Shanavas Shanu is a name that many people in Kerala know well. He’s not just an actor. He’s someone who has grown with the Malayalam television industry. From playing strong characters in popular serials to becoming a familiar face in homes across the state, Shanavas has built a career that spans over two decades. His journey is filled with hard work, passion, and a deep love for acting.
Born in Kozhikode and raised in Manjeri, Shanavas started his life in a simple family. He didn’t come from a film background, but he always dreamed of being on screen. As a child, he took part in school plays and local stage shows. These small steps helped him build the confidence and skills that would later shape his career. Today, he is known for his powerful roles in serials like Kumkumapoovu, Seetha, and Mrs. Hitler.
Early Life and Background
Shanavas was born on September 14, 1981, in Kozhikode, Kerala. He grew up in Manjeri, a town in the Malappuram district. His early life was shaped by the culture and traditions of Kerala. Manjeri is known for its rich history and strong community ties, and Shanavas was raised in a family that valued education, respect, and hard work.
As a child, Shanavas was curious and active. He loved stories and often imagined himself as the hero in them. His mother, Mymoona, played a big role in his upbringing. She supported his interests and encouraged him to take part in school activities. Shanavas didn’t have any brothers, but he had two sisters—Shanna and Jimsha Sheri—who were close to him and shared many childhood memories.
Parents and Siblings
Shanavas comes from a close-knit family. His mother, Mymoona, has always been a strong support in his life. She raised him and his two sisters—Shanna and Jimsha Sheri—with care and love. Shanavas often talks about how his mother’s strength helped him stay grounded, even when fame came his way.
He doesn’t have any brothers, but his bond with his sisters is strong. They have been part of his journey from the beginning. Whether it was cheering for him at school plays or supporting him during tough times, his sisters have always stood by him. Family is important to Shanavas, and he often shares pictures and stories about them on social media.
Shanavas Shanu Wiki | BIO
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shanavas Shanu |
| Nickname | Seethendriyam |
| Date of Birth | September 14, 1981 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 43 years |
| Place of Birth | Kozhikode, Kerala, India |
| Hometown | Manjeri, Malappuram, Kerala |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Islam |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Profession | Actor, Model |
| Known For | Role of Indran in Seetha, Contestant in Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 |
| Years Active | 2000 – Present |
| Current Residence | Kochi, Kerala |
| Height (approx.) | 5′ 11″ (180 cm) |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Languages Known | Malayalam, English |
| Education | Graduate – NNS College, Malappuram |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Sona Shanavas |
| Children | 2 (including daughter Shayana) |
| Mother | Mymoona |
| Siblings | Sisters: Shanna, Jimsha Sheri |
| Hobbies | Fitness, Traveling, Reading, Photography |
| @shanavasactor/ | |
| Wikipedia | @Shanavas_Shanu |
Marriage and Relationship
Shanavas is married to Sona Shanavas. Their relationship is built on trust, respect, and shared values. Sona is not just his wife—she’s his partner in life. She understands the demands of his career and supports him in every way. The couple has been together for many years and continues to share a strong bond.
They often appear together at public events and family functions. Fans admire their relationship and see them as a loving couple. Sona has also played a role in helping Shanavas stay focused and balanced. Her presence in his life has brought stability and joy. Shanavas and Sona have two children, including a daughter named Shayana.
Education and Academic Journey
Shanavas attended HMY Higher Secondary School in Manjeri. During his school years, he was active in cultural programs. He joined drama clubs and took part in competitions. His teachers noticed his talent and gave him roles that challenged him. These experiences helped him learn the basics of acting—voice control, body language, and stage presence.
After finishing school, Shanavas joined NNS College in Malappuram. He chose to study arts, which gave him more chances to explore acting. College life was different from school. There were bigger stages, tougher roles, and more competition. But Shanavas didn’t back down. He worked hard and became one of the top performers in his college.
Career Overview
Shanavas began his professional journey in the year 2000. At that time, the Malayalam television industry was growing fast, and new faces were entering the scene. Shanavas didn’t have a godfather in the industry, but he had something more important—talent and determination. His early roles were small, but he gave them his best. Slowly, producers and directors started noticing him.
He worked hard to improve his acting skills. He studied scripts carefully, practiced his lines, and learned from senior actors. His dedication paid off when he started getting bigger roles. Shanavas was not just another actor—he was someone who brought depth and emotion to his characters. His ability to connect with viewers made him stand out.
