Profession: Actor, Comedian and Television Personality
World Map: Mumbai , India
Suresh Menon is a successful and celebrated television personality who has worked in many a Bollywood Movie and even devised a game show that has enthralled many a viewer over the years.Suresh Menon is a successful and celebrated television personality who has worked in many a Bollywood Movie and even devised a game show that has enthralled many a viewer over the years.
Currently, he is also the co founder of ONE (One Entertainment Networks) which is involved in production, curation and aggregation of content across digital platforms. He also records a podcast called 'Kaanmasti' along with VJ Jose.
Lets hear how he became a name to rekon with.....
Q>What is acting to you?
Acting is a life line to me. Its as natural as breathing fresh oxygen, something that I want to do day in and day out. It is as natural as my beating heart.
Q> Is it easy to be an actor or a television star in today’s world? Could you endorse or dispel the myth of the need for a Godfather over Pure Talent for making it in this industry?
God fathers are essential but the hand of God is necessary to push you in the correct direction. So start dreaming start planning. Knock at the correct doors and of course the most important is to show case your talent.
TV is always a great place to start. Shahrukh Khan started off from TV and look where he is now…he did not have any God fathers just his parents blessings and loads of confidence and talent. Its all about being at the right place at the right time.
Q>What were the initial difficulties you faced when making acting your career? And the small moments that inspired you to be steadfast in your perseverence?
Well, I faced a lot of difficulties especially being a south Indian as no one took me seriously . Parents were shocked when I wanted to quit my job in Times of India and start struggling in the Industry. My spoken hindi was not that great, but I told my father that I wanted to try and not later on in my life look back and say I should have /could have tried. My father said “son whatever you do, do it with your heart and soul and never get defeated by rejection". My close friend Srinivasan said go for it you have it in you and I never stopped after that with God’s grace, the best wishes of Srini and the blessings of my Parents I persevered.
Q>What has been your greatest achievement in your professional life? What did you have to give up to reach it? Was it worth the while?
If you chase any dream that you want in your life time, sacrifice is the one thing that you cannot avoid. Being focused requires you to forgo a lot of things right from family life to parties, events and occasions. There are times when personal tragedies also took a back seat when I was shooting .
I miss spending time with my family for sure but I am the happiest when I am on a shooting floor.
Q> How do you strike a balance between work and family? Is there any support or pressure?
My wife Shurobi is a well known Music Video Director/Producer, so she understands the time I have to put in to make my career. Yes I do make that much of efforts to go on small vacations or drive to Goa with Shurobi and the kids . There is pressure from within but total support from the family.
Q> How as your present helped you in your future professional goals?
I personally believe that my Present revolves around dreaming of the future and my future is dreaming of the past. Whatever we see today, grows tomorrow into something we aspired for since a long time.
Q> How have you been able to keep in touch with the ones that have made you who you are today? Is it important to do so?
I have never forgotten Javedsyed from 20th century Finance who introduced me to Imtiaz Merchant, the one who, on a hunch, sent me to RK studio to audition for a lead role in a film….which I sadly did not get, but set my mind racing into looking at new career possibilities .
My late Parents who I know would be so proud of me. My wife and kids who bear my absence with lot of humour and my dear Srinivasan who guides me always.
Q> If given a choice to chose an alternate career what would you have chosen and why?
Cricket for sure, would have loved to be a cricketer. I approach life itself as a cricket match.
Take guard every year to play a really long innings sometimes there are difficult moments in life when I have to play defensive, sometimes attack …..
Q> How do you give back to the community or society you indirectly support through your work?
By doing what I always do entertain the world ….and encourage young talent
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