mass appreciation for her portrayal of the lovable yet rebellious character.

Shalu Rahim has always been an expert at juggling various roles. This easy going- full of life actor is an aeronautical engineering graduate who loves to DJ and is a badminton champion. Shalu says he would love to become a professional traveler and thinks that “being a human being” is the toughest career path. This newbie actor made his debut in “Kammattipadam” as Dulquer Salman’s younger self. Due to his ceaseless passion for the world of film, Shalu has signed onto a number of projects that is yet to be announced.

NIRANJANA ANOOP

If I were Maveli I’d love to visit everyone’s houses but I’m afraid I’d mostly end up being chased by stray dogs.

Define yourself in three words: Ebullient, romantic and enigmatic.
Which is one movie you never get tired of watching? Pranjietten and the Saint.
What was the last song you listened to? Pretham title song Oruthikku Pinnil.
What is the first thing that you do when you wake up? Look into my mobile.
Which is your favorite place to go shopping in Kochi? Centre Square Mall, M.G. Road.
If you could raid anyone’s wardrobe, whose would it be? Rima Kallingal (And I do raid her wardrobe quite frequently)
Do you get compared to anyone look wise, if so, who? Late Actress Monisha.
Do you have any upcoming projects? I have signed on for a project that is to be announced in October if things go well.

SHALU RAHIM

To be honest, I have never gotten the chance to properly celebrate Onam till now. But I am hoping that this year will be an epic one for me.

Define yourself in three words: Love, Peace and Respect.
What is your favorite thing to do when bored? Go on a Bike Ride.
If you could raid anyone’s wardrobe, whose would it be? Ranveer Singh.
Which is your favorite place to hang out in Kochi? Manu chettan’s chaayakada opposite Lulu Mall.
What is the first thing that you do when you wake up? Smile.
What movie would you have loved to act in? Dark Night Rises.
What is an unforgettable memory from the set of your last movie? I mistook an actual Policeman as an extra from the set of Kammattipadam right after the day when the arresting scene was shot. I accidentally talked back to him when he asked me about being out late.