Breakthrough with Kumkumapoovu
One of the biggest turning points in Shanavas’s career came with the television series “Kumkumapoovu,” which aired on Asianet from 2011 to 2014. In this show, he played the role of Rudhran—a complex character with strong emotions and a deep storyline. The show was a hit, and Shanavas’s performance was praised by both critics and viewers.
Rudhran was not an easy role. The character had many layers, and Shanavas had to show a wide range of emotions. He did it with grace and power. His expressions, voice, and timing were perfect. People started recognizing him on the streets, and his fan base grew quickly. “Kumkumapoovu” made him a household name in Kerala.
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Filmography Highlights
While Shanavas is best known for his television work, he has also acted in several Malayalam films. His film career started with “Nadakame Ulakam” in 2011. In this movie, he played a supporting role that added depth to the story. Though the film didn’t make big headlines, it helped Shanavas gain experience in cinema.
In 2015, he appeared in “Lasagu,” followed by “Angane Thanne Nethave Anchettennam Pinnale” in 2016. These films gave him a chance to explore different genres and work with new directors. Shanavas showed that he could handle both serious and light-hearted roles with ease.
His later films include “Police Junior” (2018) and “Big Salute” (2019). In these movies, Shanavas played characters that were strong and inspiring. He brought the same energy and emotion to the big screen that he was known for on television. Though his film career is not as extensive as his TV work, it adds another layer to his artistic journey.
Television Journey
In 2012, he played Sreekanth in “Malakhamar,” which aired on Mazhavil Manorama. That same year, he appeared as Aman in “Sathyameva Jayathe” on Surya TV. From 2016 to 2017, he starred in “Chinthavishtayaya Seetha” on Asianet. He then moved to Flowers TV, where he played the lead role in “Seetha” from 2017 to 2019.
In 2019, he joined Zee Keralam’s “Alliyambal,” followed by “Mrs. Hitler” in 2021–2022. In “Mrs. Hitler,” he played Dev Krishna (DK), a strong and bold character. Though he was later replaced by Arun G. Raghavan, Shanavas’s performance left a lasting impression. In 2022, he returned to Flowers TV for “Seethapennu,” the sequel to “Seetha.”
His role as Rajeevan in “Swayamvaram” (2022–2023) was another highlight. The show aired on Mazhavil Manorama and received good ratings. Shanavas’s ability to bring life to different characters has made him one of the most respected actors in Malayalam television.
Reality TV Appearance
In 2025, Shanavas joined Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 7 as a contestant. The show aired on Asianet and streamed on JioHotstar. This was a new experience for him. Unlike scripted shows, Bigg Boss is unscripted and shows the real personality of its participants. Shanavas entered the house with confidence and a calm attitude.
Fans were excited to see him in a different setting. They got to know more about his thoughts, habits, and values. Shanavas handled tasks and challenges with grace. He stayed true to himself and avoided unnecessary drama. His behavior in the house earned him respect from both viewers and fellow contestants.
Awards and Recognitions
Over the years, Shanavas has received many awards for his work in television and film. One of his earliest and most notable awards was the Best Popular Actor at the Asianet Television Awards in 2012. He won this for his role in “Kumkumapoovu,” which had become a fan favorite across Kerala. In 2013, Shanavas received two more honors—the Best Actor award at the Adoor Bhasi Awards and the Thikkurissy Award for Best Actor.
In 2019, Shanavas had a big year. He won the Best Actor award at the NCP Awards and the Best Debut award at the Adoor Bhasi Film Awards. In 2021, Shanavas shared the Best On-Screen Pair award with actor Swasika at the Mollywood Flick Awards. Their chemistry in the show was natural and heartfelt. In 2024, Shanavas received the Best Hero award at the Nirav Award Night.
Hobbies and Interests
Shanavas is passionate about fitness. He believes that staying healthy is important for both personal life and professional success. His daily routine includes workouts, yoga, and mindful eating. He often shares fitness tips and gym photos on social media, inspiring fans to take care of their health.
He doesn’t follow extreme diets or trends. Instead, he focuses on balance and consistency. Shanavas believes that fitness is not just about looking good—it’s about feeling strong and staying active. Traveling is another hobby that Shanavas enjoys. He also enjoys reading. Photography is another interest that Shanavas has developed over the years.
Influence on Malayalam Entertainment
Shanavas has played a big role in shaping Malayalam television. His characters are strong, emotional, and relatable. He brings life to stories that reflect real issues and family dynamics. His work has helped raise the quality of serials and made them more meaningful.
He’s also contributed to Malayalam cinema. Though his film career is smaller than his TV work, it still shows his range and talent. Shanavas has taken on roles that challenge him and offer something new to viewers. His presence in films adds depth and emotion to the stories.
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